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 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.
Club Heaven
Yeoksam-dong
Located next to the Renaissance Seoul Hotel, Heaven is gaining a reputation as a clubber’s paradise with star DJs and a celebrity clientele. Electronic music is the main menu, with laser light and paper confetti shows aplenty on the side. The club caters to partying at any hour of the night: the “main stage” on the first floor is open until 6:30 a.m., while club hoppers can enter the upper level’s “after stage” after 4:30 a.m. Call 1644-8466.
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.
Naos Nova
Itaewon
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.
Le Nuit Blanche
Cheongdam-dong
Formerly Club Answer, Le Nuit Blanche is introduced as a posh restaurant, theater and club. Located in front of Hotel Prima in Cheongdam-dong, Le Nuit Blanche offers Cirque du Soleil-type performances at its theater restaurant. World class DJs from all over the world are invited to perform at the club. Call (02) 514-4311 or visit www.lenuitblanche.com.
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.
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, turn left and look for Gachi’s red and white sign. Gachi is open from Mondays to Fridays 6 p.m. to 12 a.m., Saturday to Sunday, 2 p.m. to 12 a.m. Call (02) 540 7087.
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.
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 over 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.
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
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 usually starting at 7: 30 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.
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 the Salvatore Ferragamo and Prada buildings in Cheongdam-dong. Call (02) 542-8003.
Folk Performances
The Korea House
Open Run
The Korea House will hold 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 Triumph of Failure
Noam Gallery
Through March 9
Noam Gallery is hosting a group exhibition featuring new works by five lens-based artists: Martin Bardell, Chung Hee-seung, Sam Holden, Tess Hurrell and Jochen Klein. “The Triumph of Failure” seeks to explore defeat as a concept in contemporary photography. There are 22 photographs, three videos and 1 installation at the gallery, located in Insadong. Visit www.noamgallery.com.
Woman and the City
Czech Info Centre
Through March 13
A selection of photographs by renowned Czech fashion photographer Jiri Turek is on display at the Czech Info Centre, on the third floor of the Castle Praha Building, Hongdae. His photographs have been featured in Elle, Premiere and other top magazines, as well as on album covers for record labels EMI, Sony Music and Universal Music. Admission is free. Visit www.czechinfo.or.kr.
Gazing Beyond
Gallery b’One
Through March 25
Gallery b’One is opening its doors with an exhibition featuring works by Ah Doo-jin, Kim Mi-kyung and Roh Hyun-tark. The gallery is located in Hwa-dong, Jongno. Call (02) 732-1273 or visit www.gallerybeone.kr.
What We Found in an Abandoned Garage
Gallery Factory
March 25-April 18
Installations by Jung Su-young and charcoal works by Sandro Setola from the Netherlands are being presented at Gallery Factory. Visit www.factory483.org.
BCGKMRY
Kukje Gallery
March 3-April 4
MeeNa Park will be holding a solo show at Kukje Gallery, Sogyeok-dong, Jongno, downtown Seoul. Visit www.kukjegallery.com.
Delicious Candle
Coreana Museum of Art
Through April 18
“Delicious Candle” is the newest exhibition at the open gallery of the Coreana Museum of Art. Visit www.spacec.co.kr.
Kang Duck-sung
Philip Kang Gallery
Through March 6
Kang Duck-sung is holding a solo show of his colorful mixed media installations at Philip Kang Gallery, Sinsa-dong, Gangnam. Visit www.philipkanggallery.net.
Death and Faith
Michael Schultz Gallery Seoul
German fashion designer and artist Wolfgang Joop is presenting an array of works, such as his marble sculptures “From Dawn till Dusk III” and hand-embroidered works “Eternal Love,” in his show at Michael Schultz Gallery Seoul. He is known for his brands Joop and Wunderkind. The gallery is located at the Nature Poem building, Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam. Visit www.schultzgallery.co.kr or call (02) 546-7955.
Classic
Gallery Hyundai 16 Bungee
Through Feb. 28
“Classic,” featuring photo-video works by Oh Yong-seok, is the inaugural exhibition of Gallery Hyundai’s new space, 16 Bungee, located at 16 Sagan-dong, Jongno, central Seoul. It aims to introduce experimental art to the public. Visit www.16bungee.com or call (02) 722-3503.
Mind Space
Tong-in Auction Gallery
Swedish Ambassador to Korea Lars Vargo, who is also an artist, is holding an exhibition of his works at Tong-in Auction Gallery, located in Kwanhun-dong, Jongro. Visit www.tongin gallery.com.
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KunstDoc Gallery
Through March 2
KunstDoc Gallery, a space dedicated to alternative contemporary art, is hosting an exhibition of works by Kim Jeong-han. The gallery is located Changsung-dong, Jongno. Visit www.kunstdoc.com.
Stage Reality
Salon de H
Through March 20
Salon de H, located in Cheongdam-dong, is hosting a group exhibition of works by five Korean artists. Visit www.artcompanyh.com.
Choi Won-suk & Rhee Jae-young Exhibition
Gallery Em
Through March 12
Choi Won-suk and Rhee Jae-young are presenting their photographic art work at Gallery Em, Cheongdam-dong, southern Seoul. Choi’s series is called “The Playground,” while Rhee’s is “Self-Analysis.” Visit www.galleryem.co.kr.
Les Fleurs
Through March 31
Louise Bourgeois, a French artist known for her enormous spider sculptures, is holding a solo show at Kukje Gallery. Visit www.kukjegallery.com or call (02) 733-8449.
Andre Masson
Die Galerie
Works by French surrealist artist Andre Masson (1896-1987) are on display at Die Galerie, Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam. The gallery is open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Tuesday to Saturday; and until 6 p.m. Sunday. Visit www.die-galerie.co.kr.
Class of 2010
Gallery Hyundai Gangnam Space
Through March 7
Gallery Hyundai Gangnam Space is showcasing the works of 20 young artists at this group exhibition. Visit www.galleryhyundai.com or call (02) 519-0800.
Electronic Nostalgia: Broken Dream
Sungkok Art Museum
Through March 21
Kim Young-heon is holding a solo show at Sungkok Art Museum. Visit www.sungkokmuseum.com.
Bahk Zong-sun Solo Exhibition
Gallery Seomi
Through March 19
Unique designs by Bahk Zong-sun are on display. Bahk was one of the Korean artists that Gallery Seomi took to 2009 Design Miami. Visit www.seomituus.com or call (02) 511-7305.
Accumulated Traces
Yoon Kalim is holding a solo exhibition at Gallery Factory, as part of the “2010 Factory Emerging Artist Show.” Visit www.factory483.org.
Excavation & Discovery
Shinhan Gallery
Through Feb. 27
Shinhan Gallery is kicking off its 2010 Shinhan Young Artist Festa with an exhibition by Jung Hye-sook. The exhibition’s title, “Excavation & Discovery,” refers to the artist’s fascination with pottery works and the use of found pottery fragments in the artwork. Visit www.shinhanmuseum.co.kr or call (02) 722-8493.
Oh! Masterpieces
Gyeonggi Museum of Modern Art
The museum is showing its newly acquired artworks and collections in its first exhibition of the year. Among the 58 acquisitions are works by Korean artists Suh Se-ok, Lee Sang-nam, Bae Young-hwan and Cho Sung-mook. The museum is located in Ansan, Gyeonggi Province. Call (031) 481-7000.
New Painting Exhibition
Urban Art
Through March 10
Kwon Ki-soo, known for the quirky colorful Dongguri character, is unveiling new works at his show at Urban Art, Sinsa-dong, Gangnam. Visit www.urbanart4u.com or call (02) 511-2930.
Korean Folktales Tiger and Magpie Exhibition
Pyeongchang Art
To welcome the Year of the Tiger, Pyeongchang Art has organized an exhibition of paintings featuring tigers and magpies. Admission is free. Call (02) 3216-0034.
Blossoms in Roppongi
Gallery Godo
Japanese artists Teruyo Yamamoto, Taeko Maezawa, Shinpei Okawa and Chino Sakamoto are participating in this group exhibition at Gallery Godo, Susong-dong, Jongno. Visit www.gallerygodo.com.
Family Musical “The Wizard of Oz”
Woongjin Think Big Art Hall
The Wizard of Oz becomes a children’s musical combined with Nanta performance. See what happens to Dorothy and her friends with the Wicked Witch of the West and Oz. Tickets cost from 30,000 to 50,000 won. Visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 738-8289. Located near from Seollueung Station on subway Bundang line.
Czech Puppet Play Don Giovanni
Hoam Art Hall
March 17- 21
Czech puppet play “Don Giovanni” will come to Korea this March with its original casts. Tickets cost from 20,000 to 50,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 338- 3513. Located near exit 9 of Seoul City Hall Station on subway line 1 and 2.
Cinderella
War Memorial of Korea
The story of Cinderella is remade as a children’s musical, featuring songs and choreography that are easy to follow. All tickets cost 15,000 won. Visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 322-4111. Located near exit 12 of Samgakji Station on subway lines 4 and 6.
Fan Yang’s Bubble World
Daon Hall, Myungbo Art Hall
The world’s famous bubble show performance is on stage at Myungbo Art Hall. Visitors can enjoy an 80-minute performance of amazing bubble magic and make bubbles themselves for free at the “Bubble Experience Zone.” All tickets cost 38,000 won. Visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 2263-9741~2. Located near exit 8 of Uljiro 3-ga Station on subway line 2 and 3.
Basketball
Saturday, Feb. 27
Samsung Thunders vs. KCC Egis
Jamsil Indoor Stadium at 3 p.m.
ET Land Elephants vs. Dongbu Promy
Incheon Samsan Indoor Stadium at 3 p.m.
Ulsan Mobis vs. SK Knights
Ulsan Dongcheon Stadium at 5 p.m.
Sunday, Feb. 28
Dongbu Promy vs. KCC Egis
Wonju Chiak Stadium at 3 p.m.
Daegu Orions vs. KT&G Kites
Daegu Indoor Stadium at 3 p.m.
LG Sakers vs. SK Knights
Changwon Indoor Stadium at 5 p.m.
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 at www.kra.co.kr.
Artists With Arario
Arario Seoul, Arario Cheonan
Works by artists such as Kang Hyung-koo, Shine Kong, Osang Gwon, Lee Hyung-koo, Leslie de Chavez and Tallur L.N are on display at both Arario Seoul (through March 31) and Arario Cheonan (through March 21). Visit www.arariogallery.com.
Earth, Water, Fire, Air
Atelier Hermes
Through March 28
Atelier Hermes’ first exhibition for 2010 features works by Kim Soo-ja. The gallery, located near Dosan Park, is open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., and closed on Wednesdays.
God Save the Mona Lisa
Plant Gallery
Six young artists ― Kwan Eun-ji, Kim Young-gle, Kim Un-seop, Lee Yun-ho, Cha Jeamin and Han Hye-mi ― are participating in this exhibition of modern conceptual art. The title of the exhibition is taken from Fantastic Plastic Machine’s song from its 2001 album “Beautiful.” Visit www.galleryplant.kr or www.normaltype.net.
Groove of Time
Hakgojae Gallery
Hakgojae Gallery highlights the “literature meets art” collaboration between writer Park Beum-sin and artist Ahn Jong-yuen. Visit www.hakgojae.com.
Ghost’s Spirit
One and J Gallery
Spanish artist Enrique Marty is bringing his watercolor works, paintings, sculptures and animated works to One and J Gallery, Gahoe-dong, Jongno-gu. Call (02) 745-1644 or visit www.oneandj.com.