Underlounge Seoul
Hongdae or Hongik University Area
This is the local club of a hip Japanese chain that’s also 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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. Do-rags, dreads and baseball caps turned sideways can be spotted here. 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.
Club FF
This live music venue features all kinds of music. Depending on the night, they feature funk, punk, rock or pop. Club FF 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 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.
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.
Happiness for Daily Life
Design Cafe
Through Nov. 14
Renowned British designers worked with traditional Korean craftsmen to provide a space for all creative minds to collaborate, explore and network in Gongju, Chungcheong Province. Michael Marriott, Anthony Burrill, Linda Brothwell, Fabien Cappello and Kim Paik Sun have transformed the Gongju town center into a Design Cafe, sponsored by the City of Gongju, the British Council, The Korean National University of Cultural Heritage and Hzone. For more information visit https://blog.naver.com/bcculture.
1st Project of Now―in―Seoul
Gahoedong 60
Through May 31
Four creative talents in design, installations, photography and language are brought together in this exhibition that aims to take visitors through the city with new eyes. Hosted by Artsum, Gahoedong 60, the Institute for Korean Historical Studies, Seoul Metro and the Seoul Design Center, the exhibition is located near Anguk Station on subway line 3, exit 2. Call (02) 3673-0585.
Volume Tower
Gallery Hyundai Gangnam Space
Through May 30
Kim Sung-ho presents his first solo exhibition since his debut in Daegu in 2008. Towering oil paintings made up of books, miniature figures, toys and other items comprise this unique exhibition at Gallery Hyundai Gangnam Space. Located at Apgujeong Station on subway line 3, a 15 minute walk from exit 2. Visit www.galleryhyundai.com.
Emerging Wave
Hangaram Art Museum, Seoul Arts Center
Through May 23
The ASEAN-Korea Centre is hosting its annual contemporary photo exhibition. Featuring 27 artists from 11 countries, the show brings together diverse backgrounds to show the evolution of contemporary art within Southeast Asia and Korea. The Seoul Arts Center is located near exit 5 of the Nambu Terminal Station on subway line 3. Visit www.sac.or.kr or www.aseankorea.org.
Memoryscape
Arko Art Center
Through June 27
Take a walk down memory lane with the collections of 80 people and eight artists. A cornucopia of items makes up this exhibition of personal collections ― each of which have been formed over the course of at least 10 years. Hosted by Arts Council Korea and the Arko Art Center, Memoryscape will feature such artists as Yoon Jeong-jee and Kim Yoon-ho. Arko Art Center is located near exit 2 of Hyehwa Station on subway line 2. Admission is free. Visit www.arkoartcenter.or.kr.
Soft Landing
Sun Gallery
May 26-June 8
American artist Lisa Vershbow showcases her latest jewelry and work in a solo exhibition. Pieces range from necklaces and brooches of delicate metalwork, to paper clothing and hanging quilts. Sun Gallery is located in Insa-dong, Anguk Station exit 6 on subway line 3. The gallery is right after the Insa-dong intersection; visit www.sungallery.co.kr.
Walk with You
Gallery Em
Through June 12
Jeanie Lee presents her second solo exhibition with paintings and mixed media works depicting people of simple lines, strong colors and solid palettes. Gallery Em is located near exit 2 of Apgujeong Station on subway line 3. Call (02) 544-8145 or visit www.galleryem.co.kr.
Animal Theater of Joy, Anger, Sorrow and Pleasure
Gallery Chezart
Through May 25
Artist Kim Hee-jeong brings a solo exhibition depicting the grief and joy of birds. Gallery Chezart is located at Yangjae Station on subway line number 3. Visit www.blog.naver.com/gchezart for more information (Korean only).
Cupiditas
Brain Factory
A solo painting exhibition by Ryu Noah focuses on the conflicts of human psychodrama on desire. The Brain Factory, a non-profit exhibition space, is located in Tongui-dong, Jongno-gu, near Gyeongbok-gung Station on line number 3. Call (02) 725-9520 for more information.
Under the Coral-like Blue Concrete
Factory Gallery
May 26-June 20
Vicky Sungeun Kim, an artist educated at both Columbia University and the University of London, brings her newest sculptural-installation pieces to Seoul. Factory Gallery is located in Jongno-gu. Visit www.factory483.org.
Dream in Dream
Uijeongbu Arts Center
Through May 29
An exhibition showcasing 10 famous foreign artists and 58 local artists is opening at the Uijeongbu Art Center. Artists include Joan Miro, Andy Warhol, and Lee Suk-ju. The center is located a 15-minute walk away from Uijeongbu Station on subway line 1, exit 2. Visit www.uac.or.kr.
First Decade
Seoul Museum of Art
The Seoul Museum of Art and Gwangju Museum of Art present an exhibition in five parts to commemorate the first 10 years of the century. The Seoul Museum of Art is located behind Deoksugung Palace at the City Hall Station on subway lines 1 and 2.
Alice in Picture Book Land
Neverland Museum in the Heyri Artists’ Village
Through June 30
The Neverland Museum has collaborated with nine local and foreign artists to bring an exhibition as eccentric and charming as Alice in Wonderland. The Heyri Artists’ Village is located in Paju. Take subway line 2 to Hapjeong Station, exit and take bus 2200 to the city. Visit www.heyri.net for more information.
White Light Black Water
Gwangju Museum of Art
Through June 6
To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Gwangju Democratization Movement, the Gwangju Museum of Art will feature works from Hong Sung-dam, a representative artist of the era. Older and new pieces created in the past decade will be shown at the museum’s Sangrok Gallery. Call (062) 613-7100.
American Artistamps
Jay Gallery, Na Gallery
Through June 1
Stamp collecting is an international hobby, transcending all cultural borders to record history and personal evolution. In this exhibition, American artists bring together their works: fake postage stamps that tell their own tales. Both galleries are located in Insa-dong, near Anguk Station on subway line 3. Visit www.jaypia.com for more information.
The Moon Is the Oldest Clock
National Museum of Contemporary Art
Through July 4
Eleven artists bring together their latest works in a new exhibition by the National Museum of Contemporary Art in Gwacheon. Visit www.moca.go.kr.
Harmony
N Gallery
Three international artists collaborate to bring a new exhibition to Seoul. Kim Byung-jong of Korea, Akiyama Jun of Japan and Lee Sun-don of Taiwan will showcase works at N Gallery in Bundang, Gyeonggi Province. Visit www.ngalleryart.com or call (02) 7430-3323.
Eye Trace
Doosan Gallery
Through June 17
Lee Hyung-gu is opening a solo exhibition at Doosan Gallery. The venue is located in Jongno-gu. Visit www.doosangallery.com.
Seed Bank
Seo Gallery
Kim Chun-hee, Park Hyeon-jin, Shin Soo-jin and Jeong Chan-boo are collaborating on an abstract, contemporary art show. Seo Gallery is located in Seocho-gu; call (02) 522-5618.
Night
Kukje Gallery
American artist Jack Pierson brings his latest found-art word sculptures to Seoul. Kukje Gallery is located in Jongno-gu; visit www.kukjegallery.com.
Comic Book Showcase
Coreana Museum of Art
Kim Sang-ha’s personal collection of comic books offers a rare peek into the Japanese subculture in the 8th open gallery of the Coreana Museum of Art. More than 3,000 books will be presented at the exhibition, sure to pique the interest of everyone. The museum is located in Sinsa-dong, Gangnam. Visit www.spacec.co.kr.
Domestic Era
Gallery Sun Contemporary
Through June 5
Shin Dong-won presents a solo exhibition of his porcelain relief works on domestic life. Gallery Sun Contemporary is loacted in Insa-dong; take subway line 3 to Anguk Station, exit 6. Visit www.suncontemporary.com.
Images of Korean Motifs
Book Sadang Gallery
Sangmyung University is hosting 19 artists in their exhibition “Images of Korean Motifs.” The event will be held at the main university library. Call (02) 2287-7026.
Pink City
Gallery Root
Kim Boo-yeong brings another solo exhibition to Seoul this spring. Kim spent several years living and presenting her art in Paris, France. The exhibition focuses on her works depicting children. Visit www.galleryroot.co.kr.
Fart King Ppwung Ppwung
Seoul Kyoyuk Munhwa Hoekwan Theater
EBS program “Fart King Ppwung Ppwung,” becomes a children’s musical featuring fun songs. Tickets cost from 25,000 to 45,000 won. Call (02) 501-7888. Located near exit 7 of Yangjae Station on subway line 3.
A Dwarf Who Loved Snow White
Prime Art Hall, Shindorim
Through July 25
First performed in May 2001, the play has continued to be popular showing. Based on a Disney Movie “Snow White” but slightly dramatized for more fun. Tickets cost 33,000 won each and for a family of four, 90,000. Call (02) 2111-1146. Located near exit 2 of Shindorim Station on subwan line 1 and 2.
Baseball
Saturday, May 21
Doosan Bears vs. LG Twins
Jamsil Stadium at 5 p.m.
Hanhwa Eagles vs. SK Wyverns
Daejeon Baseball Stadium at 5 p.m.
KIA Tigers vs. Nexen Heroes
Gwangju Baseball Stadium at 5 p.m.
Lotte Giants vs. Samsung Lions
Sajik Baseball Stadium at 5 p.m.
Sunday, May 22
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.