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.
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.
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.
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.
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. 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 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.
Platoon Kunsthalle
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.
Folk Performances
The Korea House
Open Run
The Korea House will be holding 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.
Fernando Botero
Gallery Bandi
Through Sept. 27
Paintings and drawings by renowned Colombian artist Fernando Botero can be seen in this exhibition at Gallery Bandi, Sagan-dong. Visit www.gallerybandi.com.
Korea-Latin America Artists Exhibition
Korea Foundation Cultural Center
Through Sept. 17
This annual exhibition features works by the Hanwool Artists Group, a group of female alumni of Seoul National University College of Fine Arts; and 17 artists from Chile, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Paraguay, Peru and Venezuela. Visit www.kfcenter.or.kr.
Lee Cheol-seung
Duckwon Gallery
Through Sept. 22
Lee Cheol-seung, who was chosen as the 2009 Young Artist by the Seoul Museum of Art, is holding a solo show of his sculptures at Duckwon Gallery, Insa-dong. Visit www.duckwongallery.co.kr.
Super Mega Factory
Kukje Gallery
Sept. 19- Oct. 18
Kira Kim's solo exhibition at Kukje Gallery features wooden sculptures of 20th century super heroes and monsters. Visit www.kukjegallery.com.
Trip to Myself
National Museum of Contemporary Art Korea
Through Oct. 25
Lee Byoung-yong is holding an exhibition of paintings at the National Museum of Contemporary Art in Gwacheon, Gyeonggi Province.
Play With Image II
Insa Gallery, The Basement
Through Sept. 20
Cho Jung-wha creates fun sculptures of famous celebrities like Michael Jackson, Audrey Hepburn, Megan Fox and Marilyn Monroe. Visit www.insagallery.net.
Farhad Hussain
Gallery Soheon
Through Sept. 30
Indian artist Farhad Hussain is holding a solo show at Gallery Soheon, located in Bongsan-dong, Jung-gu, Daegu. Call (53) 426-0621.
Meet Unexpectedly on the Road
Gallery Em
Through Oct. 1
Lee Joo-won's mysterious ink paintings are on display at Gallery Em. Visit www.galleryem.co.kr or call (02) 544-8145.
Stan Douglas
Mongin Art Center
Through Nov. 1
Canadian media and video artist Stan Douglas is having his first solo exhibition in Korea. The show includes his black-and-white portrait photographs. Mongin Art Center is located in Samcheong-dong. It is open Tuesday to Sunday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Visit www.mongin.org.
Seoul International Print Photo Art Fair
Hangaram Art Museum, Hangaram Design Museum
Through Sept. 16
The Seoul International Print Photo Art Fair has gathered 43 galleries for this annual art fair showcasing print and photography artworks. It also features special exhibitions on photographers from the Netherlands, young Asian artists and Australian artist Jayne Dyer. Tickets are 10,000 won. The museums are located at Seoul Arts Center, near Nambu Bus Terminal Line 3 Exit 5. Visit www.sippa.org.
APT
Brain Factory
Choi Sung-hoon's exhibition consists of video works on LCD screens of different sizes, showing scenes of apartment buildings and its residents, and fireworks displays. Visit www.brainfactory.org.
Hackney Flowers
Gaain Gallery
In this exhibition, British photographer Stephen Gill will showcase stunning images of flowers from Hackney, where he currently lives. Visit www.gaainart.com or call (02) 394-3631.
Lee Kang-soo 1989-2009
Gallery Hyundai
An exhibition of Lee Kang-soo's works for the last 20 years (1989-2009) will be held at Gallery Hyundai. Visit www.galleryhyundai.com.
Untitled
Gallery Factory
Gallery Factory is hosting a joint exhibition of artists Choi Sung-hun and Park Sun-min. Call (02) 733-4883 or visit www.factory483.org.
Layering
Project Space, Sarubia
Choi Sang-ah is holding a solo exhibition at Project Space, Sarubia. Visit www. Sarubia.org.
Design Miami/ Basel Moved to Seomi
Gallery Seomi
Selected works by Korean artists who participated in Design Miami and Basel are currently on display at Gallery Seomi. Participating artists are Choi Byung-hoon, Lee Hun-chung, Kwon Dae-sup and Jang Jin. Call (02) 511-7305.
Dialogue With Physical Objects
Baobabtree
Through Sept. 19
In Koo Bon-a's works on display at cafe Baobabtree in Seocho-dong, the stones and walls play an important role. The artist says these "provide an organic space where the empathy between me and the objects is developed." Visit www.sisoa.co.kr or www.baobabcoffee.com.
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.
Turn Into Me
Prada Transformer
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.
Black Maria and the White City
Alternative Space Loop
Lee Young-ho is holding a solo exhibition of his experimental works. Visit www.galleryloop.com or call (02) 3141-1377.
Lee U-fan Sculpture
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
Through 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.
Musical 'Dooly'
Jamsil Lotte Art Hall
One of Korea's first cartoon characters, Dooly, will appear onstage. The small green dinosaur and his friends will embark on an adventure to save Dooly's adoptive father Go Gil-dong. Tickets cost from 24,000 won to 40,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 5653-555. Located near exit 3 and 4 of Jamsil 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. 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
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 a story in which characters meet Mozart who gives a quiz to the audience to encourage 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 Samseong Station on subway line 2.
Baseball
Saturday, Sept. 12, 2009
KIA Tigers vs. Doosan Bears
Jamsil Stadium at 5 p.m.
LG Twins vs. SK Wyverns
Incheon Munhak Stadium at 5 p.m.
Samsung Lions vs. Lotte Giants
Busan Sajik Stadium at 5 p.m.
Heroes vs. Hanwha Eagles
Daejeon Stadium at 5 p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 13, 2009
Jamsil Stadium at 1:30 p.m.
Busan Sajik Stadium at 2 p.m.
Daejeon Stadium at 2 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.