The Circle
Cheongdam-dong
Located in the upscale Cheongdam-dong neighborhood, it's notorious for turning you down unless you're dressed chic and sleek. Faithful to its name, this posh club has a round revolving floor ― looking for your ``lost'' table gives clubbers the perfect excuse to sit down with a sexy stranger. Located on Dosan-daero near Hak-dong intersection. Call (02) 546-5933 or visit www.thecircle.co.kr.
Club Answer
This might be the answer to your nightlife. It offers an intimate partying environment with groovy electronic music by star DJs. You can reserve tables and the ones on the second floor provide an open view of the dance floor. Or mingling with the hot bartenders at the open bar might be a fine alternative. Located in Cheongdam-dong across the street from Prima Hotel, near the entrance of Yeongdong-daegyo. Call (02) 548-7115 or visit www.clubanswer.co.kr.
Club Evans
Hongdae or Hongik University Area
This club, 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.
Underlounge Seoul
It's the local club of a hip Japanese chain that's also to be found in Shanghai. Located in the famous clubbing area, Hongdae, it's all flashy with loud club music and lights. It's pretty spacious with a supersized crystal ball hanging over your head. DJs from near and far make music while you can hang out at the open bar or classy private rooms. Located near the main entrance of Hongik Univ. Call (02) 325-5715 or visit www.underlounge.kr.
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 Sokyo-dong, 366-17. Call (02) 338-1523.
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.
Naos Nova
A wine bar and restaurant with a design so stunning 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 Huam-dong Yongsan-gu, Seoul) or call (02) 754-2202.
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
Apgujeong-dong
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 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 mainly standing room-only. Visit www.clubspot.co.kr or call (02) 322-5956, (02) 3141-6876.
Casa Del Vino
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.
2008 Cross Culture: Cartoon and Art
Hangaram Art Museum
Through May 29
As part of the Seoul Art Center's 20th anniversary, the Hangaram Art Museum is presenting an exhibition on art works featuring famous cartoon characters. Korean artists used popular characters like Spongebob Squarepants, Superman and Mickey Mouse in their works. Tickets are 5,000 won for adults, 3,000 won for high school students and younger. Call (02) 580-1279/1300.
Yoong Bae
Jean Art Gallery
Through May 27
The retrospective of modern graphic artist Yoong Bae (1928-1997) provides viewers with a new appreciation of his works throughout his career in the United States and Korea. From his colorful prints to figurative paintings, Bae was strongly influenced by the New York art movement. Visit www.jeanart.net or call (02) 738-7570.
Empire and Joseon
Museum of Photography, Seoul
Through June 7
Interesting photographs by Lee Sang-hyun are on display at the Museum of Photography. Visit www.photomuseum.or.kr.
Rainy 2008
Songeun Gallery
Through May 20
Raindrops are the inspiration for Park Jin-hee's first solo exhibition. The Seoul National University graduate's installation works depict raindrops as colorful coils, since he wants to depict how raindrops look when it hits water surface. Call ((02) 527-6272.
On the Blue Territory
Dukwon Gallery
Artist Keum Hye-won takes photographs of typical redevelopment scenes in Seoul. Her photographs show a distorted foreground covered with swaths of bright blue vinyl sheets, with buildings in the background. Visit www.dukwongallery.co.kr or call (02) 723-7774. .
Paradise Lost
Gallery Em
Korean artist Ligyung is showing his latest works in ``Paradise Lost," his first solo exhibition in Seoul since 2006.Visit www.galleryem.co.kr or call (02) 544-8145.
Art of Cartier
National Museum of Art
Through July 13
An exhibition of the beautiful jewelry of world famous jeweler Cartier is in Seoul for the first time. The exhibition features 267 pieces of exquisite jewelry made by Cartier from the mid-1860's to the mid-20th century, as well as sketches and photographs of jewelry designs. The National Museum of Art is located inside Deoksu Palace. Visit www.artofcartier.co.kr or www.moca.go.kr.
Fun Fun
N Gallery
Through May 25
Colorful and playful works of eight Korean artists are gathered in the ``Fun Fun" exhibition. Participating artists include Nancy Lang, Shin Dong-won, Park Hyung-jin and Lee Jong-han. Visit www.ngalleryart.com or call 070-7430-3323.
Twisting Venus
TouchArt Gallery
Through June 1
Debbie Han's solo exhibition features her acclaimed ``Graces" series and sculpture ``Sports Venus" series. The ``Sports Venus" series includes celadon porcelain figures of Venus combined with sports equipment. The gallery is located in Heyri Art Valley.
Natura
Gana Art Center
Through May 18
Nature provides the inspiration for the works of artists Jeong Kwang-ho and Kim Hong-joo. Jeong makes pots and leaves made of copper wire, while Kim's delicate paintings depict leaves. Visit www.ganaart.com or call (02) 720-1020.
Metamorphose De L'ame
Opera Gallery
On-going
Opera Gallery is presenting the art works of three exciting French artists Jean-Francois Larrieu, Mauro Corda and Jean-Pierre Roc-Roussey. Visitors can see the multi-layered paintings of Larrieu, the strong sculptures of Corda and lively paintings of Roc-Roussey. Visit www.operagallery.com or call (02) 3446-0070.
Word by Word
Two Times Thirteen Gallery
Through May 31
Chinese-American artist Bing Lee is known for his distinctive pictographs, which are inspired by the written Chinese language. Visit www.2x13gallery.com or call (02) 547-6213.
In through the out door
Kukje Gallery
Through May 19
Artist Gimhongsok's works are a mix of photos, video, installation pieces and performance. Among those on display are ``One and Three Friends, and ``The Talk. Call (02) 735-8449.
Dazed and Painted
Seomi&Tuus Gallery
Through May 15
Nine young artists such as Kho Hak-beom, Kim So-yeon, Roh Choong-hyun and Park Ji-na, are holding a group exhibition at Seomi&Tuus Gallery. Visit www.seomituus.com or call (02) 511-7305.
International Young Artists' Spring Art Show
Space C*Coreana Art & Culture Complex
Through June 8
Vibrant art works by young artists from all over the world can be seen at this group exhibition. Admission is 3,000 won. Visit www.spacec.co.kr or call (02) 547-9177.
Mary Had a Little Lamb
Artsonje Museum Gyeongju
Through August 17
Artist Bae Jung-wan's exhibition explores ``how vinyl and swans spiral our memories and dreams." Admission is 3,000 won. Visit artsonje.org or call (054) 745-7075.
Emerging 8
Ssamzie Space
Ssamzie Space Emerging 8 series is a platform for young, rising artists to showcase their works. Artists Kim Si-nae, Rohwa Jeong and Ryu Hyun-mi explore the dilemma of society and human relationships. Visit www.ssamziespace.com.
Geheimnis de Farne
Kukje Gallery New Space
Through May 24
The works of world-renowned German artist Anselm Kiefer returns to Seoul for the third time at the Kukje Gallery. Themes taken from German mythology, theology, medieval alchemy and Kabbalah can be seen in his works. Last year, Kiefer was the first artist since 1953 to have a major art installation included in the Louvre's permanent collection. Visit www.kukjegallery.com or call (02) 733-8449.
Rejected Exhibit
Space*C, Coreana Museum of Art
If you're interested in checking out art works that have not won any awards, head down to the Coreana Museum located in the basement of the space*C building in Shinsa-dong (near Dosan Park). These are 1,020 works submitted by 377 artists, and did not win any prize at the first Chungye Art Competition last February. Admission is 3,000 won. Visit www.spacec.co.kr or call (02) 547-9177.
Landscape Algorithm
PKM Trinity Gallery
New York-based artist Lee Sang-nam is known for geometric, abstract art. Lee's exhibit is the first exhibition at PKM Trinity Gallery, located in the basement of the Trinity Place building, across from Galleria Department Store in Cheongdam. Visit www.pkmgallery.com.
Annette Messager
National Museum of Contemporary Art
Through June 5
Annette Messager, born in France in 1943, creates installation art using photography, knitting, embroidery, sewing and other objects from her collections. Admission is 3,000 won. Visit www.moca.go.kr or call 02-2022-0600. National Museum of Contemporary Art is located near Seoul Grand Park (Subway Line 4). A shuttle bus is available every 20 minutes at Exit 4 of the subway station.
Selected Emerging Artists 2008
Seoul Museum of Art
Through June 15
The ``Selected Emerging Artists 2008: Four Ways to Look at Art'' is aimed at giving young artists a chance to show their talent. Around 104 works by 25 artists are on display. Visit https://seoulmoa.seoul.go.kr/main.html.
The Jewels of Tiffany (1837-2007)
Hangaram Design Museum
Through June 6
An exhibition of exquisite jewelry designs from renowned jeweler Tiffany and Company is in Seoul for the first time. Charles Lewis Tiffany founded Tiffany and Co. in 1937 in New York. The exhibit includes an emerald and diamond brooch owned by Empress Eugenie, wife of Napoleon Bonaparte III. Visit designgallery.or.kr.
Masterpieces in Ceramics from the V& A
Korea Foundation Cultural Center Gallery
Through June 23
Exquisite and precious ceramics from Britain's Victoria and Albert Museum's collection are in Seoul for the first time. The exhibit features 117 pieces that will give viewers an insight into the history of ceramics from around the world. The exhibit is open every day except Tuesdays. Visit www.kfcenter.or.kr or www.vakorea.net.
Lee Jin-young
Arario Gallery Cheonan
Lee Jin-young is holding a solo exhibition for the first time in four years, at the Arario Gallery in Cheonan. The centerpiece of the exhibition is ``The Nature Inside of the Drawer,'' featuring extra large drawers with over 1,000 different images of books. Admission is 3,000 won. Visit www.arariogallery.co.kr or call (041) 551 5100.
On-Air
Rodin Gallery
Internationally renowned photographer Atta Kim's ``On-Air'' project is based on his philosophy that: ``Everything that is existing is bound to disappear.'' His photographs feature scenes at the Demilitarized Zone in Korea, streets of New York and Tiananmen Square in Beijing. In 2006, Kim was the first Asian artist to have a solo exhibition at the International Center of Photography in New York. Visit rodin.samsungfoundation.org.
Antoine Bourdelle
Sculptures of French master sculptor Antoine Bourdelle, including the famous ``Hercules, the Archer,'' will be shown in Korea for the first time. A total of 123 of Bourdelle's works from 1885 to 1929 ― including 75 sculptures, 40 sketches and watercolor paintings _ will be on display. All the pieces are from the Musee Bourdelle in Paris, France. Tickets are 9,000 won for adults, 7,000 won for those aged 13 to 18 years and 5,000 won for children aged 7 to 12 years. Children under 7 years of age and senior citizens can get in for free. Visit www.bourdelle.co.kr (Korean) or seoulmoa.seoul.go.kr (English).
Korean Art 1910-1960
Through February 2010
The exhibit shows how Korean art has evolved over 50 years during the Japanese colonial rule, Korea's independence and the Korean War. Works by artists such as Park Soo-keun and Lee Jung-sup are on display. Visit www.moca.go.kr.
2008 Manas Sculpture Project
Manas Art Center
Through June 29
Sculptures by Kim Tae-kun, Park Hyun-ock, Lee Min-su and Lee Yong-sop are part of the 2008 Manas Sculpture Project. Visit www.manas.co.kr or call (031) 774-5121.
Shin Sang-ho Exhibition
Clayarch Gimhae Museum
Through July 20
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 and Force and Fired Paintings. Visit www.clayarch.org.
Dorothy M. Yoon
Gallery S
Gallery S opens with its first exhibition of the works of Dorothy M. Yoon. Visit www.gallery-s.net or call (02) 512-6470.
Nobuo Sekine
Pyo Gallery Seoul
Through May 13
Celebrated Japanese sculptor Nobuo Sekine is holding a solo exhibition at Pyo Gallery Seoul. Sekine is also known for his environmental installation art works. Visit www.pyoart.com or call (02) 543-7337.
Sail Along Hangang Renaissance
Nam Seoul Annex, Seoul Museum of Art
This exhibition, part of the 2008 Hi Seoul Festival, looks back at the history of Seoul through the development of the Han River from the Joseon Dynasty to the present. It provides an opportunity for visitors to see the Han River and Seoul through artists' viewpoints. Visit seoulmoa.seoul.go.kr.
One Fine Spring Day
Gwangju Museum of Art
Through May 14
Celebrate the beauty of spring at the Gwangju Museum of Art's 56-day exhibition called One Fine Spring Day. Visit www.artmuse.gwangju.go.kr or call (062) 510-0700.
Snow Show
Seongnam Arts Center
Through May 11
At this non-verbal performance, children will get to experience a winter wonderland with snowflakes, snowstorms and even a snowball fight. All tickets cost from 40,000 won to 70,000 won. Visit www.ticketlink.co.kr or call 1588-7890. Located near exit 1 of Imae station on the Bundang line.
Daddy, I Love you
You Theater
Walker is a wild horse who lives with a mean old man in the countryside. Walker and his son, CiCi, escape the horrible place but as they run away, Walker is suddenly shot by a gun. At this family musical, children will get to learn the true meaning of love and friendship. Tickets cost from 15,000 won to 25,000 won. Visit www.ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 547- 3061. Located near exit 4 of Gangnamgu Office Station on subway line 7.
Baseball
May 10, 2008 Saturday
Doosan Bears vs. Lotte Giants at 5:00 p.m.
Jamsil Baseball Stadium
Woori Heroes vs. Kia Tigers 5:00 p.m.
Mokdong Baseball Stadium
Hanhwa Eagles vs. LG Twins at 5:00 p.m.
Daejeon Baseball Stadium
Samsung Lions vs. SK Wyverns at 5:00 p.m.
Daegu Baseball Stadium
May 11, 2008 Sunday
Woori Heroes vs. Kia Tigers at 5:00 p.m.
Samsung Lions vs. SK Wyverns at 2:00 p.m.
Hanwha Eagles vs. LG Twins at 2:00 p.m.
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.