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
With giant chandeliers and digital images of famous paintings, it's like an ultra luxurious version of a typical Hongdae club. 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. 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.
Underlounge Seoul
Hongdae or Hongik University Area
This is 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 music and lights. 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.
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.
Platoon Kunsthalle
Apgujeong-dong
Platoon Kunsthalle is a cultural space where visitors can enjoy various facilities, including an event hall, library lounge, art studios and a bar and restaurant. Open from Monday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 12 a.m. DJ nights on Thursday and Friday from 10 p.m. Located near exit 10 of Hakdong Station on subway line 7. Visit www.kunsthalle.com or www.platoon.org.
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.
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 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. 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.
Rocky Mountain Tavern
Itaewon
A down-to-earth place, the club was started by a couple of Canadians. With a spacious, woody bar, the tavern is spread out on two floors. Find it on Itaewon's main drag across from the International Clinic. Located near exit 5 of Itaewon Station on subway line 6.
Naos Nova
A wine bar and restaurant with a design so stunning, that 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 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
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 a mainly standing room-only place. 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.
Folk Performances
The 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, subway lines 3 and 4.
Lee U-fan Sculpture
Kukje Gallery
Through Oct. 9
Kukje Gallery is hosting a special exhibition of sculptures by renowned Korean artist Lee U-fan. Visit www.kukjegallery.com or call (02) 733-4879.
Architectural Ceramic Now & New
Clayarch Gimhae Museum
Sept. 5-Feb. 7
The Clayarch Gimhae Museum, located in South Gyeongsang Province, is holding its 8th Architectural Ceramic Exhibition. Participating artists include Song Jun-gyu, Hilde Angel Danielsen, Lee Jong-geun and Johannes Pfeiffer. Visit www.clayarch.org or call (055) 340-7000.
Those Things I've Done
Gallery 2
Through Sept. 26
Kim Hye-na's mixed media works are characterized by dark subjects but filled with whirls of red and green colors. Visit www.gallery2.co.kr.
Kim Dong-won Solo Exhibition
UNC Gallery
Through Sept. 12
Kim Dong-won is interested in the subject of "losing face." He literally does it on the canvas, depicting faces from crumpled and ripped photographs. Call (02) 543-2798.
Ultra Skin
Coreana Museum Space*C
Through Sept. 30
Coreana Museum, located in Sinsa-dong, southern Seoul, is holding a group exhibition of works by Korean and foreign artists. Visit www.spacec.co.kr.
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. A 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).
Joseon, Another Paradise
Dr. Park Gallery
Through Aug. 30
Lee Sang-hyun created the multimedia installation "Symphony No.9 Mongyudowondo," to celebrate the New York Philharmonic's historic performance in Pyeongyang in February 2008. For the artist, the installation features a "paradise where all humans can live together without conflicts." Dr. Park Gallery is located in Yangpyeong, Gyeonggi Province. Visit www.drparkart.com.
Turn Into Me
Prada Transformer
Through Sept. 13
Swedish artist Nathalie Djurberg, who was recently honored with the Silver Lion for the best young artist at the 53rd Venice Biennale this year, is holding a solo exhibition at the Prada Transformer. It is open Tuesday to Sunday 12:00 p.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is free, but online reservation is needed in advance. Visit www.pradatransformer.co.kr or call (02) 737-4772.
Desire and Anesthesia
Art Sonje Center
Through Oct. 25
Ham Kyung-ah is holding a solo exhibition at Art Sonje Center, Seokuk-dong, Jongno. Visit www.artsonje.org/asc/.
Naked City Spleen
Gallery Hyundai Gangnam
Gallery Hyundai is hosting a solo exhibition of works by Kim Miru. Visit www.galleryhyundai.com.
Inside Positions
Michael Schultz Gallery, Seoul
Artists 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.
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.
Jin Yu
Philip Kang Gallery
Through Aug. 29
Chinese artist Jin Yu is having a solo show at Philip Kang Gallery, Sinsa-dong, Gangnam. Visit www.philipkanggallery.net.
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.
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.
Color x Art x Play
Oulim Museum, Goyang Oulim Nuri Arts Complex
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.
Lee Sung-geun
Insa Gallery
Lee Sung-geun is showing off his richly colored oil paintings of succulent grapes, cherries and strawberries in this solo exhibition. Visit www.insagallery.net or call (02) 735-2655.
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 Suh Yong-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
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.
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.
Musical 'Doraemon'
Grand Conference Room of Coex
This musical is showing adventurous happenings in which Doraemon and its friends saving a baby dinosaur. As a well-made musical, this show will deliver courage and justice to the family. Tickets cost from 25,000 to 30,000 won. For more information, visit www.dora-musical.com or call (02) 337-2585. Located near exit 5 of Samsung Station on subway line 2.
Arnie Kolodner in Magical School for Wizards
Baekam Art Hall
Sept. 15 - Oct. 4
Children's magician Arnie Kolodner will present his special magical school to Korean kids. His lesson plan will include "Defense Against the Dart Wizards," "Transformation," "Funny Monsters" and others. Tickets cost from 30,000 to 40,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 559-1333. Located near exit 8 of Samsung Station on subway line 2.
Baseball
Saturday, Aug. 29, 2009
KIA Tigers vs. Doosan Bears
Jamsil Stadium at 5 p.m.
LG Twins vs. Hanwha Eagles
Daejeon Stadium at 5 p.m.
SK Wyverns vs. Samsung Lions
Daegu Stadium at 5 p.m.
Heroes vs. Lotte Giants
Busan Sajik Stadium at 5 p.m.
Sunday, Aug. 30, 2009
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.