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Clubs, Traditional Events & Art Exhibitions

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  • Published Jul 10, 2008 5:01 pm KST
  • Updated Jul 10, 2008 5:01 pm KST

Clubs

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, it 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.

Club NB

Gangnam

This hip-hop hot spot is a cornerstone of Seoul nightlife. ``Noise Basement'' often holds special parties and performances and you can find Korean homies here with do-rags, dreads and baseball caps turned sideways. Located near Kyobo Bookstore (exit 6 of Gangnam station on subway line 2). Call (02) or visit www.clubnb.com. Check out other NB chains in Hongdae.

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 mirror 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 located 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, expect to hear funk, punk, rock, or pop. Funky Funky attracts an eclectic 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

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.

Traditional Wine Making Demonstration

Namsangol Hanok Village

6-9 p.m., every Saturday

In the courtyard of Namsangol Hanok Village, visitors can see demonstrations of how traditional Korean wines were made. Usually made from rice, traditional wines were considered, if taken in moderation, good for the body. Located near exits 3 and 4 of Chungmuro station on subway lines 3 and 4. Call (02) 2266-6923.

Korean Classical Music & Dance

8-9 p.m. everyday

You can listen to traditional Korean chamber music, including the piri (cylindrical oboe), haegeum (two-stringed fiddle), ajaeng (seven-string zither bowed with a rosined stick), as well as pansori (Korean opera) and dance. The daily performance takes place at Anchae in Younghyo Park's House in the Hanok Village, located near exits 3 and 4 of Chungmuro station on subway lines 3 and 4. Call (02) 2266-6923.

Experience Hanok Life

11 a.m.-6 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays

At Namsangol Hanok Village, a well preserved Joseon (1392-1910) nobleman's house, visitors are able to see and experience traditional Korean daily life, such as making jipsin (straw shoes), doenjang (bead curd) and jelly. Located near exits 3 and 4 of Chungmuro station on subway lines 3 and 4. Call (02) 2266-6923.

Art Exhibitions

20 Years of Animation: Pixar Exhibition in Seoul

Hangaram Design Museum

Through Sept. 7

Fans of Pixar's animated films ``Toy Story,'' ``Finding Nemo'' and ``Monsters Inc'' will have a chance to find out how favorite characters like Buzz Lightyear, Nemo and Sully came to life at this exciting exhibit. Visitors can find around 650 sketches, drawings, sculptures and storyboards, and watch Pixar's groundbreaking short films. Tickets are 14,000 won for adults, 8,000 won for children and 11,000 won for teens. Visit www.pixar2008.com

Magnum Korea Photo Exhibition

Hangaram Art Museum

Through Aug. 24

Photographers from the famed international photography agency Magnum trained their lenses on modern-day Korea. The stunning photographs by Ian Berry, Thomas Hoepker and other artists are on display at the Hangaram Art Museum, Seoul Arts Center. Call (02) 2277-2436 or visit www.magnumkorea.com.

Useless

Pyo Gallery South

Through Aug. 4

Artist Kim Oan presents black and white photographs capturing the instant moments of our daily life. Talented both as a photographer and a musician, he has conducted numerous exhibitions both in Korea and France. Call (02) 511-5297.

Who Wants to Live Forever

Gallery 2

July.10-Oct.9

Photographer Jo Seub will open his third private exhibition on July 10. Unlike his former works depicting historical or social events of Korea, this exhibition focuses on the fear and madness of human derived from the intrinsic desire. Visit www.gallery2.co.kr or call (02) 3448-2112.

Wanted: Pop

Opera Gallery

Through Aug. 14

Explore the roots of pop art at the Opera Gallery's current exhibition which features 60 pieces by 30 artists, including Keith Haring, Roy Lichtenstein and Andy Warhol. Visit www.operagallery.com or call (02) 3446-0070.

Ko Woo-young Comics: Never Ending Story

Arko Art Center

Through Sept. 12

The exhibit looks at the visual and cultural aspects of comic strips through the works by the late cartoonist Ko Woo-young. Other artists were also invited to reinterpret Ko's works in paintings and film. The center, located in Daehakro, is closed on Mondays. Call (02) 760-4563 or visit www.arkoartcenter.or.kr.

Spot! Japanese Contemporary Art

Gallery Ihn

Through July 23

Exciting works by young Japanese contemporary artists such as Hiroyuki Matsuura, Asa Go, Chika Hattori and Mayuka Yamamoto are on display at the Gallery Ihn. Visit www.galleryihn.com or call (02) 732-4677.

Young Collector's Choice

Goodmorning Shinhan Securities Headquarters Lobby

Through July 18

The exhibition reconsiders the structure of art and the economy by showing the collection of young art collectors in Korea. Works by Choi Sun-ho, Michael Craig-Martin, Rona Green, Sharon Jacques and Kim Won-suk are on display at the Goodmorning Shinhan Securities headquarters in Yeouido.

Yongeun 2008 Residency and Open Studio

Yongeun Museum of Contemporary Art

Through Aug. 31

Ten Korean artists, including Kang Hyung-koo, Kwon Ki-beon, Jean Rah and Lee Kyong, showcase their works at the exhibit. Visit www.youngeunmuseum.org.

Transfiguration

Kukje Gallery New Space

Through July 31

Acclaimed American artist Bill Viola is a pioneer in video art. His works explore the ``spiritual and perceptual aspect of human experiences and is rooted in both Eastern and Western art as spiritual traditions.'' Visit www.kukjegallery.com or call (02) 733-8449.

Jeanie Lee

Gallery Em

Through July 26

Jeanie Lee's colorful illustrations and postcards are on display at Gallery Em. Visit www.galleryem.co.kr or call (02) 544-8145.

Show

Art Jungle

Park Jung-moon is holding a book art exhibition at Art Jungle in Insa-dong. Visit www.art-jungle.co.kr or call (02) 737-5024.

Flower-less, Flower-like

Gallery Soso

Through July 30

Paintings and photographs of flowers are shown at the ``Flower-less, Flower-like exhibit. Call (031) 949-8154.

Circle & Square

N Gallery

The exhibition, which opens on July 11, will feature sculptures and paintings by 11 Korean artists. N Gallery is located in Seohyeon, Bundang, Gyeonggi Province. Visit www.ngalleryart.com or call (070) 7430-3323.

The Elements: Air/Water

Gallery Kong

Through Aug. 3

Videos and photography by Joel Meyerowitz are on display at the Gallery Kong. Visit www.gallerykong.com or call (02) 738-7776.

Book Art 2008 Japan-Korea

Gallery Jinsun

Through July 20

Six Korean and six Japanese artists show their artworks, which have been inspired by the literary world. Among the participating artists are Chung Mi-ok, Takashi Inaba, Yukikoo Inagaki and Kim Eok. Call (02) 723-3340.

Crawling Along the Edge of a Straight Razor

Cais Gallery

Through July 22

Artist Gary Simmons is currently holding two simultaneous solo exhibitions at Cais Gallery in Seoul and in Hong Kong. Visit www.caisgallery.com or call (02) 511-0668.

2008 Double Feature

Gallery Cha

Lee Hyun-jin presents back-to-back exhibitions, ``Virtual Insanity,'' (through July 12) and ``Sweets,Unplugged'' (July 14-26) at Gallery Cha. Call (02) 730-1705.

Chuck Close Prints: Process and Collaboration

Sungkok Art Museum

Through Sept. 25

Around 142 print works by artist Chuck Close will be on display at the Sungkok Art Museum. Close, who is dyslexic and paralyzed from the waist down, is known for his hyperrealistic prints. Visit www.sungkokmuseum.com.

Abstract Imagination

PKM Trinity Gallery

The exhibit will feature works by John Baldessari, Jonas Dahlberg, Olafur Eliasson, Byron Kim, Gabriel Orozco and John Wesley. Opening reception is on July 26. Visit www.pkmgallery.com.

Lim Young-kyun

2x13 Gallery

Black and white photographs by Lim Young-kyun are displayed at the 2x13 Gallery. Visit www.2x13gallery.com.

Sindoan

Atelier Hermes

Through Aug.17

Park Chan-kyong is holding a solo exhibition at Atelier Hermes, near Dosan Park. Opening reception is on June 20. Call (02) 544-7722.

Stone Body

The Museum of Photography, Seoul

Photographer Koh Myung-keun takes interesting photographs of stone formations. There will be an artist's talk on July 25 at 6 p.m. Visit www.photomuseum.or.kr or call (02) 418-1315.

Kids

Disney Live!

Olympic Hall, Olympic Park

Aug. 22-31

The original team of the popular family musical ``Disney Live!'' is coming to Seoul. Enjoy the delightful tales and songs from Cinderella, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and Beauty and the Beast with Mickey Mouse and other favorite characters. Tickets cost from 22,000 won to 55,000 won. Visit https://ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 563-0595. Located near exit 3 of Olympic Park Station on subway line 5.

A Dog of Flanders

Changjo Concert Hall

The heartwarming tale of Nello and his dog Patrasche will be on stage as a delightful musical. Experience the sad yet beautiful friendship between Nello and his loving dog at this special event. All tickets cost 20,000 won. Visit www.ticketlink.co.kr or call (02) 747-7001. Located near exit 4 of Hyehwa Station on subway line 4.

Peter Pan

KEPCO Art Hall

July 26-Aug. 17

Enjoy the tale of Peter Pan and his exciting adventures in this delightful musical. The show will introduce a new flying technique carried out by a Las Vegas performance team. Get ready to explore the world of Neverland with Wendy, John and Michael. Tickets cost from 35,000 won to 55,000 won. Visit https://ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 3141-1345. Located near exit 1 of Yangjae Station on subway line 3.

Sports Games

Baseball

July 12, 2008 Saturday

LG Twins vs. Samsung Lions at 5 p.m.

Jamsil Baseball Stadium

SK Knights vs. KIA Tigers at 5 p.m.

Munhak Baseball Stadium

Hanhwa Eagles vs. Woori Heroes at 5 p.m.

Daejeon Baseball Stadium

Lotte Giants vs. Doosan Bears at 5 p.m.

Sajik Baseball Stadium

July 13, 2008 Sunday

Horseracing

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.