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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Apgujeongdong
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. 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.
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 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 on subway lines 3 and 4.
Repeat Offender
Kukje Gallery
Through Aug. 5
American artist Aaron Young uses an edgy mix of art and wealth (burnt rubber and gold) to create unique installation art. The internationally known artist also does performance art, including dangerous motorcycle stunts. Kukje Gallery is located near Samcheong-dong, a 15 minute walk from exit 1 of Anguk Station, subway line 3. For more information visit ww.kukjegallery.com.
2010 MBC Trick Art
Kintex Ilsan
Through Aug. 20
Tired of boring 2D art that doesn’t move a la wizarding world? A new exhibition showcases 160 works of 3D artististic parodies of some of the field’s biggest names: Van Gogh, Monet, Klimt and Rembrandt. Each work is a play on perspective, distance and reflections. Kintex is located in Ilsan, visit www.kintex.com/english/main.jsp for directions.
Bauhaus and Modern Classic ― SABO Collection
PKM Trinity Gallery
Through July 20
Take a step into another world with this exhibition that brings together the famous design work of Charles and Ray Eames, Egon Eiermann, Fritz Hansen and more. Located in Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam; visit www.pkmgallery.com.
Private Chorus
Gallery Loop
Through July 31
Indulge in performance art through Yasuto Masumoto, who explores human sounds and cultural boundaries in this video archive of his work. Do not miss the raw emotion both emitted from the performances and emanating from viewers. Located near exit 5 of Hongik University on subway line 2. Visit www.galleryloop.com.
Men Over Flowers
Gallery Hyundai Gangnam Space
Through July 11
Renowned Korean artist Julie Hwang brings her witty paintings in this solo exhibition that combines the animated with the real. Located near exit 2 of Apgujeong Station on subway line 3. Visit www.galleryhyundai.com for more information.
Pop Art Superstar Keith Haring
SOMA Museum of Art
Through Sept. 5
The largest exhibition of Keith Haring’s works in Korea opens to present roughly 150 pieces to the public. Take the time to check out the influential New York artist on the 20th anniversary of his death. Tickets cost 10,000 won; visit www.haring.co.kr.
Games of Desire
Mongin Art Center
Through July 25
Renowned Iranian artist Shirin Neshat opens her first solo exhibition in Korea with video installations showing male and female performers reciting traditional courtship songs. The Mongin Art Center is located in Samcheong-dong, near Anguk Station exit 1, subway line 3. Visit www.mongin.org.
Man Ray’s Photography & His Heritage
Seoul Museum of Art
Through Aug. 15
The works of renowned photographer Man Ray will be on display alongside 47 Korean artists in this expansive exhibition. Located behind Deoksugung Palace near City Hall Station on subway lines 1, 2 and 5. Visit www.seoulmoa.seoul.go.kr.
I don’t let you down
Pool
This dual exhibition by Lee Je and Aesop combines installations with paintings inside the unique art-centered space of “Pool.” Located in Gugi-dong; visit www.altpool.org for more information (English and Korean).
Capture the Moment
Hangaram Design Museum, Seoul Arts Center
Through Aug. 29
A collection of all the Pulitzer Prize winning photographs have been gathered right here in Seoul. Take a step through time and stroll from 1942 to 2010 in this moving exhibition. Located a 15-minute walk from exit 5 of Nambu Bus Terminal on subway line 3. Visit www.sac.or.kr.
Beyond XYZ
Insa Art Space
Through July 24
Kim Si-nae opens a solo exhibition of 3D work that integrates the surreal and fantastic in his animation, from floating plates to reflective sculptures. Located near exit 3 of Anguk Station on subway line 3; visit www.insaartspace.or.kr.
Le Ville Redieuse
Gmigrami Gallery
Through July 30
Kim Hee-soo brings new mixed-media works in a solo exhibition that showcases a collage of colors and forms. The show is being organized in collaboration with Hzone. The gallery is located near the Galleria department store in Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam. Visit www.hzone.com.
Moon Zone
Art+Lounge Dibang
The inaugural exhibition of this new art space opens to feature a range of artists. From video installations to paintings, a diversity of art can be seen. Located north of Seoul. Visit www.dibang.org.
Proklamasi!
Watergate Gallery
Through July 10
Five talented artists from Indonesia are brought together in this group exhibition. Each with a distinct style, the five featured offer a look into contemporary art from the country. Located near exit 1 of Hakdong Station on subway line 7. Visit www.watergate.co.kr.
Books Meet Art
Keumsan Gallery, Heyri Artists’ Village
Jayne Dyer, Hwang Seon-tae and Kim Ji-hae are holding a group exhibition of their photography, sculpture and paintings in this new exhibition. The Heyri Artists’ Village is located in Paju. Take subway line 2 to Hapjeong Station and take bus 2200. Visit www.heyri.net for more information.
Abstract Touch
Opera Gallery
Through July 14
Iceland’s Oli G. Johannsson and China’s Wang Yehan unite in a joint exhibition of west meets east at Opera Gallery. Located near Cheongdam Station on subway line 7, exit 9. Visit www.operagallery.com for more information.
Facade
Michael Schultz Gallery
Through Aug. 1
The internationally-known Roland Fischer brings his geometric works to Seoul in a solo exhibition. Located near exit 2 of Apgujeong Station on subway line 3. Visit www.schultzgallery.co.kr.
Eye of Beholder
Doosan Gallery
Through July 22
Lee Sang-won opens a solo exhibition of his paintings that feature the varied figures of people on vacation. Doosan Gallery is located near exit 1 of Jongno 5-ga Station on subway line 1. Visit www.doosangallery.com for more information.
La Sombra de Habla, Collecion MACBA
National Museum of Contemporary Art Korea
July 13-Oct. 3
To celebrate the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between South Korea and Spain, the MOCA Korea has teamed up with the Museu d’Art Contemporani de Barcelona for this special exhibition. A variety of 130 works will be showcased, including original pieces by Antoni Tapies and Rita McBride. Located a shuttle bus-ride away from Seoul Grand Park Station on subway line 4. Visit www.moca.go.kr/eng.
Companion Plant
Dr. Park Gallery
Delve into the relationships between man and plant in this four-person group exhibition that features Jung Chan-boo, Jang Jun-seok, Koh San-keum and Lee Hai Min Sun. Dr. Park Gallery is located in Yangpyeong, Gyeonggi Province. Visit www.drparkart.com.
Next Wave
Samwon Paper Gallery
July 10-Aug. 27
This exhibition of design works allows visitors to explore the various worlds of student-made publications. Located near exit 1 of Gunja Station on subway lines 5 and 7. Visit www.papergallery.co.kr (Korean only).
Smart Art
Savina Museum of Contemporary Art
July 21-Aug. 29
Twelve artists gather for this group exhibition that draws inspiration from Leonardo da Vinci and the Renaissance, providing new commentary on contemporary culture. Located near exit 1 of Anguk Station on subway line 3. Visit www.savinamuseum.com.
SBS Play-Science Exhibition
Exhibition Hall 2, KINTEX
Through Aug. 22
An excellent playground for kids, the exhibition is divided into two parts: The Car-Science zone and the Play Pump zone. In the Car-Science zone, kids can learn car safety and experience driving. The Play Pump zone offers a chance to learn the importance of the environment by bringing kids to an imaginary mysterious island in which extinct animals live. Tickets cost 13,000 won. For more information, call (02) 461-0283 or visit www.sbslovei.com. Located near exit 2 of Daewha Station line 3.
L’Enfant et les sortileges
Towol Theater, Seoul Arts Center*
July 10- 18
The Korea National Opera presents a fun opera for children, “L’Enfant et les sortileges” by M.J. Ravel. A mischievous boy destroys furniture while refusing to do his homework and the furniture’s revenge begins. The show will be filled with joy as chairs, alarm clocks move alive and fireflies and frogs talk. Tickets cost 10,000 to 50,000 won. For more information, call (02) 586-5282.
Baseball
Saturday, July 10
Hanwha Eagles vs. KIA Tigers
Gwangju Moodeung Stadium at 5 p.m.
Doosan Bears vs. LG Twins
Jamsil Stadium at 5 p.m.
SK Wyverns vs. Lotte Giants
Sajik Stadium at 5 p.m.
Samsung Lions vs. Nexen Heroes
Mokdong Stadium at 5 p.m.
Sunday, July 11
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.