The Circle
Cheongdam-dong
Located in the upscale Cheongdam-dong neighborhood, the Circle is 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.
Above
Itaewon
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
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 the 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
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.
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 that 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 is 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.
The Imaginary Line
DoArt
Through Nov. 15
DoArt has organized a group exhibition for rising Korean artists Moon Kyung-won, Park Junebum, Oh Yong-seok, Lee Yong-baek, Jeon Joon-ho, Zin Ki-jong and Choe Uram. Visit www.galleryhyundai.com or call (02) 2287-3500.
Swedish Footprint
Korea Foundation Cultural Center
Oct. 21-Nov.7
This exhibition organized by the Embassy of Sweden in Seoul is meant to showcase the Nordic country's design and crafts. Ceramics, textiles and paintings by nine Swedish artists and four Korean artists who studied in Sweden are on display. Visit www.kfcenter.or.kr.
Kim Ssung-jung
Insa Gallery
Through Oct. 27
Kim Ssung-jung uses the pointillism technique to create colorful works, which are currently on display at Insa Gallery. Visit www.insagallery.net.
Kim Ho-deuk
Cyan Museum of Art
Through March 28
A solo show of Daegu-based artist Kim Ho-deuk is being held at Cyan Museum of Art, Hwasan-myeon, Yeongcheon-si, North Gyeongsang Province. Visit www.cyanmuseum.org.
Groupe Novembre: Paris-Seoul
The Museum of Photography, Seoul
Through Nov. 21
Photographs by Monique Cabasso, Chong Jae-kyoo, Xavier Lucchesi, Olivier Perrot, Martial Verdier and Salvatore Puglia are on display at the Museum of Photography, Seoul. Visit www.photomuseum.or.kr.
Dawn of Chaos
UNC Gallery
Through Nov. 5
Hyun Ji-yong envisions a future of chaos in these dark art works, which are currently at UNC Gallery, located in Sagan-dong, Jongno. Call (02) 723-2711.
Wearable Foods Special Exhibition
Gallery Young
Oct. 23-29
Song Yeon-ju used vegetables to create one-of-a-kind dresses, as shown in her lithograph prints at Gallery Young, Samcheong-dong. Call (02) 720-3939.
The New Faces at Next Door ― Part II
Next Door Gallery
Through Oct. 25
The gallery is hosting a group exhibition of new artists, Kang Seung-hee, Roh Jung-hee, Oh Young, Lee Sun-jin, Chae Kyung and Choi Hee-seung. Call (02)
730-2560 or visit www.nextdoorgallery.co.kr.
Ahn Yun-mo Exhibition
Gallery Songadang
Through Nov. 7
Ahn Yun-mo displays satirical works for the autumn season in his solo show at Gallery Songadang, Anguk-dong, Jongno. Call (02) 725-6713.
A Retrospective of Bae Bien-U
National Museum of Art, Deoksu Palace
Through Dec. 6
A retrospective of works by renowned artist Bae Bien-U is being held at the National Museum of Art, Deoksu Palace, downtown Seoul. Bae is known for his black-and-white nature photography, particularly those featuring pine trees and groves around Korea.
Sweet Attraction
Urban Art
Through Oct. 24
Urban Art is hosting an exhibition of American artist Peter Anton's delicious-looking paintings of chocolates, candies and other sweets. Visit www.urbanart4u.com.
The Great Exhibition of French Photographs
Hangaram Design Musuem
Through Oct. 29
An exhibition of the best and most memorable French photographs of the 20th century is ongoing at the Gallery 1, Hangaram Design Museum, Seoul Arts Center. Tickets are 9,000 won for adults, 7,000 for youth and 5,000 for children. Call (02) 325-1077.
Dale Chihuly: Sculptures in Glass and Drawings
Lotte Art Gallery, Lotte Avenuel
Through Oct. 31
Brilliant-colored glass sculptures by world famous American artist Dale Chihuly can be seen at Lotte Art Gallery and Lotte Avenuel. Various glass pieces and installations can be found throughout the Avenuel department store. Call (02) 726-4428.
Wonseo dong
Insa Art Space
Through Oct. 28
Shin Ji-sun is holding a solo exhibition of works about Wonseo-dong. Visit www.insaartspace.or.kr or www.arko.or.kr.
Hair on the White Porcelain
Gallery 2
Exquisite porcelain pieces by artist Lee Se-kyung are on display at Gallery 2. Gallery 2 is open from 10 a.m. to 6:30 pm. Visit www.gallery2.co.kr
Korea on Foot
Gallery M
Oct. 22-Nov. 4
British writer and photographer Oliver Raw is holding an exhibition of photographs of Korea from when he walked from Busan to Seoul in the spring of 2008. Gallery M is located near Exit 1 of Euljiro 3-ga, subway line 2 or 3. Visit www.gallery-m.kr
Prescriptions by 18 Doctors
Gallery AG
Through Nov. 13
Artists offer their unique perspective on the medical field in this group exhibition at Gallery AG, Yeongdeungpo-gu. There are two exhibitions, the first being held through Nov. 13, and the next from Nov. 16 to Dec. 30. Visit www.galleryag.co.kr.
Father's Day
Gallery Hyundai Gangnam Space
Gallery Hyundai, located in Sinsa-dong, Gangnam, is holding an exhibition of works by Jung Jae-ho. Visit www.galleryhyundai.com or call (02) 519-0800.
Deceptive Appearances
Jay Gallery
Through Oct. 20
Seoul-based British artist Richard J. Beaumont holds his second solo exhibition at Jay Gallery. It features works from his different projects, including a trio of pictures dealing with the complex issues surrounding the world of terrorism; and a set of pictures dealing with symbolism, color and geometry. Visit www.jaypia.com.
Organ Mix
Total Museum of Contemporary Art
Conceptual works by Korean and foreign artists who have studied and lived in Germany are displayed in this new exhibition at the Total Museum of Contemporary Art. Eleven artists, including Danica Dakic, Klaus Mettig, Rita McBride, Lee Moon-ho and Kim Hee-seon, were invited to show their works. Visit www.totalmuseum.org.
City_net Asia 2009
Seoul Museum of Art
Through Nov. 22
This biennial exhibition introduces works of art by Asian artists. Curators from Seoul Museum of Art, Istanbul Modern, Tokyo's Mori Art Museum and Beijing's Today Art Museum organized this exhibition. Visit www.seoulmoa.org or call (02) 2124-8800.
Poetic Art of Colors - Light of Heart
Yongeun Museum of Contemporary Art
Through Dec. 13
Artist Bang Hai-ja is holding a solo exhibition at the Yongeun Museum of Art. Visit www.youngeunmuseum.org or call (031) 761-0137.
Flexible Aura
Brain Factory
Through Nov.1
Brain Factory is hosting a group exhibition featuring works by foreign and Korean artists, including Candida Hofer, Kristoffer Akselbo, Tasha Aulls and Jee Oh. Visit www.brainfactory.org.
Trip to Myself
National Museum of Contemporary Art Korea
A retrospective of works of the late artist Lee Byoung-yong is on-going at the National Museum of Contemporary Art in Gwacheon, Gyeonggi Province. Lee had actively participated in the activities of avant-garde group Esprit that were crucial to the development of Korean modern art in the early 1970s. 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.
Hernan Miranda
Bellarte Gallery
Paraguayan artist Hernan Miranda is showing his still life paintings at a solo show at Bellarte Gallery, Sagan-dong, Seoul. Call (02) 739-4333.
Family Musical 'Little Donkey'
Uijeongbu Arts Center
Nov. 7
Based on Rindert Kromhout's fairy tale, "Little Donkey" shows the journey of the stork Marabou trying to find his missing socks with the help of a little donkey and his friends. Tickets cost from 15,000 to 20,000 won. Visit ticket.interpark.co.kr or call (031) 828-5841. Located near Uijeongbu Station on subway line 1.
Family Play 'Nimbly Nose'
Seodaemun Culture Center
Oct. 17
By using only paper and a paint brush, "Nimbly Nose" tells the adventurous tale of a boy who wants a younger brother. All tickets cost 12,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 360-8560~1. Located near exit 3 of Hongje Station on subway line 3 and exit 3 of Sinchon 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 an adventurous story in which characters meet Mozart, who gives a quiz to the audience to encurage 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.
K-League Football
Saturday, Oct. 17, 2009
Pohang Steelers vs. Gangwon FC
Pohang Stillyard Stadium at 3:00 p.m.
Ulsan Tigers vs. Gyeongnam FC
Ulsan Munsu Sports Complex at 3:00 p.m.
FC Seoul vs. Busan I Park
Seoul World Cup Stadium at 5:00 p.m.
Jeonnam Dragons vs. Daejeon Citizen
Gwangyang Stadium at 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 18, 2009
Jeonbuk Motors vs. Gwangju Sangmu
Jeonju World Cup Stadium at 3:00 p.m.
Jeju United vs. Incheon United FC
Jeju Complex Stadium at 3:00 p.m.
Seongnam Chunma vs. Suwon BlueWings
Seongnam Stadium at 5:00 p.m.