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.
Traditional Wine Making Demonstration
Namsangol Hanok Village
6-9 p.m., every Satday
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.
Inside Positions
Michael Schultz Gallery, Seoul
Through Sept. 12
Artist Yee Sookyung, Kim Yusob and Yoon Deungnam are holding an exhibition at the Michael Schultz Gallery, Cheongdam-dong. Visit www.schultzgallery.co.kr or call (02) 546-7955.
The Magic of Photography
The Museum of Photography, Seoul
Through Oct. 1
The Hanmi Foundation of Arts and Culture has organized an exhibition titled ``The Magic of Photography'' at the Museum of Photography. Visit www.photomuseum.or.kr or call (02) 418-1315.
Incheon Women Artists' Biennale
Incheon Art Platform, various locations in Incheon
Through Aug. 31
The second international Incheon Women Artists' Biennale features artworks relating to women's issues by 299 artists from 40 countries. The Incheon Art Platform is a five-minute walk from the Incheon Subway Station Line 1. One day pass is 7,000 won for adults, 5,000 won for students (13-18 years old) and 2,000 won for children (4-12 years old). Daily docent tours are held at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. Visit www.iwabiennale.org (Korean, English).
Troublemaker 2009
Gallery Cha
Through Aug. 15
Gallery Cha and SSE Project have organized this exhibition featuring YP, Hasisi Park, Jaycy,Rudyska and VS. Call (02) 730-1700.
Alec Soth
I III Art
Through Aug. 29
American photographer Alec Soth's works are on display at I III Art, Sinsa-dong, Gangnam. Visit www.iamartgallery.com or call (02) 3446-3666.
Dong-gang International Photo Festival
Dong-gang Museum of Photography, Yeongweol
Through Aug. 23
The festival offers nine different photo exhibitions in the museum and other locations around Yeongwol, Gangwon Province. The special main exhibition ``Masks'' features 85 works by top artists; Man Ray, Diane Arbus, Valerie Belin, Brassai, Lee Friedlander, Orlan, Jacques Henri Lartigue, Andy Warhol and Koo Bohn-chang. Visit www.dgphotofestival.com or www.dgphotomuseum.com.
MUSEUM.beyondmuseum
Garden 5 Shopping Center, Songpa
Aug. 11 to September
The MUSEUM.beyondmuseum is organizing its first exhibition featuring works by Dutch kinetic artist Theo Jansen. Garden 5 is located near Jangji Station. Visit www.beyondmuseum.com.
Fashion Ethics: Wear Good
Gyeonggi Museum of Modern Art
Through Oct. 4
Gyeonggi Museum of Modern Art in Ansan is holding its annual cross-genre exhibition featuring fashion as art. The exhibition explores ethical fashion as a new paradigm shift relating to environment and cultural identity issues. Visit www.gmoma.org.
12 Prototypes
Dukwon Gallery
Through Aug. 22
Cool, stylish and quirky furniture designs by Korean designers are on display at Dukwon Gallery. There's a Chocolate Chair by Bang Eun-sook, Spiral Spring Chair by Yu Kwang-soo and a Horse Man Table by Park Beom-ki. Visit www.dukwongallery.co.kr
Le Grand Bleu: Seascape
Insa Gallery & The Basement
Through Aug. 17
Eleven Korean artists give their own interpretation of seascapes in this group exhibition. Visit www.insagallery.com.
Jin Yu
Philip Kang Gallery
Chinese artist Jin Yu is having a solo show at Philip Kang Gallery, Sinsa-dong, Gangnam. Visit www.philipkanggallery.net.
Monkey Theater
Gallery Soso
Yugoslav artist Mileta Postic is showing his drawings and animated works at Gallery Soso. Visit www.gallerysoso.com
Nature's Gifts-Soil
Gallery Ssamzie
Through Aug. 16
Nothing Design Group is showing off their stylish but eco-friendly designs using soil material and pebbles. Gallery Ssamzie is at basement 1 of Ssamziegil in Insa-dong. Call (02) 736-0900(#504) or visit www.ssamziegil.com.
MC Mina's Picture Diary
Coreana Museum
Through Sept. 20
Drawings, illustrations and character designs by Park Mi-na are on display at the open gallery, first floor of Coreana Museum. Visit www.spacec.co.kr.
Entr'acte
Kukje Gallery
Kukje Gallery presents works by Nordic artists Ann Lislegaard, Kaspar Bonnen, Michael Elmgreen & Ingar Dragset, Per Wizen and Marko Vuokola. The title is taken from the French word ``entre actes,'' which means the moment between acts in a play. Visit www.kukjegallery.com.
Korean Diaspora Artists in Asia
National Museum of Contemporary Art
Through Sept. 27
The National Museum of Contemporary Art in Gwacheon is hosting a special exhibition featuring works by Korean artists who have made a name for themselves throughout Asia. 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.
World Press Photo 09
V-Gallery, Seoul Arts Center
Through Aug. 26
The winning photos of the 52nd annual World Press Photo Contest are being shown in this exhibition. Tickets are 8,000 won for adults, 5,000 won for students and 3,000 won for children. Seoul Arts Center is located near Nambu Bus Terminal station line 3. Visit www.worldpressphoto.org.
Double Act
Savina Museum of Contemporary Art
Savina Museum of Contemporary Art wants children and their parents to have fun at the museum for its special summer exhibition ``Double Act.'' The museum offers daily educational art programs for children at 10:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Visit www.savinamuseum.com.
Going Up 30
Yeonhui-dong Project
Through Aug. 21
Nine Korean artists, including Cho Hyun-ju, Jung Se-won and Jung Yoon-sun, are participating in this group exhibition. Visit www.yhdprojects.com or call (02) 324-1286.
Color x Art x Play
Oulim Museum, Goyang Oulim Nuri Arts Complex
Through Aug. 30
As the title suggests, this exhibition is all about fun and colorful artworks by Korean artists. Visit www.artgy.or.kr or call (031) 960-9730.
2009 Hot & Cold with Glass Festival
Mokkumto Gallery
Fourteen artists show their creativity in glass works at this special glass festival at Mokkumto Gallery. Visit www.mokkumto.com or call (02) 764-0700.
Park Young-geun
Arario Gallery Cheonan
Artist Park Young-geun is holding solo exhibition at Arario Gallery, Cheonan. Visit www.arariogallery.com.
Beat in Two Cities: Korea/China Contemporary Art
Youngeun Museum
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.
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.
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
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.
Art in Superstar
Hangaram Art Museum
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
100 Years of Korean Comics
``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.
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 is Paik's multimedia installation and Kang's installation work, made 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. 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.
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.
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.
The 9th Classic Concert for Youth
Yeongsan Art Hall
Through Aug. 19
Yeinarts will restage its sellout performances of the past three years. Complete with narrations, the program features an orchestral concert and various combinations of chamber groups ― including a two-piano show ― as well as vocal works. Tickets cost 10,000 to 20,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 586-0945. Located near exit 1 of Yeouinaru Station on subway line 5.
Musical `The Eternity of Pharaoh'
Theater Yong of the National Museum of Korea
Inspired by Paulo Coelho's ``The Alchemist,'' but adapted for children through an Egyptian adventure story. The stage will feature pyramids, a pharaoh, mummies and stone sculptures depicting ancient Egypt. Tickets cost from 20,000 to 50,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call 1544-5955. Located near exit 2 of Ichon Station on subway line 4.
Musical `Hello, Mozart'
Coex Art Hall
Through Nov. 30
This musical is designed to educate children about classical music through Mozart. The show delivers basic knowledge about operas and the gifted musician through an adventurous story in which characters meet Mozart who gives a quiz to the audience to induce their participation. Tickets cost from 20,000 to 30,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 416-1130. Located near exit 5 of Samsung Station on subway line 2.
Fan Yang's `Bubble World'
Myungbo Art Hall
Open Run
The world's second Fan Yang bubble show performance hall will attract visitors with new and upgrade programs. The bubble artist from Fan Yang's production company, Fan Yang's elder brother Jano Yang appears in turn to present an 80-minute performance of amazing bubble magic. All tickets cost 28,000 won. For more information, visit www.bubbleworld.co.kr or call (02) 2263-9741. Located near exit 8 of Uljiro 3-ga Station on subway line 2 and 3.
Kids' Nanta
Woongjin Think Big Art Hall
The famous percussion instrument musical Nanta has been remade into 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.
Baseball
Saturday, Aug. 15, 2009
KIA Tigers vs. Samsung Lions
Daegu Stadium at 5 p.m.
Lotte Giants vs. LG Twins
Jamsil Stadium at 5 p.m.
Doosan Bears vs. Heroes
Mokdong Stadium at 5 p.m.
SK Wyverns vs. Hanwha Eagles
Daejun Stadium at 5 p.m.
Sunday, Aug. 16, 2009
Gwacheon Seoul Race TrackThe 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.