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 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.
UNA
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 visit 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. 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 and 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
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. For more information, visit www.koreahouse.or.kr or call (02) 2266-9101. Located near exit 3 of Chungmuro Station, subway lines 3 and 4.
The Hall of Masters
Museum of Traditional Music, National Gugak Center
The National Gugak Center is holding the exhibition “The Hall of Masters” to present the “gugak” (traditional Korean music) spirit of human cultural assets. More than 30 relics, including traditional Korean instruments and costumes, are on display along with photos of 78 gugak masters, donated by their descendants and pupils. Call (02) 580-3130 for more information.
Morning of Samcheonggak
Samcheonggak
Through Dec. 31
A special morning concert featuring “gukak” (Korean traditional music) will be staged on the last Saturday of each month. A shuttle bus service will be provided near exit 1 and 6 of Anguk Station on subway line 3, and exit 4 of City Hall Station on subway line 1. Tickets costs 20,000 won. Call (02) 765-3700 or visit www.samcheonggak.or.kr for more information.
Jami
Ilhwa Dang, Samcheonggak
Through June 29
Samcheonggak is now presenting a premium lunch concert, titled “Jami,” which means both “healthy food” and “fun” in the Jeju dialect. Monday through Wednesday, Korean food and traditional tea are served after fusion music, dance and singing performances. Cost is 50,000 won. For more information call (02) 765-3208~9 or visit www.samcheonggak.or.kr.
Bukcheong Lion Dance
Seoul Namsan Traditional Theater
March. 18 - April 17
Seoul Namsan Traditional Theater will present the “Bukcheong Lion Dance” performance by the Mokhwa Repertory Company. This traditional theatrical play will feature live dances and vocals to heighten the dramatic effect. English and Japanese subtitles are available. Ticket costs 30,000 won. Experience programs for learning the Bukcheong Lion Dance will be every Saturday and Sunday. Located near exit 3 of Chungmuro Station on subway line 3. For more information, call (02) 2261-0516.
Unphotographable
Doosan Gallery
Through March 27
Artist Chung Hee-seung is holding a solo exhibition, titled “Unphotographable.” Capturing moments where the subject is engaged with internal or external conditions, her photographs of continuance mainly consist of the “Reading” and “Still Life” series. Located near exit 1,2 of Jongno 5-ga Station on subway line 1. Call (02) 708-5015 for more information.
Ladies of Legend: Niki de Saint-Phalle & Yayoi Kusama
Opera Gallery
March 10-April 10
In celebration of International Women’s Day, a special exhibition of French artist Niki de Saint-Phalle and Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama will be held in recognition of their contributions to the elevation of the status of women as female artists. They differ in nationality, but have in common sublimated personal pains and sorrows, translated into innovative and avant-garde styles of art. Located near exit 9 of Cheongdam Station on subway line 7. Call (02) 3446-0070 for more information.
Kwang-su, The Little Boy
Gallery Santorini Seoul
Through March 6
Throwing off his boy image as a pornography writer and obscene professor, Ma Kwang-su reveals himself as a man with a pure heart. More than 50 paintings will display his distinct aesthetic styles while describing the purest moments of his life. Located near exit 9 of Hongik Univ. Station on subway line 2. Call (02) 322-8177 for more information.
Eoullim (Harmony)
Gallery Palais de Seoul
Through March 20
Working through printmaking, drawing and painting together, artist Lee Ji-hae shows the harmonious beauty of moments when internal desires naturally join with public order in the external world. Located near exit 3,5 of Gyeongbokgung Station on subway line 3. Call (02) 730-7707 for more information.
My Father’s House
Artist Choi Soon-min adapts the leitmotif of house, giving warm and generous affection to contemporary men who are exhausted by the hypocrisy of today. Located near exit 3,5 of Gyeongbokgung Station on subway line 3. Call (02) 730 - 7707 for more information.
Authentic
16 Bungee, Gallery Hyundai
Using the technique of John Singer Sargen, a classic portrait painter, artist Kim Sung-yoon is showcasing his own archives of portraits of athletes shown in the early years of the Olympic Games. Located near exit 1 of Anguk Station on subway line 3. Call (02) 722-3503 for more information.
Hong Jung-hee
Gallery Hyundai
Showing her tenaciousness as an artist of Western painting who has consistently kept her unique style, Hong Jung-hee, called the alchemist of color, is holding a solo exhibition. Located near exit 2 of Apgujeong Station on subway line 3. Call (02) 519-0800 or visit www.galleryhyundai.com for more information.
Painters
PKM Gallery
Through March 11
Five artists (Chung Sue-jin, Lee Je, Lee Noo-ri, Ryu Sung-hun and Jon Widman) participate in a group exhibition focused on the reflection of the primordial nature of art. A total of 15 paintings show the result of artistic labor and sincerity. Located near exit 1 of Anguk Station on subway line 3. Call (02) 734-9467 for more information.
Neighboring Form
Dr. Park Gallery
Four Artists (Kwak Su-yeon, Kim Na-ri, Jo Jong-sung and Jimmy) are holding a group exhibition at the Dr. Park Gallery in Yangpyeong, Gyeonggi Province. Focusing on how dissimilar tendencies of thought can converge into one perspective, this exhibition is all about the gaps between artists and their paintings, sculptures and installations. Call (031) 775-5605 or visit www.drparkart.com for more information.
H Box: Loops
Artsonje Center
Through May 1
The Artsonje Center opens a special exhibition project supported and produced by Foundation d’Entreprise Hermes. Selected by curator Benjamin Weil, various single-channel video works will be shown in a collapsible screening space known as H Box, designed by architect Didier Faustino. Located near exit 1 of Anguk Station on subway line 3. For more information call (02) 794-1571 or visit www.artsonje.org.
Landscape Portrait
Kukje Gallery
Through April 7
Artist Moon Sung-sic holds his first solo exhibition. He portrays episodes of his private memories, experiences and surrounding landscapes with a delicate touch in drawings and new paintings. Located near exit 2 of Anguk Station on subway line 3. Call (02) 735-8449 for more information.
Chagall: Magician of Color
Seoul Museum of Art
The exhibition, organized by HankookIlbo-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 make their Asian debut. Located near exit 10 of City Hall Station, subway line 2. For more information, call (02) 2124-8800.
Guess How Much I Love You
Triangle Theater, Wonderspace in Daehangno
Based on the classic children’s book, the English musical takes the stage here. Annabelle Ambrose of “Misooda” acts as narrator. Tickets cost 30,000 won. Located near exit 1 at Hyehwa Station on subway line 4. Call 1544-6399 for more information.
Basketball
Saturday, March 5
Ulsan Mobis Phoebus vs. Changwon LG Sakers
Ulsan Dongcheon Indoor Stadium at 3:00 p.m.
Daegu Orions vs. Seoul SK Knights
Daegu Indoor Stadium at 3:00 p.m.
Seoul Samsung Thunders vs. Busan KT Sonicbooms
Jamsil Indoor Stadium at 5:00 p.m.
Sunday, March 6
Jeonju KCC Egis vs. Anyang KT&G Kites
Jamsil Student Gymnastic Stadium at 3:00 p.m.
WonjuDongbuPromy vs. Incheon Etland Elephants
WonjuChiak Stadium at 3:00 p.m.
Jeonju KCC Egis vs. Ulsan MobisPhoebis
Jeonju Indoor Stadium at 5:00 p.m.