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.
Borderless Generation: Contemporary Art of Latin America
Korea Foundation Cultural Center
Through Aug. 8
This exhibition brings a sample of the rich diversity of Latin American contemporary art to Korea. Organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Korea Foundation, the exhibition features works from 27 artists from 20 countries. Special screenings of Latin American films will be held during exhibition period. Admission is free. Visit www.kfcenter.or.kr.
Beat in Two Cities: Korea/China Contemporary Art
Youngeun Museum
Through Aug. 30
The exhibition features works by Korean artists Kang Young-min, Kim Young-sup, Park Yong-sik, Park Eun-sun, Jung Sang-hyun, Jemma Han, and Chinese artists Jiang Heng, Su Cong, Piao Guang Xie and Qiu Jun. Visit www.youngeunmuseum.org.
Afourium
Artspace Hue
Through July 24
Cho Chung-yean uses A4 paper, a basic office supply, as a primary element in his video installations. "The exhibitions deals with A4 paper as the basic organization of information itself," she says in an exhibition essay. Call (02) 333-0955 or email artspacehue@hotmail.com.
Elsewhere - Garden of Desire
UM Gallery
Through July 18
Kang Ki-hun's paintings show greenhouses filled with lush plants. After the show at UM Gallery, the exhibition will transfer to Moosim Gallery Cheongju July 28-Aug. 6.
Theatre the Cloud
Art Park
Through July 23
Kang Seo-kyeong is holding a solo exhibition featuring 20 of her paintings and drawings at Art Park. Call (02) 733-8500.
Fernando Botero
National Museum of Contemporary Art, Deoksu Palace
Through Sept. 17
Renowned Colombian artist Fernando Botero brings Latin American life to Seoul through an exhibition of 90 paintings and sculptures. His famous reinterpretations of portraits by Rubens, Velasquez, and Goya are included in the exhibition. Admission is 10,000 won for adults to 4,000 won for children. The museum is closed on Mondays. To get there, get off at City Hall station, line 1 or 2, exit 1 or 2. Call (02) 368-1414 or visit https://botero.moca.go.kr.
Artist of the Year 2009: Suh Yong-sun
National Museum of Contemporary Art, Korea
Through Sept. 20
The National Museum of Contemporary Art has chosen Artist Suh Young-sun as the 2009 Artist of the Year. To get there, get off Seoul Grand Park Station Line 4, Exit 4. A free shuttle bus to the museum is available. Visit www.moca.go.kr.
Renoir: Promise of Happiness
Seoul Museum of Art
Through Sept. 13
Some 118 paintings and drawings by Impressionist master Pierre-Auguste Renoir (1841-1919) are displayed in Seoul for the first time.Renoir's masterpieces at the show include "A Dance in the Country" (1883), "The Swing" (1876) and "Young Girls at the Piano" (1892). Tickets are 12,000 won for adults (19-64 years), 10,000 won for students (13-18 years), and 8,000 won for children (7-12 years). Opening hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Tuesday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday, Sunday and holidays. Visit www.renoirseoul.com.
Wasted Lives
Gallery Em
Cha Dong-hoon created eerie ghostly portraits for his first solo exhibition. Visit www.galleryem.co.kr
Hybridizer
Woosuk Hall, College of Fine Arts, Seoul National University
Through July 12
Kim Lee-jin constructs her works by conceptualizing the body in relation not just to anatomy but culture, environment, and social structure. Visit hybridizer.org.
2009 Pop Party: Happy Together
KT Gallery, KT Art Hall
Through July 29
Quirky Pop Art works by Kim Jin-soo, Saba, Son Young-ho, Rhee Pooroni, Ahn So-young, Hwangbaxa and HRK and Ju Jae-hyung can be seen at this exhibition. KT Art Hall is located near Gwanghwamun Station Line 5 exit 2.
Art in Superstar
Hangaram Art Museum
Through Aug. 23
This unique exhibition features Pop Art-inspired portraits of famous people such as Che Guevarra, Bob Marley, Marilyn Monroe and Andy Warhol. Hangaram Art Museum is located at the Seoul Arts Center, near Nambu Bus Terminal Station Line 3. Tickets are 8,000 won. Call 580-1601.
Struggle
Cyan Museum of Art
Six Korean artists interpret the theme of struggle in their art works, at this group exhibition at Cyan Museum of Art. Visit www.cyanmuseum.org.
EXPosition of mythology - ELectronic technology
Nam June Paik Art Center
Through Oct. 4
This exhibition explores ideas of technology, mythology and religion through the perspective of Nam June Paik's first solo exhibition in 1963 called EXPosition of Music ELectronic Television. Visit www.njp.kr.
Interiors
Kukje Gallery
Through Aug. 7
Kukje Gallery has organized a special exhibition in collaboration with Vintage 20 - Chung Jae-woong. Visit www.kukjegallery.com or call (02) 733-8449.
Earth Alert: A Photographic Response to Climate Change
Daelim Museum
Climate change is a serious treat, and this photography exhibition encourages visitors to think about their own personal impact on the environment and how they can reduce their carbon footprint. On display are 100 photos by 13 British and Korean professional photographers that show the impact of climate change around the world. The show will also be held at the Korean Cultural Centre in London from Oct. 13 to Nov. 28.
Park Young-geun
Arario Gallery Cheonan
Artist Park Young-geun is holding solo exhibition at Arario Gallery, Cheonan. Visit www.arariogallery.com.
Kim Jae-hwan
Arario Seoul
Through Aug. 18
Kim Jae-hwan created a series of deconstructed sculptures that "calls attention to the function of materials themselves, their equality in value, interpreted to equality in humanity." He is presenting six new sculptures, one painting, and 10 preparatory drawings. Visit www.ararioseoul.com.
Dissonant Visions
The Seoul Museum of Art opens its new exhibition featuring 21 Korean artists with a reception June 23. Visit www.seoulmoa.org or call (02) 2124-8800.
Rose
The Museum of Photography, Seoul
Through July 25
Photographer Joo Myung-duck loves beautiful roses, and it shows through his works. At the age of 70, Joo says that showing these photographs of roses is like revealing a part of his life. Call (02) 418-1316.
Based on a True Story
Michael Schultz Gallery Seoul
Through July 31
Roemer & Roemer is having an exhibition at Michael Schultz Gallery, Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam. Visit www.schultzgallery.co.kr.
London Calling
Total Museum of Contemporary Art
Through July 26
British artists such as Phillip Allen, Fiona Banner, David Batchelor, Martin Creed, Dryden Goodwin, Peter McDonald, and Nathaniel Rackowe are participating in this group exhibition featuring British contemporary art. Total Museum of Contemporary Art is located in Pyeongchang-dong. Visit www.totalmuseum.org.
Between the Border
Gwangju Museum of Art
Through July 28
The Gwangju Museum of Art has organized an extensive exhibition of contemporary Korean, Chinese, and Japanese art. Visit www.artmuse.gwangju.go.kr.
100 Years of Korean Comics
National Museum of Contemporary Art
"Manhwa" or Korean comic books are on the spotlight at the National Museum of Contemporary Art, Gwacheon, Gyeonggi Province. The exhibition traces the development of Korean comics in the last 100 years.To get there, get off Seoul Grand Park Station Line 4, Exit 4. A free shuttle bus to the museum is available. Admission is 3,000 won. Visit www.moca.go.kr.
Nervous Track
Atelier Hermes
Through Aug. 9
Atelier Hermes, located in Sinsa-dong, is hosting the solo exhibition of Scottish artist Jim Lambie. Lambie, born in 1964 in Glasgow, Scotland, was short-listed for the 2005 Turner Prize with an installation called "Mental Oyster."The exhibition in Seoul features his signature striped floor installations.
The 9th Classic Concert For Youth
Goyang Aramnuri Art Complex
Aug. 8-9
Yeinarts prepared a youth concert with commentaries for a school holiday event. They will feature various stages of solo, duet, vocal music, string quartet and wooden quintet. Tickets cost from 10,000 won to 15,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 586-0945. Located near exit Aramnuri of Jeongbalsan Station on subway line 3.
Family Musical Peter Pan
KEPCO Art Center
Through July 30
Join Peter Pan on his exciting adventures with Wendy in the fantasy island Neverland. The show will introduce a new flying technique carried out by a Las Vegas performance team. Get ready to explore the world of Neverland. Tickets cost from 35,000 to 55,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 3141-1345. Located near exit 1 of Yangjae Station on subway line 3.
Baseball
Saturday, July 18, 2009
KIA Tigers vs. Hanwha Eagles
Daejun Stadium at 5 p.m.
LG Twins vs. Samsung Lions
Daegu Stadium at 5 p.m.
Lotte Giants vs. SK Wyverns
Munhak Stadium at 5 p.m.
Heroes vs. Doosan Bears
Jamsil Stadium at 5 p.m.
Sunday, July 19, 2009