Club Garden
Apgujeong-dong
The Garden is an electronica hotspot, with the big draw being its line-up of guest DJs such as Laurent Garnier, Mondo Grosso, Afrika Bambatta and Goldie. Near Galleria Department Store on the so-called Rodeo Street in southern Seoul. Call (02) 518-5115 or clubgarden.co.kr.
Club Evans
Hongdae or Hongik University Area
This place, located near Hongik University, is great for intimate live performances. The line-up of performers is generally top-notch and the acoustics are good. Located near exit 1 on Sangsu Station on subway line 6 or exit 6 on Hongdae Station on subway line 2. Call (02) 337-8361 or visit www.clubevans.com.
Club Caliente
Itaewon
The patrons are so diverse, DJ Josh sometimes has a hard job appealing to everyone. But he keeps the dance floor going, playing a variety of standbys and new Latin music. The song selection is what keeps people coming back. Located near exit 4 of Itaewon Station on subway line 6. Call (011) 9094 8484
Club M2
Hongdae
M2 features top DJs from home and abroad. The dance floor and the DJ are in the center of the club, which attracts a trendy crowd along with models and celebrities. Packed on the weekends. Check www.ohoo.net.
St.102
This hip hop club often has special parties and performances. There are many Korean homies here with do-rags, dreads and baseball hats turned sideways. Visit st102.cyworld.com. or call (02) 335-7166.
Moonyang Bar
This place is an Asian-inspired lounge on the third floor of a building on Parking Lot street in Hongdae area. The stone walls feature photographs and rusted steel plates cover the windows. This place is in Mapo at Seogyo-dong, 366-17. Call (02) 338-1523.
Naos Nova
A wine bar and restaurant with a design so stunning, that it was featured in several interior design magazines before it’s doors even opened to the public. Its location across from Namsan Park gives it a wonderful, cool atmosphere. Visit www.naosnova.com (448-120 Huam-dong Yongsan-gu, Seoul) or call (02) 754-2202.
Cafe Mou
Sinsa-dong
This cafe has a rich ethnic interior that mixes inspirations that its owner got from travels to such places as Morocco and France. Its menu is limited, but features desserts. It’s located at the edge of Dosan Park. 650-9 Park View Building, Sinsa-dong, Gangnam, near the Cine City Theater in Apgujeongdong. Call (02) 3444-6069.
Once in a Blue Moon
Once in a Blue Moon is one of the best known jazz clubs in the city. It features live jazz sets from two different bands every night starting at 7 p.m. up to 10 p.m. The place exudes an elegant, sophisticated atmosphere which is perfect for a romantic date. It is located on the street between the Hakdong intersection and the Galleria intersection in Apgujeong-dong. Call (02) 549-5490 or visit www.onceinabluemoon.co.kr.
Rocky Mountain Tavern
A down-to-earth place, the club was started by a couple of Canadians. With a spacious, woody bar, the tavern is spread out on two floors. Find it on Itaewon’s main drag across from the International Clinic. Located near exit 5 of Itaewon Station on subway line 6.
Funky Funky
This live music venue features all kinds of music. Depending on the night, they feature funk, punk, rock, or pop. Funky Funky attracts an ecelectic mix of people. To get there: With your back to US 66 make a right, walk down to the alley with Club Tool on the corner and turn right. Visit clubff.cyworld.com.
Above
This medium-sized wine bar in the alley behind the Hamilton Hotel, is one of Itaewon’s swankiest hangouts. The candlelight, tiled indoor pond and the designs on the door seem Moorish. Located at 19-25 Itaewon-dong store 22-ho. Call (02) 749-0717.
Gachi
Salsa music enthusiasts can dance the night away here. To go to Gachi, get off at Apgujeong Line 3 and go out exit 5. After walking past six streets, look for Matilda Club and Bar on the seventh street and turn left and look for Gachi’s red and white sign. Gachi is open from Mondays to Fridays 6 p.m.-12 a.m., Saturday to Sunday, 2 p.m.-12 a.m. Call (02) 540 7087.
The Spot
If you like punk or alternative music, then you should hit The Spot. It is a live music venue located next to the playground near Hongik University. The Spot is a small basement bar, and it is a mainly standing room-only place. Visit www.clubspot.co.kr or call (02) 322-5956, (02) 3141-6876.
Casa Del Vino
Cheongdam-dong
This dark, intimate bar offers a great selection of wine, and it’s a great place to chill out. It’s near Salvatore Ferragamo and Prada buildings in Cheongdam-dong. Call (02) 542-8003.
Traditional Wedding Ceremony
South Insa Courtyard
Through June, September-October
The Foundation for the Preservation of Cultural Properties of Korea presents a reenactment of a traditional Korean wedding ceremony. No performances on Mondays through Wednesdays and none during July and August. Free of charge. Visit www.fpcp.or.kr/fpcp/ or call (02) 566-6300. The reenactment takes place at the Southern Insa Courtyard, located near the entrance to Insa-dong from Jongno.
Folk Performance
The Korea House
Open Run
The Korea House will hold traditional performances in an open run. The entrance fee is 29,000 won. There are 156 seats available every night and each performance is accompanied with a traditional Korean dinner. Visit www.koreahouse.or.kr or call (02) 2266-9101. Located near exit 3 of Chungmuro Station on subway lines 3 and 4.
Presidential Guards of Honor
Courtyard in front of the Cheong Wa Dae
Through June 29, Oct. 12 - Nov. 30
The guards who watch over the presidential mansion will showcase their traditions and customs. No fee. Performances every Friday from 10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. at the courtyard situated in front of Cheong Wa Dae. Visit www.pss.go.kr. Located near exit 5 of Gyeongbokgung Station on subway line 3.
Awakening
Michael Schultz Gallery
Through May 31
Multimedia video artist Time White-Sobieski presents new photographic works featuring the artist’s teenage son showing the emotions of awakening from childhood. Visit www.schultzgallery.co.kr.
Daily Drawing Diary
Miccle
Through May 23
Miccle, an alternative gallery and artist’s space, presents artist Chun Jimin’s solo exhibition as the third in the series, “Who are the freshmen?” Visit www.miccle.com.
Contemporary Korean Sculpture
Manas Art Center
Through June 30
The former Gallery Agio re-opened after re-modeling under the name Manas Art Center. To mark the opening, the center presents a collective exhibition of 29 Korean sculptors. Kim Seung-hwan’s solo exhibition Investigation of Eternity takes place in the new building. Visit www.manas.co.kr.
I’m OK, You’re OK
Mongin Art Center
Through July 1
Recent paintings, furniture sculptures and wall paintings by Swiss artist John M Armleder are on display in an exhibition to mark the center’s opening. Some 20 works of European artists selected by Armleder are also presented in the At Home in the Universe exhibition. Call (02) 736-1447~8.
Sound Art 101
Ssamzie Space
Through June 17
This exhibition deals with sound, which is the common denominator of both contemporary electronic music and multi-media installation works in the field of visual art. Visit www.ssamziespace.com.
From Paris to Daejeon
UngnoLee Museum
Through August 26
Marking the opening of a museum dedicated to Lee Ung-no (1905-1989), this exhibition presents some 50 works of the master artist. Visit www.ungnolee-museum.daejeon.kr.
Art Is ...
Galeria Bellarte
Through May 15
Artist Yoo Sun-tai’s latest black-and-white paintings and sculptures are on display. Visit www.bellarte.co.kr.
Kim Soo-kang
Gallery Kong
Through May 27
Artist Kim Soo-kang has presented soothing analogue images of small objects found in daily life with her photographs using gum-bichromate prints. This exhibition marks the publication of a book cataloging her photographs from the last decade. Visit www.gallerykong.com.
Cracks of the Ground
Park Soo-keun Museum
Artist Kang Shin-young tries to shape out ponds with his stainless steel sculptures that resemble leaves floating on water. Visit www.parksookeun.or.kr.
Slightly Out of Focus
Hangaram Design Museum, Seoul Arts Center
Through May 26
Robert Capa (1913-1954) is a legendary photojournalist known for his up-close recordings of war. About 140 photographs of the Spanish Civil War and World War II, as well as his personal life are on display at the exhibition. Visit www.robertcapa.co.kr.
Drawing Show
Gallery Factory
Through May 20
Following a series of major exhibitions focusing on artist’s drawings, this exhibition also features drawings from eight artists and groups, which range from basic to installation works. Visit www.factory483.org.
Bitmap
Gallery Loop
Through May 22
Bitmap 2007 is an international digital photo project organized by HP Korea. The show features works from four international artists from three different countries _ Russia, China, and South Korea, aimed at tackling issues related to digital photography. Call (02) 3141-1377.
Louise Bourgeois: Abstraction
Kukje Gallery
Through June 29
The Kukje Gallery celebrates its 25th anniversary with a retrospective on Louise Bourgeois, a Paris-born artist influenced by surrealism and abstract expressionism. Her sculptures from the 1940s to the latest ones from 2006 are on display. Visit www.kukjegallery.com.
Lee Bul
PKM Gallery
Through May 16
Artist and sculptor Lee Bul is perhaps the best-known Korean artist in the world since Namjune Paik. This exhibition showcases relatively small sculptures and wall paintings by the artist ahead of her major international projects scheduled in Istanbul, Paris and other European and Asian cities later this year. Visit www.pkmgallery.com.
Arko Invited Artists 2007
Arko Arts Center
Through May 13
Paris-based photographer Kwon Boo-moon presents astral photographs of starry skies from around the world and landscapes, while Berlin-based artist Lee Ok-yohn has decorated the exhibition room with various objects from her decades-long collection. Visit www.art.arko.or.kr.
Spirit of Africa
Clayarch Gimhae Museum
Through Sept. 30
The chic museum located among the rice paddies of South Gyeongsang Province houses a collection of ceramic wares from around the world. This exhibition presents adobe houses and other collections from Africa. Visit www.clayarch.org.
Ci Kim
Arario Gallery
Ci Kim, owner of Arario Gallery who is also known as a bigwig collector in the art market, shows his artistic side in this solo exhibition. Visit www.arariogallery.com.
Memory Unforgettable
National Museum of Contemporary Art
Through July 15
German artist Georg Baselitz’s 41 pieces from his “Russian paintings” series present upside-down images of reworked Russian art pieces the East German-born artist saw while growing up. Visit www.moca.go.kr.
Traditional Garden in Korean Art
Hoam Art Museum
Through Sept. 2
Koreans prefer to create their gardens in harmony with their surroundings, rather than artificially decorate them. Such characteristics are revealed in 41 paintings that feature traditional Korean gardens in this exhibition. Visit www.hoammusuem.org.
Beauty of Simple Everyday Lives
Sookmyung Women’s University Museum
Through June 20
Everyday items such as a chest of drawers made with traditional Korean paper are on display. They belong to a collection of Kim Kyung, a pioneer in Korean paper craft. Visit museum.sookmyung.ac.kr.
Cinderella & Little Red Riding Hood
Neverland Picture Book Museum
This exhibition features about 190 illustrated books on Cinderella and Little Red Riding Hood, collected over 300 years, in cooperation with the Musashino Art University in Japan. Located in Heyri, Paju, Gyeonggi Province. Call (031) 948-6685.
Maggie & Jerry
The Museum of Photography
Through June 9
The museum, run by the Hanmi Foundation of Arts and Culture, holds a massive retrospective of American photographer Jerry N. Uelsmann and his wife, Maggie Taylor.
The exhibition also features 10 works themed on Korea. Visit www.photomuseum.or.kr.
Andy Warhol Factory
Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art
Through June 10
This massive retrospective of Andy Warhol covers the entire artistic phase of the iconic pop artist, featuring about 200 works _ silkscreen prints, paintings, photographs and films. Visit www.leeum.org.
Reconstruction of Masterpieces
Savina Museum of Contemporary Art
Masterpieces of art history are re-interpreted and re-created by 20 Korean contemporary artists in a witty yet critical way. Located near Anguk Station on subway line No. 3. Visit www.savinamuseum.com.
Choi Hyeon-u’s Magic Concert
Seoul Land (Event Hall)
May 19-20
After his show for Children’s Day, magician Choi Hyeon-u will be at Seoul Land for a jaw-dropping magical performance. Tickets cost from 40,000 won to 55,000 won. Visit www.ticketlink.co.kr. Located near exit 2 of Seoul Grand Park Station on subway line 4.
Little Dragon
LATT Children’s Theatre
Having started out as the first English children’s musical to have been performed in Korea, the cast is back for a third encore performance. Tickets cost 20,000 won. Performances from Friday to Sunday only. Visit www.LattCT.com or call (02) 5600-999. Located near exit 5 of Yangjae Station on subway line 3.
NANTA Performance
Woolim Chungdam Theatre
Nanta again decorates the stage with their non-verbal performance of everyday life inside a kitchen with the familiar and awesome sounds of Korean rhythm and tempo. Tickets cost from 40,000 won to 50,000 won. Visit wl.pmcproduction.co.kr or call (02) 3444-4162~3. Located near exit 4 of Gangnam-gu Office Station on subway line 7.
Disney Live! Mickey’s Magic Show
Olympic Park (Fencing Stadium)
June 16-24
Mickey is joined by Minnie, Goofy, Donald, Snow White, Cinderella, and many more to bring a show filled with Disney magic, dance, and songs. No performance on Mondays through Wednesdays. Tickets cost from 33,000 won to 66,000 won. Visit www.ticketlink.co.kr. Located near exit 3 of Olympic Park Station on subway line 5.
Seoul Land
Gwacheon, Gyeonggi Province
The theme park has more than 50 rides, including Sky-X, Black Hole 2000 and Haunted House. Call (02) 504-0011 (ext.295, 296 for foreigners) or visit www.seoulland.co.kr. Located near Seoul Grand Park Station on subway line 4, exit 2.
Sat 05/12
Suwon vs. Incheon 5:00 p.m. Suwon World Cup Stadium
Seoul vs. Jeonbuk 7:00 p.m. Seoul World Cup Stadium
Gyeongnam vs. Jeonnam 7:00 p.m. Changwon Sports Complex
Sun 05/13
Ulsan vs. Gwangju 3:00 p.m. Ulsan Munsu Stadium
Pohang vs. Jeju 3:00 p.m. Pohang Stillyard Stadium
Daegu vs. Daejeon 3:00 p.m. Daegu World Cup Stadium
Seongnam vs. Busan 7:00 p.m. Tancheon Sports Complex
Gwacheon Seoul Race Track
The Gwacheon Seoul Race Track holds races from 10:30 a.m. to 5:10 p.m., every Saturday and Sunday. Get off at Seoul Racecourse Station, subway line 4, exit 3. For more information, call (02)509-1114 or visit at www.kra.co.kr.