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 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 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 caps turned sideways. Visit st102.cyworld.com. 360- 18 Seogyo-dong, Hongdae 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 its doors even opened to the public. Its location across from Namsan Park gives it a wonderful, cool atmosphere. Visit www.naosnova.com (448-120 Huamdong 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. 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.
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: 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
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. and 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 www.onceinabluemoon.co.kr.
Gachi
Salsa music enthusiasts can dance the night away here. The beat of salsa music will lead you to the club. 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 Performance
Korea House
Open run
The Korea House holds a series of traditional performances. The entrance fee is 29,000 won. Each performance includes 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.
Hyper Realism
Arario Gallery, Cheonan.
Through March 9
Korean artist Jeon Joon-ho is bringing his "hyper realism" exhibition to Korea. It was first shown at the Perry Rubenstein Gallery in New York City, 2007. Among his works are "The White House," "Player 13" and "Hyper realism (Statute of Brothers)." Admission is 3,000 won. Visit www.arariogallery.co.kr. or call (041) 551-5100.
Andy Warhol Pop Art
Road to Museum Gallery
Through Feb. 5
Andy Warhol's silkscreen works are on display at the Road to Museum Gallery. The exhibit is timely since Warhol would have turned 80 this year. Among the works displayed are "The Birth of Venus" and "Cow." Admission is free. Road to Museum Gallery is located near Anguk Station. Visit www.gomuseum.co.kr or call (02) 738-9199.
Hundred Languages of Children
Korea Foundation Cultural Center
Through Feb. 16
The city of Reggio Emilia in Italy is known for its innovative early childhood education program. Learn about its history and how its young students express themselves through different forms of art through this exhibition. It features 74 panels of children's collaborative art works, large fresco paintings, sculptures, clay and wire works. Visit www.kfcenter.or.kr.
Contemporary Korean Prints 1958-2008
National Museum of Contemporary Art
Through Jan. 27
The exhibition celebrates 50 years of modern print art history in Korea. Modern print was first introduced in 1958, when artist Lee Hang-seong held his first lithograph exhibit in Korea. Around 400 works by 130 Korean artists on display will show how print art has developed in Korea. Visit www.moca.go.kr or call (02) 2188-6000.
Are You Experienced?
Gallery 2
Artist group LESS, composed of two artists from Chung Ang University's photography department, is holding an exhibition of their unique photographs. Visit www.gallery2.co.kr or call (02) 3448-2112.
Kim Kyu-ho
The Museum of Photography, Seoul
Through Feb. 26
Kim Kyu-ho, who has studied and held exhibitions in Paris, France, is showing his stunning photographs in Seoul. Visit www.photomuseum.or.kr or call (02) 418-1316.
Lee Ufan-Yayoi Kusama-Tatsuno Toeko
Jean Art Center
Through Jan. 30
The celebrated works of Lee U-fan, Yayoi Kusama and Tatsuno Toeko are on display at Jean Art Center. Lee U-fan is famous for his minimalist works, while Kusama's works are known for repetition and patterns. Visit www.jeanart.net or call (02) 738-7570.
5 Spaces, 5 Colors
Moran Museum of Art
Through March 30
In each of the rooms in the museum, five art critics each selected an artist to hold an exhibition on. The five artists are sculptor Jeong Hyun, photographer Hong Seong-do, print artist Kim Hong-sik, sculptor Lee Jae-hyo and media artist Baruch Gottlieb. Each artist interprets the five traditional Oriental directions and colors. Call (31) 594-8001.
Writing Painting, Painting Words: Letters and Art
Seoul Museum of Art
The exhibit goes "beyond the stereotypical ideas that words are used only in writings and images are used only in paintings; and look into the crossing between writing language and painting language." There are 26 artists participating in the exhibition, including Kim Tchang-yeol, O Suh-wan and Ungno Lee. Admission is 700 won for adults, and 300 won for children. Visit www.seoulmoa.org.
Kyung Sung-hyun
Arario Seoul
Through Feb. 3
Korean artist Kyung Sung-hyun is holding a solo exhibition at Arario Seoul. His works appear to be blurred and shaky, making viewers look closely at them to find the main focus. Visit www.arariogallery.com.
Abstract Art, Amusement on the Borders
Nam Seoul Annex, Seoul Museum of Art
Through Feb. 17
Experience the history of abstract art in Korea through this exhibition. There are three sections: primitive nostalgia, intellectual sensitivity and physical inspiration. A total of 50 art works by 21 artists are on display. Visit www.seoulmoa.org.
Verner Panton
Hangaram Design Museum
Through March 2
Late Danish furniture and interior designer Verner Panton's designs from the exhibition at the Vitra Design Museum, Weil am Rhein, Germany are being exhibited to celebrate Seoul Art Center's 20th anniversary. Panton's modern, witty and bright colored furniture is now on display. Tickets are 8,000 won for adults, 6,000 won for elementary to high school students and 4,000 won for kindergarten students. Call (02) 580-1300 or visit www.vernerpanton.kr.
Honore Daumier: Parisian Caricaturist
Museum of Art, Seoul National University
Through Jan. 31
The works of French caricaturist, Honore Daumier, are on display at the Museum of Art at Seoul National University. Daumier's collection includes satirical caricatures of French society and politics in the mid-18th century. He was also a printmaker, painter and sculptor. Admission is 3,000 won. Visit www.snumoa.org or call (02) 880-9504 to 5.
One Fine Day
Rodin Gallery
Through Feb. 24
This exhibition brings together the works of 12 Korean, Chinese and Japanese artists. One Fine Day hopes to give viewers an opportunity to explore the similarities and differences of seeing life in different places. Artists such as Choi Ho-chul, Bang Byoung-sang, Vhen Shaoxiong and Yin Xiushen depict the lives of urban dwellers. The works of Jin Kurashige, Park Joo-yeon and Chun Sung-myung explore the psychological crises experienced by people. Admission is 3,000 won. Visit www.rodingallery.org or call (02) 2259-7781.
transPOP: Korea Vietnam Remix
ARKO Art Center
Through Feb. 29
Sixteen artists from Vietnam, Korea and the United States examine the rich historical and contemporary ties among the three countries. The group exhibition "examines the intersection of transnational Asian popular culture and the legacies of historical trauma in Korea and Vietnam." There is a symposium on Jan. 18 and 19 at the Arko Art Center. Visit www.arko.or.kr or call (02) 760-4724.
Close to You
Cyan Museum of Art
Through April 27
Six Korean artists show their distinct and varied styles in a group exhibition "Close to You." The participating artists are Ahn Jong-yuen, Bae Dong-hwan, An Zong-de, Noh Sang-dong, Lee Lee-nam and Lee Hun-chung. Visit www.cyanmuseum.org or call (054) 338-9393.
Life is Art, Art is Life, Maybe
Gallery Lumiere
Photographer William Klein's works will be shown in Asia for the first time in this exhibition at Gallery Lumiere. Eighty of Klein's memorable photographs will be on display.Admission fee is 5,000 won. Visit www.gallerylumiere.com or call (02) 517-2134.
Van Gogh: Voyage Into Myth
Through March 16
The first retrospective of Vincent Van Gogh's works (1853-1890) in Korea features 67 of the Dutch artist's masterpieces from the Van Gogh Museum and Kroller-Muller Museum in the Netherlands. Among the masterpieces on display are Self-portrait (1887), Irises (1890) and Church in Auvers (1890). It is open Tuesdays to Fridays from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and weekends, holidays from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Closed on Mondays. Tickets are 12,000 won for adults, 10,000 for students (13-18 years old), and 8,000 won for children (7-12 years old). Visit ww.vangoghseoul.com.
Kandinsky and Russian Masterpieces
Hangaram Museum, Seoul Arts Center
Through Feb. 27
Masterpieces by Russian artist Vassily Kandinsky and other well-known Russian artists from the late 19th century and early 20th century are on display in Seoul. There are representative works from Russian realism to avant-garde movements. Tickets are 12,000 won for adults, 9,000 won (for 12-17 year olds) 7,000 won (for children 6-11 year olds). Museum is closed on the last Monday of every month. Visit www.2007kandinsky.com.
Translation
Mongin Art Center
Sculptor Shin Mee-kyoung's exhibition features soap sculptures. She created exquisite red and white porcelain jars, celadon and Buddhist statues using soap. If not for the fragrant smell of soap, you could be convinced the works are all made of ceramics. Visit www.mongin.org or call (02) 736-1446.
Sandy Skoglund
Gallery Kong
American photographer and installation artist Sandy Skoglund is having a solo exhibition at Gallery Kong. She is known for creating elaborate sets with colored furniture, and then taking a photograph of the set with the actors. Entrance fee is 3,000 won. Call (02) 738-7776.
Shin Sang-ho Exhibition
Clayarch Gimhae Museum
The exhibition introduces a world of ceramics by artist Shin Sang-ho, who works to close the gap between architecture and ceramics through his extensive and diverse pieces. It runs under three themes: Dream of Africa, Structure &Force and Fired Paintings. Visit www.clayarch.org.
Fan Yang's White Bubble Show
Dom Art Hall
Bubble artist Fan Yang fizzes up Korea with bubbles. Tickets cost from 30,000 won to 50,000 won. Visit www.whitebubbleshow.com or call (02) 3436-9319. Located near exit 1 of Children's Grand Park Station on subway line 7.
Teeth
Sangmyung Art Hall
A musical in English that teaches the importance of brushing teeth to prevent decaying. Tickets cost 30,000 won. Visit www.smusical.com or call (02) 747-0035. Located near exit 1 of Hyehwa Station on subway line 4.
Basketball
Jan. 19, 2008 Saturday
SK Knights vs. Samsung Thunders at 3:00 p.m.
Jamsil Student's Indoor Stadium
ET Land Black Slamers vs. KCC Egis at 3:00 p.m.
Incheon Samsan Indoor Stadium
KT&G Kites vs. KTF MagicWings at 3:00 p.m.
Anyang Indoor Stadium
Jan. 20, 2008 Sunday
KTF MagicWings vs. Mobis Phoebus at 3:00 p.m.
Busan Sajik Stadium
Daegu Orions vs. ET Land Black Slamers at 3:00 p.m.
Daegu Indoor Stadium
Dongbu Promy vs. KCC Egis at 5:00 p.m.
Wonju Chiak Stadium
Samsung Thunders vs. LG Sakers at 5:00 p.m.
Jamsil Indoor Stadium
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.