Club Answer
Cheongdam-dong
Equipped with state of the art sound and lighting, Club Answer is the foremost venue for electronic music in Seoul. Located in front of Hotel Prima in Cheongdam-dong, the club offers world class DJs in an extensive space with modern décor for a memorable dance experience. Visit www.clubanswer.co.kr for more information.
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.
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. 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 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 3 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.
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 for more information.
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. 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.
Piece
Noam Gallery
Through Aug. 22
Kim Myeong-beom reaches out to capture his environment to close the gap between people and their surroundings. His oddly tranquil works are sure to instill a sense of reflection and introspective wonder. Located on Insa-dong’s main road near Jongno 3-ga Station, subway line 3. For more information, visit www.noamgallery.com (Korean only).
Earth Report
Gallery Hyundai 16 Bungee
Through Sept. 19
Artist Zin Ki-jong explores his passion for the earth by examining environmental problems through dioramas. Located in Samcheong-dong, near Anguk Station exit 1, subway line 3. For more information, visit www.16bungee.com.
Survival
Namu Artist’s Book & Space
Through Aug. 30
Sung Byung-hee explores themes of humanity with his haunted paintings, depicting the pained expressions of the impoverished. Located near exit 6 of Anguk Station on subway line 3. For more information, call (02) 722-7769 (Korean only).
The Logger
Dukwon Gallery
Yoon Ji-hyun uses a multitude of technical equipment _ from hacked printers to micro-controllers and motors _ to interpret various scores of information into artwork. Located in the middle of Insa-dong, near exit 6 of Anguk Station, subway line 3. For more information visit www.dukwongallery.co.kr (Korean only).
Nomadic Party
Arko Art Center
Through Sept. 5
Twenty-six artists from 14 countries have gathered for this large scale exhibition that examines relationships between the environment and society. Installations, screenings and performances also expand to the next door Marronnier Park for an immersive experience. Located near exit 2 of Hyehwa Station on subway line 4. Visit www.arkoartcenter.or.kr for more information.
The Dirt of Life, the Life of Dirt
Tongin Gallery
Through Aug. 25
Ki Dong-kyu brings his fourth solo exhibition to the gallery, exploring the cycle of life: Dust to form, form to dust. In abstract sculptures, his ruminations on existence and the importance of such a small particle will catch the eye. Located in Insa-dong, near exit 6 of Anguk Station, subway line 3. For more information visit www.tongingallery.com (Korean only).
Broken Whole
Michael Schultz Gallery
Through Aug. 29
Yee Sook-yung works in ceramic sculptures, pieced to form complete wholes from broken bits. The beautifully crafted art comprised of found refuse, epoxy and gold leaves is sure to catch eyes. Located near exit 9 of Cheongdam Station on subway line 7. Visit www.schultzgallery.co.kr.
Soso Landscape
Ryugaheon
This exhibition by photographer and documenter Lee Han-koo showcases a variety of landscapes, desolate and lonesome. Located near exit 4 of Gyeongbokgung Station, line number 3. Visit www.ryugaheon.com.
Islets of Aspergers
Doosan Gallery
Through Aug. 26
Choi Xoo-ang brings his sculptures of commentary to the public in a solo exhibition. The artist delves into the world of the oppressed, showing the modern man’s inner frustrations in a physical manner. Located near exit 1 of Jongno 5-ga Station on subway line 1. Visit www.doosangallery.com.
My Life as a Flower
Salon de Flore
Through Aug. 28
Shim Ah-bin brings her unique self-portraits to the floral shop of Park Sa-im. Pairing artwork with fresh flowers, this unique exhibition analyzes the parallels between flowers and the human life cycle. The art space-shop is a place of interesting balance, bringing new meaning to the artwork it holds. Near exit 3 of Anguk Station, subway line 3. For more information visit https://blog.naver.com/saimiok or call (02) 745-5344.
2010 Hermes Foundation Missulsang
Hermes Atelier
Three artists are up for the 2010 Hermes Foundation Missulsang (``art award’’), to be picked at the end of their exhibition period. Park Ji-na, Bae Jong-heon and Yangachi are contending for the top prize of 20 million won, with their innovative perspectives on nature, layered perspectives and the media system. The gallery is located on the third floor of Maison Hermes Dosan Park, Sinsa-dong, near Apgujeong Station on subway line 3. Call (02) 544-7722.
Realism in Asian Art
National Museum of Art, Deoksu Palace
Through Oct. 10
Take a closer look at the history of realism in Asian art in this exhibition of 40 works from 10 countries. Malaysia to the Philippines, Indonesia to India are represented in these paintings. Located in Deoksu Palace, central Seoul. Visit www.asia.moca.go.kr or call (02) 2188-6000.
Observing Like Leonardo da Vinci
Savina Museum of Contemporary Art
Twelve domestic artists gather for this group exhibition that draws inspiration from Leonardo da Vinci’s penchant for scientific observation, breaking down barriers between image and language, personal and universal, illusion and truth. Located near exit 1 of Anguk Station on subway line 3. Visit www.savinamuseum.com.
The Shadow of Speech _ Collecion MACBA
National Museum of Contemporary Art Korea
Through 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.
Pop Art Superstar Keith Haring
SOMA Museum of Art
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.
Coca-Cola World
Coreana Art & Culture Complex
Through Sept. 12
A collection of more than 390 pieces of Coca-Cola memorabilia and knick-knacks are currently occupying the open gallery space of Coreana. From packaging designs from Manolo Blanik and Karl Lagerfeld, the items on display are sure to amaze and impress. Located near exit 3 of Apgujeong Station, subway line 3. Visit www.spacec.co.kr.
Photo Project from Seoul, New York to Munich
Gallery Palais de Seoul
This group exhibition featuring Dieter Kunz, Oliver Greim, Lim Taek and more combines an array of surreal and fantastical, new media images. Located near exit 4 of Gyeongbokgung Station on subway line 3. Visit https://blog.naver.com/palaisdes (Korean only).
Speculations By 3 Artists
Galeria Bellarte
Through Aug. 31
American urban impressionist Miguel Paredes, Peuvian abstract artist Antonio Maro and Paraguayan realist Hernan Miranda are collaborating for a group exhibition that showcases their unique culture’s styles. Located between Gyeongbokgung and Anguk Stations on subway line 3. Visit www.bellarte.co.kr for more information.
Next Wave
Samwon Paper Gallery
Through Aug. 27
This exhibition of design works allows visitors to explore the various worlds of student-made typography. Located near exit 1 of Gunja Station on subway lines 5 and 7. Visit www.papergallery.co.kr (Korean only).
SBS Play-Science Exhibition
Exhibition Hall 2, KINTEX
An excellent playground for kids, the exhibition is divided into two parts. In the Car-Science zone, kids can learn car safety and experience driving. 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.
Wow Photo Experience
Hangaram Design Museum, Seoul Arts Center*
This exhibition enables children to learn about everything related to photography and film. Kids will be able to explore the world of micro- and 3D pictures and get to take pictures for themselves. Tickets cost 22,000 won. For more information, call (02) 6935-0505 or visit www.wowphotoex.com.
Saturday, August 21
Doosan Bears vs. Lotte Giants
Sajik Stadium at 5 p.m.
SK Wyverns vs. Hanwha Eagles
Hanbat Stadium at 5 p.m.
Samsung Lions vs. KIA Tigers
Gwangju Moodeung Stadium at 5 p.m.
Nexen Heroes vs. LG Twins
Jamsil Stadium at 5 p.m.
Sunday, August 22
Gwacheon Seoul Race Track
The Gwacheon Seoul Race Track holds races every day 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