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.
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.
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.
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 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 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 for more information.
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 for more information.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Folk Performances
Korea House
Open Run
Korea House regularly holds a series of traditional performances featuring dance, “pansori” (Korean opera) and more. Tickets cost 50,000 won. The venue offers various hands-on activities such as making kimchi. Visit www.koreahouse.or.kr or call (02) 2266-9101. Located near exit 3 of Chungmuro Station, subway lines 3 and 4.
Gonggam
Hanuri Theater, Bupyeong Art Center
Jan. 29, 2011
Ahn Sook-sun and Kim Duk-soo, the representative musicians of “pansori” (traditional Korean song) and “samulnori” (traditional percussion), come together to stage a “gugak” (traditional music) performance with Hanoolim Art Company. Tickets cost 25,000 to 30,000 won. Located near exit 2 of Baegun Station on subway line 1. Call (032) 500-2000 or visit www.bpart.kr for more information.
World Stars In Contemporary Art
Hangaram Art Museum, Seoul Arts Center* (See venues on previous page for more information)
Through Feb. 25, 2011
An exhibition presents more than 200 pieces of great modern artists from Louise Bourgeois to Damien Hirst, as chosen by the international art magazine “Parkett.” Various experiential rooms, gallery talks, and modern art lessons are planned for children and students. Tickets cost 8,000 won for adult and 4,000 won for students. For more information call (02) 580-1609.
Kim Jin-chul ‘Island’
Dr. Park Gallery
Through Jan. 16, 2011
Kim Jin-chul is holding a solo exhibition at the Dr. Park Gallery in Yangpyeong, Gyeonggi Province. Kim is consumed by subjects that lend themselves to photorealism, with landscapes, young women with tousled blond hair and a sense of being at odds with Eastern tradition. Call (031) 775-5600 or visit www.drparkart.com for more information.
Kim Duk-ki ‘My Home’
Gallery Hyundai
Through Jan. 23, 2011
Kim Duk-ki opens his first solo exhibition in two years, focusing on themes of “The Peaceful Hearth” and “Home.” About 40 new paintings are displayed with more than 50 ceramic art works, showcasing the artist’s career. Located near exit 2 of Apgujeong Station on subway line 3. Call (02) 519-0800 or visit www.galleryhyundai.com for more information.
1st Public Discourse Sphere
Gallery Loop
Through Feb. 6, 2011
Gallery Loop presents its first public discourse exhibition focused on the “Aftereffects of Neo-liberalism.” Yangachi, AES+F, Rho Jae-oon, Daniel Beerstecher and various artists from all over the world participate in this exhibition themed on social and political issues. Located a 10-minute walk from exit 4 of Hongik Univ. Station on subway line 2. Call (02) 3141-1377 for more information.
Park Seo-bo
Kukje Gallery
Through Jan. 20, 2011
This exhibition highlights 40 years of Park Seo-bo’s artistic career, with a special focus on his “Ecriture” period and “Esquisse” drawings. More than 50 works are on display in both of the gallery’s spaces, establishing the artist’s historical importance and innovative techniques. Located near exit 1 of Anguk Station on subway line 3. Call (02) 735-8449 or visit www.kukjegallery.com.
Da Vinci, the Genius
The War Memorial of Korea
Through Feb. 27, 2011
A number of Leonardo Da Vinci’s famous inventions and artworks, as well as 25 interesting facts about the Mona Lisa, are on display. And audio guide system is available in English and special events will be held throughout the exhibition. Tickets cost 12,000 won for students and 15,000 won for adults. Located near exit 11 and 12 of Samgakji Station on subway line 6. Call (02) 541-3150 or visit www.davincithegenius.com for more information.
Happiness
Mongin Art Center
Five domestic artists (Kang Seok-ho, Kim Yun-ho, Suh Dong-wook, An Jung-ju and Choi Ki-chang) gather for this group exhibition that suggests new approaches in their dealings with reality. A variety of mediums is explored, such as paintings, photos, video images and installations. Located near exit 1 and 2 of Anguk Station on subway line 3. Call (02)736-1446~8 or visit www.mongin.org for more information.
Cuba, Ultrasonic Blind Antenna (C.U.B.A)
Sungkok Art Museum
Park Hwa-young is holding his last invitation exhibit at Sungkok Art Museum for 2010, titled “C.U.B.A.” This complex media project is not directly related the Central American country, but was inspired by Cuba’s colonial past and revolutionary spirit. Tickets cost 5,000 won for adults and 4,000 won for Students. For more information, call (02) 737-7650. Located near exit 7 of Gwanghwamun Station, subway line 5, or exit 7 of Gyeongbok Palace Station, line 3.
Seo Eun-ae
16 Bungee, Gallery Hyundai
Through Jan. 2
Seo Eun-ae is showcasing oriental paintings in her solo exhibition. The artist reconstitutes mankind’s conventional thoughts on Utopia in a modern way, via traditional ink-and-wash painting techniques. New works are displayed through portable mini landscape paintings and artwork in mother-of-pearl. Located near exit 1 of Anguk Station on subway line 3. For more, call (02) 722- 3503.
Hundertwasser
Hangaram Design Museum, Seoul Arts Center*
Through March 15, 2011
Friedensreich Hundertwasser, known for building the hobbit town in the “Lord of Rings” trilogy, is holding a special exhibition in his first display in Korea. More than 60 original paintings and eight construction models, original graphics and tapestries are on display. The architect, artist and environmentalist will donate three percent of all general admission fees to the World Vision organization. For more information, call (02) 545-3944.
Picasso and Modern Art
National Museum of Contemporary Art, Deoksu Palace
Through March 1, 2011
The Albertina Museum Collections from Vienna are on loan to the National Museum of Contemporary Art for an exhibition of classic work ranging from Picasso to Miro, Chagall to Kandinsky. The four-part showcase divided into four segments explores 121 paintings, sculptures and drawings, providing an exploration into the major Western art movements of the 19th and 20th centuries. General admission is 11,000 won; located behind Deoksu Palace in downtown Seoul. For more information, visit www.moca.go.kr or call (02) 2188-6069.
Robert Delpire and His Friends
Hangaram Art Museum, Seoul Arts Center*
Through Feb. 27
More than 300 pieces by the world’s top photographers “discovered” by French publisher Robert Delpire are on display in Korea in the first world-tour exhibition featuring the likes of Henri Cartier-Bresson and Helmut Newton. More than 150 photo books, four short films and 185 prints delineate Delpire’s influential 60 years in the art field. General admission is 10,000 won. For more information, call (02) 710-0765 or visit www.delpirekorea.co.kr (Korean only).
Chagall: Magician of Color
Seoul Museum of Art
Through March 27, 2011
The exhibition, organized by Hankook Ilbo-The Korea Times Media Group, will display some 160 masterpieces by Marc Chagall. The full seven-piece series comprising his decorations in Moscow’s Jewish Theater will make their Asian debut. Located near exit 10 of City Hall Station, subway line 2. For more information, call (02) 2124-8800.
Jung Marie’s Jeongga, Yee Soo-kyung’s Devotion
Arko Art Center
Arko Art Center presents installation artist Yee Soo-kyung’s special exhibition, alongside performances by Jung Marie — which inspired Yee. A meeting of the visual and aural arts will be a sight to see. “Jeongga” performances are held Fridays to Sundays. General admission for the exhibition is 2,000 won, performance tickets are 10,000 won for performance. Located near exit 2 of Hyehwa Station on subway line 4. Call (02)760-4850 for more information.
Manga Realities
Artsonje Center
Through Feb. 13, 2011
Nine popular manga artists are featured in this spatially-designed exhibition that reflects the artistic potential of the medium. Organized in collaboration with art groups from Japan, Korea, Australia and the Philippines, the exhibition will travel to each respective country. Located near exit 1 of Anguk Station on subway line 3. Call (02)733-8945 or visit www.artsonje.org.
Less and More: The Design Ethos of Dieter Rams
Daelim Contemporary Art Museum
Through March 13, 2011
The legendary industrial designer Dieter Rams and his team is showcasing more than 400 works, including design products, models, sketches and video images. A special seminar with the famed Braun designer will be held Saturday at the KT Olleh Square, central Seoul. Located near exit 4 of Gyeongbokgung Station, subway line 3. For more information, visit www.daelimmuseum.org or call (02) 720-0667.
The Merchant of Venice
M Theater, Sejong Center for Performing Arts*
One of Shakespeare’s major plays “The Merchant Of Venice” is on stage in Seoul Metropolitan Theater’s second Shakespeare series for children. American director Shira Milikowsky will give special lectures on the play. Tickets cost 20,000 to 30,000 won. For more information, call (02) 399-1136~7, or visit www.seoultheater.com.
The Snowman
Hoam Art Hall*
Through Jan. 9, 2011
This family musical is a seasonal treat presenting various “wow factors,” including snowfalls inside the theater, a flying boy and even a surprise appearance of the Snowman dressed in traditional Korean costume “hanbok.” The Korean show is the world’s first licensed performance outside the United Kingdom edition. Tickets cost 35,000 to 55,000 won. Call (02) 3274-8600.
Basketball
Saturday, Jan. 1, 2011
Daegu Orions vs. Seoul Samsung Thunders
Daegu Indoor Stadium at 3 p.m.
Seoul SK Knights vs. Incheon Etland Elephants
Seoul Student Gymnasium at 3 p.m.
Jeonju KCC Egis vs. Seoul Samsung Thunders
Ulsan Dongchun Stadium at 5 p.m.
Sunday, Jan. 2, 2011
Seoul Samsung Thunders vs. Changwon LG Sakers
Jamshil Indoor Stadium at 3 p.m.
Busan KT Sonicbooms vs. Wonju Dongbu Promy
Busan Indoor Staduim at 3 p.m.
Incheon Etland Elephants vs. Anyang KT&G Kites
Incheon Indoor Stadium at 5 p.m.