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 across from 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.
Korea Fantasy for Spring
KB Haneul Youth Theater, National Theater of Korea
Through March 26
The Korean National Dance Company presents “Korea Fantasy,” its representative repertoire. As an outstanding cultural product of the nation, “Korea Fantasy” shows the artistic beauty of Korean traditional dance both for foreigners and Koreans alike. Located near exit 6 of Dongguk Univ. station on subway line 3. Tickets cost 20,000 to 30,000 won. For more information, call (02) 2280-4114.
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
Through April 17
Seoul Namsan Traditional Theater presents the “Bukcheong Lion Dance” performance by the Mokhwa Repertory Company. This traditional theatrical play features 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
Through April 10
In celebration of International Women’s Day, a special exhibition of French artist Niki de Saint-Phalle and Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama is 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.
Henkel InnoArt Project
LOOP Alternative Space
Through May 4
“Henkel InnoArt Project” supports mid-generation artists between emerging and established artists and also global post promotions of innovation and art values. The project suggests a creative cooperation model which connects industry and art. Located near exit 4 at Hongik Univ. Station on subway line 2. Call (02) 3141-1377, 1075 for more information.
Carlos Amorales: Silent Films
Song-eun Art Space
Through May 21
Carlos Amorales from Mexico City, a versatile artist in the field of video animation, painting, drawing, sculpture and performance art is holding his first exhibition at Song-eun Art Space. He participated in the Berlin Biennale (2001) and Venice Biennale (2003) and his artwork has been exhibited in the Tate Modern (London), MoMA (New York) and Pompidou (Paris) among other galleries. Admission is free. Located near exit 11 at Cheong-dam station on subway line 7. Call (02) 3448-0100 for more information.
Unknown Signal
Gallery Hyundai
Through April 24
Catch and keep the moment of beauty as an eternal one. Key motives inspiring artworks on display in “Unknown Signal” are time, life, and human nature. The various artists reflect reality and existence by taking out poetic parts of the 21st-century modern people’s inner mind. Located near exit 5 at Gyeongbok Palace Station on subway line 3. Call (02) 519-0863 or (02) 519-0846 for more information.
Korean Rhapsody — A Montage of History and Memory
Samsung Art Gallery, Leeum
Through June 5
“Korean Rhapsody” displays an evocative collection of art and historical documents from the modern era. The works, consisting of two parts — Symbols of Modernity (1876-1945) and Unfamiliar Hopes (1945-2011) — show a broad range of work from traditional landscapes to portraits, photography and video. Ticket costs 4,000 to 7,000 won. Located near exit 1 at Hangangjin station on subway line 6. Call (02) 2014-6900 for more information.
The Exhibition of the Great Portraitist’s Work: Karsh
Sejong Museum of Art*
March 26-May 22
Renowned portraitist Yousuf Karsh’s works are coming to Seoul again after two years. This exhibition presents 100 carefully selected pieces of his work from 1930 to 1990. All are prints from original vintage film owned by the estate of Karsh, not digital printed work. This exhibition is based on three themes — portraits, hands and landscape. Ticket costs 6,000 to 9,000 won. Call 1544-1681 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.
Bernar Venet Paintings 1961-2011
Seoul Museum of Art
Through April 14
A retrospective of “Bernar Venet Paintings 1961-2011” presents a collection of art works by popular French artist Bernar Venet who covers paintings, sculptures, performances, photographs, and movies. Venet applies mathematics to his works above the expression of an artist’s abstract world. Located near exit 1 of City Hall station on Subway line 1. For free. Call 2124-8800 for more information.
H Box: Loops
Artsonje Center
Through May 1
The Artsonje Center is holding a special exhibition project supported and produced by Foundation d’Entreprise Hermes. Selected by curator Benjamin Weil, various single-channel video works are on view 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.
Chagall: Magician of Color
The exhibition, organized by HankookIlbo-The Korea Times Media Group, is displaying 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.
Cloud Bread in Playground
Sangsang-nanoom Theater
Through June 12
The bestseller fairy tale “Cloud Bread” is on stage in English. In this musical, children can listen to popular songs, such as “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star” and “Bingo.” Tickets cost 25,000 won. Located near exit 1 at Guro station on subway line 1. Call 1666-5795 for more information.
Guess How Much I Love You
Triangle Theater, Wonderspace in Daehangno
Based on the classic children’s book, the English musical takes the stage. It is a story — a tale of the reassuring bond of love between a parent and a child. 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 26
Jeonju KCC Egis vs. Seoul Samsung Thunders
Jeonju Indoor Stadium at 3:00 p.m.
Sunday, March 27
Wonju Dongbu Promy vs. Changwon LG Sakers
Wonju Chiak Stadium at 3:00 p.m.