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.
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.
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.
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.
Portraits of Shoes, Stories of Feet
Sungkok Art Museum
Through Nov. 8
Learn about the history of footwear at this special exhibition sponsored by the French Cultural Center. Admission is 5,000 won. Visit sungkokmuseum.com.
Forecast
Arario Seoul, Arario Cheonan
Through Oct. 25
Korea-born American artist Jin Meyerson is having two simultaneous solo shows at Arario galleries in Seoul and Cheonan. His works are characterized by dizzying colors and distorted images. Visit www.arariogallery.com.
Korea International Art Fair 2009
Hall C&D, COEX
Through Sept. 22
The Korea International Art Fair 2009 has invited 168 galleries, which will present approximately 4,600 art works by artists from around the world. There are special exhibitions on Korean and Indian contemporary art. Tickets are 15,000 won for adults and 10,000 won for students. Visit www.kiaf.org.
No Place Like Home
Insa Art Space
Through Sept. 27
Insa Art Space has invited Spanish artist Adria Julia to show his new works that resonate with the Hollywood film "Inchon" (1982), which depicted American Gen. Douglas McArthur's famous Incheon landing operation during the Korean War. Visit www.arko.or.kr.
Brief Encounters
Myungdong Gallery
Through Sept. 26
The Seoul Art Collective is holding a group exhibition at Myungdong Gallery. Foreign artists share their perspectives about living and working in Korea through their works. Visit www.mygallerykorea.com.
Jamie M. Lee Solo Exhibition
Next Door Gallery
Through Oct. 11
New York-based artist Jamie M. Lee is known for her modern abstract mixed media paintings, which are on display at Next Door Gallery. Visit www.nextdoorgallery.co.kr.
Video: Vide & 0
Arko Arts Center
Through Oct. 18
Arko Arts Center, located in Daehangro, is holding "Video: Vide & 0," an exhibition that hopes to expand the public's understanding of video art. Visit www.arkoartscenter.or.kr.
Exalted Ceremonies
Jay Gallery
Through Sept. 23
Jeffrey Morabito is holding a solo show at Jay Gallery, located at SK-Hub Plaza, Jongno. Call (02) 2666-4450.
The Judgement Day
Art Space Hue
Through Sept. 25
Han Jeong-seong uses cars in his works, approaching it from the perspective of Korean history and culture. Call (02) 333-0955.
Fernando Botero
Gallery Bandi
Paintings and drawings by renowned Colombian artist Fernando Botero can be seen in this exhibition at Gallery Bandi, Sagan-dong. Visit www.gallerybandi.com.
Super Mega Factory
Kukje Gallery
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
Lee Byoung-yong is holding an exhibition of paintings at the National Museum of Contemporary Art in Gwacheon, Gyeonggi Province.
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 also 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.
APT
Brain Factory
Through Sept. 20
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 showcases stunning images of flowers from Hackney, where he currently lives. Visit www.gaainart.com or call (02) 394-3631.
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.
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 Kang-so 1989-2009
Gallery Hyundai
An exhibition of renowned contemporary Korean artist Lee Kang-so's works is being held at Gallery Hyundai. It features his paintings from 1989 to 2009 and the Bunhwang temple installation of 2009. Visit www.galleryhyundai.com.
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
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.
Ultra Skin
Coreana Museum Space*C
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.
Desire and Anesthesia
Art Sonje Center
Ham Kyung-ah is holding a solo exhibition at Art Sonje Center, Seokuk-dong, Jongno. Visit www.artsonje.org/asc/.
The Magic of Photography
The Museum of Photography, Seoul
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.
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.
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
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 a quiz to the audience to encourage their participation. Tickets cost from 20,000 to 30,000 won. Visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 416-1130. Located near exit 5 of Samseong Station on subway line 2.
Baseball
Saturday, Sept. 19, 2009
Hanwha Eagles vs. SK Wyverns
Incheon Munhak Stadium at 5 p.m.
LG Twins vs. KIA Tigers
Gwangju Baseball Stadium at 5 p.m.
Lotte Giants vs. Doosan Bears
Jamsil Stadium at 5 p.m.
Heroes vs. Samsung Lions
Daegu Baseball Stadium at 5 p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 20, 2009
Daegu Baseball 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.