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 those 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 toi 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 DJ are in the center of the club, which attracts a trendy crowd of models and celebrities. Packed on weekends. Check out 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
This is the local club of a hip Japanese chain that's also found in Shanghai. Located in the famous clubbing area, Hongdae, it's flashy with loud club music and lights. It's spacious and a supersized crystal ball hangs 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
An Asia-inspired lounge located on the third floor of a building on Parking Lot street in Hongdae. The stonewalls feature photographs and rusted steel plates cover the windows. Located in Mapo, Seogyo-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. 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, wooden bar, the tavern is spread out on two floors. Find it in on Itaewon's main drag across from the International Clinic. Located near exit 3 of Itaewon Station on subway line 6.
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 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 get there, 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 is a great place to chill out. Located near the Salvatore Ferragamo and Prada buildings in Cheongdam-dong. Call (02) 542-8003.
Folk Performances
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.
Experience Hanok Life
Namsangol Hanok Village
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.
Traditional Wine Making Demonstration
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.
Timeless
Opera Gallery Seoul
Through March 10
Opera Gallery Seoul brings together the works of Samy Briss and Sylvain Tremblay. Briss, an 80-year-old Israeli artist, embraces biblical themes and symbols, such as the Virgin Mary, in his paintings. Canadian artist Sylvain Tremblay creates colorful, geometrical works reminiscent of Gustav Klimt. Visit www.operagallery.com.
Invisible Journeys
Doosan Gallery
Through March 26
Chinese artist Qui Xiaofei's exhibition is inspired by Antoine de Saint-Exupery's The Little Prince. His first exhibition in Korea features paintings, sculptures and media installations that he made from 2003 to 2009. Call (02) 708-5050 or visit www.doosanartcenter.com.
Made in 17
Gallery Ssamzie
Through Feb. 15
Gallery Ssamzie, located in Insa-dong, is hosting this photography fair by teenage artists. Thirteen young Korean photographers participated in the event, produced by ArtnFactory. Visit www.ssamziegil.com.
Variation of Nature
Um Gallery
Through Feb. 14
Park Dae-geun captures the nuances of nature in his mixed media works, currently on display at Um Gallery, Sinsa-dong, Gangnam. The exhibition will be shown at Moosim Gallery from Feb. 17-26. Visit www.umgallery.co.kr.
Sympathy
Gallery DOS
Under the broad topic of ``sympathy,'' Gallery DOS is featuring six artists for weekly relay exhibitions. Watch different artists expressing the same topic in individual creative ways. Gallery DOS is located at Insa-dong. Call (02) 735-4678 for more information.
Remembering Park Yeong-seon
Coreana Museum of Art
Through Feb. 28
Coreana Museum of Art is holding a retrospective exhibition of artist Park Yeong-seon (1910-1994). The exhibit, focusing mainly on women, consists of nudes, portraits, still lifes and landscapes. Coreana Museum of Art is five-minute walk from exit 3 of Apgujeong Station Subway Line 3. Visit www.spacec.co.kr or call (02) 547-9177.
Ox and Family
Gallery Hyundai
For the Year of the Ox, Gallery Hyundai features Hwang Young-sung, who has been actively involved in the art world for the last 40 years. For this exhibition, Hwang uses his creative talent to portray the ox in a pleasantly comical manner. Gallery Hyundai is located near Gyeongbok Palace. Visit www.galleryhyundai.com or call (02) 2287-3563.
2050 Future Scope
Savina Museum of Contemporary Art
Science meets art at the ``2050 Future Scope'' exhibition at the Savina Museum of Contemporary Art (Anguk Station Subway Line 3, Exit 1). Artists collaborated with scientists to present their unique vision of the future. Call (02) 736-4371 or visit savinamuseum.com.
Multiple/Dialogue
National Museum of Contemporary Art of Korea
Through Feb. 7, 2010
This yearlong exhibition brings together the works of the late Paik Nam-june and Korean-American artist Kang Ik-joong. On display are Paik's multimedia installation and Kang's installation work consisting of thousands of paintings, woodcuts and drawings. The two artists may have come from different generations and have distinct artistic styles, but their art continues to enthrall people. To get there, get off at Seoul Grand Park Subway Line 4, Exit 4, where a shuttle bus to the museum is available every 20 minutes. Visit https://www.moca.go.kr.
To and From (Ocean)
DaiSheng FanDian
Artists Naotaka Hiro and Sid M. Duenas collaborated on a four-part video series about Saipan, exploring the involvement of Japan and the United States in Saipan during the Pacific battles of World War II. DaiSheng FanDian is located next to the Seoul Grand Mosque in Hannam-dong, Yongsan. Email dobaebacsa@gmail.com
Sidescape
Ssamzie Space
Feb. 17 to March 15
Ssamzie Space curator Shin Hyun-jin and artist Hong Soun were invited to the SITE Santa Fe Biennale last year. This exhibit is meant to celebrate the success of Hong's works at the biennale. Hong is also presenting a new series of large-scale paintings called Sidescape. Visit www.ssamziespace.com.
German Figurative Art
Die Gallerie
Through April 3
Die Gallerie is opening in Seoul with an exhibition featuring works by leading German figurative artists such as Gerhard Richter, A.R. Penck, Markus Lupertz, Eckhard Kremers and Volker Stelzmann. Die Gallerie is located in Cheongdam-cong. Call (02) 3447-0048.
Lee Jeong-lok
Gallery Kong
Through March 15
Gallery Kong is hosting artist Lee Jeong-lok's solo exhibition this month. The gallery is located near Samcheong-dong. Call (02) 738-7776 or visit www.gallerykong.com.
On The Earth
Arario Seoul
Through Feb. 22
Lim Young-sun, who uses sculpture, video, audio and other electronic media in his works, is holding a solo exhibition at Arario Seoul. Visit www.ararioseoul.com or call (02) 723 6190.
Silhouette
Lee & Park Gallery
Through March 1
Kim Hyung-jong explores the subtleties of silhouettes in his art works. The gallery is located in Heyri Art Valley, Gyeonggi province. Call (031) 975-7521.
Camille Pissarro: Family and Friends
Aramnuri Arts Center
Through March 25
Masterpieces by Camille Pissaro (1830-1903), considered the father of Impressionism, are in Korea for the first time. His paintings, prints and drawings are from the Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology at the University of Oxford. Admission is 10,000 won for adults, 7,000 won for students and 5,000 won for children. Visit www.artgy.or.kr or call (031) 960-0180.
Class of 2009
DoArt
DoArt is shining the spotlight on young and promising Korean artists, all of whom were born in the early 1980s and represent a new, contemporary generation. Among them are Gil Yang-suk, Kim Boram, Oh Yee-rin, Lee Hyun-hee and Lim Sodam. DoArt is located on the third floor of Gallery Hyundai Gangnam Space. Visit www.doartseoul.com or call (02) 519-0800.
Laurence Dervaux
Atelier Hermes
Atelier Hermes, located near Dosan Park in Sinsa-dong, is hosting its first art exhibition of 2009, featuring the works of Belgian painter Laurence Dervaux. One work represents water in a person's body through transparent resin puddles and droplets. Call (02) 544-7722.
Random Tasks
Gallery 2
Through Feb. 21
Fresh and exciting works by five rising Korean artists _ Jackson Hong, Lee Eui-ju, Kim Young-zeen, Choi Byoung-il and W & Whale _ are on display at Gallery 2, open 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Call (02) 3448-2112.
A Master of 20th Century Design
Vitamin Station, V Gallery
Through March 29
American designer Charles Eames was known for his groundbreaking architecture and modern furniture designs. His famous chair designs are on display at the Vitamin Station. Admission is free. Located at the Seoul Arts Center. Visit www.sac.or.kr.
Modern Korea Rediscovered
National Museum of Art, Deoksu Palace
Through March 22
Trace the development of contemporary Korean art at this extensive exhibition at the National Museum of Art, Deoksu Palace. Works of more than 100 Korean painters and sculptors from 1910 to 1960 are shown. Admission is free. Visit www.koreamodern.com.
Rubens, Baroque Masterpieces
Main Exhibition Hall 1, Sejong Center for Performing Arts
Masterpieces by Peter Paul Rubens, Anthonis Van Dyk, Jan Van Goyen and other Flemish artists are in Seoul for the first time. The artworks are on loan from the Vienna Academy Museum. Admission is 12,000 won for adults, 9,000 for students and 7,000 for children. Call 1544-6154.
Joan Miro: The Last Passion
Museum of Art, Seongnam Art Center
A retrospective of Spanish artist Joan Miro is ongoing at the Seongnam Art Center. Call (02) 783-8141 or www.snart.or.kr..
Shisei Kuwabara
The Museum of Photography, Seoul
Renowned Japanese photojournalist Shisei Kuwabara is holding a solo exhibition of his black-and-white photographs of Korea. Visit www.photomuseum.or.kr or call (02) 418-1315.
Great Masters of European Art: Meet Rembrandt
Hangaram Art Museum
Through Feb. 26
Art works by great European masters such as Rembrandt, Rubens, Van Dyck and Boucher are in Seoul for the first time. The works are from the permanent collection of the Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts, Moscow, Russia. The exhibit is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tickets are 12,000 won for adults, 9,000 for youths and 7,000 for children. Call (02) 2113-3400. Visit www.sac.or.kr (English, Korean).
Park Hong-soon Solo Exhibition
Museum of Photography, Seoul
Park Hong-soon is holding a solo exhibition of his black-and-white photography. Visit www.photomuseum.or.kr or call (02) 418-1315.
Misterio
National Museum of Contemporary Art, Korea
Park Jae-kwon is holding a solo exhibition, Misterio, at the Gallery 6 of the National Museum of Contemporary Art, Korea. Visit www.moca.go.kr.
Heaven for Artists
Seoul Museum of Art
``Heaven for Artists" features 79 works, which show the different concepts of heaven, from the renowned Pompidou Center in Paris, France. Artists such as Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, Joan Miro, Raoul Dufy and Marc Chagall show how they interpret heaven. Tickets are 12,000 won for adults, 9,000 won 12-17 year olds, and 7,000 won for 6-11 year olds. Closed on Monday. Visit www.seoulmoa.org or www.pompidou2008.kr.
I Am An Artist
Through March 8
The Young Korean Artists 2008 exhibit features works by promising artists such as Sang Seok-ho, Kim Si-won, Wee Young-il, Lee Jae-hoon and Che One-joon. Visit www.moca.go.kr or call (02) 2188-6000.
The Gleam of Lanterns
Cyan Museum of Art
Through April 26
Sculptor Park Choong-heum is holding a solo exhibition that explores art and design as a symbol of life. Visit www.cyanmuseum.org or call (054) 338-9391.
39(2)
Art Sonje Center
Paradigm Shift curator Han Keum-hyun put together this group exhibition of works by artists Kim Gyoo-sik, Noh Sun-tag, Back Seung-woo, Lee Young-hoon and Jeon Jae-hong. The center is open Tuesday to Sunday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Visit www.artsonje.org/asc or the exhibition blog: a39c2.wordpress.com.
Lightless Light
I M Art Gallery
Lightless Light is a group exhibition featuring works by 14 rising Korean artists such as Sohn Woo-sung, Ahn Da-bin, Lee Sol-ne, Min2 and Park Jin-woo. Call (02) 3446-3766 or visit www.imartgallery.com.
Va & Vient
NaLee Mecenat Art Center
Eight French artists, such as Jean-Marie Appriou, Carole Bailly, Julia Chobert, Pierre Derrien, are participating in this group exhibit at the center, located in Gimpo City. Visit www.nalee.net or artcenter.nalee.net.
Science Illusion Exhibition
Seoul National Science Museum
Experience the world of lights at the Science Illusion Exhibit from Japan. Kids can learn the wonders of electricity and also enjoy artwork made with lasers, holograms, LEDs and other interactive systems. Tickets cost from 8,000 won to 10,000 won. For more information, visit www.ticket.interpark.com or call 1544-8732. Located near exit 4 of Hyehwa Station on subway line.
Kids' Nanta
Woongjin Think Big Art Hall
Open Run
Famous percussion instrument musical Nanta is remade as a kids' musical. Four cooks are given an order to prepare a birthday party for 100 children within a few hours. Suddenly four magicians appear and help them prepare food and cakes. The musical also presents laser and magic shows, and ends with Korean traditional rhythmic music. Tickets cost from 30,000 won to 50,000 won. For more information visit www.ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 738-8289. Located near from Seolleung Station on subway Bundang line.
Family Musical Momo
Changjo Concert Hall
Momo is a delightful little girl who has the gift of listening. She helps people find their way out of problems by simply listening to them. But everything changes as the Men in Grey arrive at the village. The meaning of time is altered to a hectic and sterile concept, leaving Momo on a quest to bring back the pleasant village and the meaning of time to their righteous place. All tickets cost 20,000 won. For more information, visit www.ticketlink.co.kr or call (02) 747-7001. Located near exit 4 of Hyehwa Station on subway line 4.
Basket Ball
Feb. 14, Saturday, 2009
Busan KTF Magic Wings vs. Seoul SK Knights
Busan Sajik Stadium at 3 p.m.
Anyang KT & G Kites vs. Changwon LG Sakers
Anyang Indoor Stadium at 3 p.m.
Ulsan Mobis Pheobus vs. Incheon ETLand Black Slamers
Ulsan Dongcheon Stadium at 3 p.m.
Feb. 15, Sunday, 2009
Seoul SK Knights vs. Ulsan Mobis Pheobus
Jamsil Student Indoor Stadium at 3 p.m.
Daegu Orions vs. Seoul Samsung Thunders
Daegu Indoor Stadium at 3 p.m.
Incheon ETLand Black Slamers vs. Anyang KT & G Kites
Incheon Samsan Indoor Stadium at 3 p.m.
Wonju Dongbu Promy vs. Jeonju KCC Egis
Wonju Chiak Stadium at 5 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 www.kra.co.kr.