Underlounge Seoul
Hongdae or Hongik University Area
This is the local club of a hip Japanese chain that also has a branch 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. Visit www.ohoo.net.
Club Volume
Itaewon
Located in the Crown Hotel near Noksapyeong subway station Club Volume offers the finest venue for specially themed weekly events and talented international DJs for unforgetable nights of dancing and debauchery. Reborn after extensive renovations to maintain its reputation of a quality club with a superior sound system, luxurious setting and stylish people Club Volume was listed by TIME magazine among the 10 things to do in 24 hours in Seoul. Call 1544-2635 for more information.
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.
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.
UNA
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 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. For more information 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.
Pan: Kim Duk-soo’s Traditional Yeonhui Performance
Gwanghwamun Art Hall
“Pan,” which opened in May, 2008, is a Korean traditional performance expressing on stage a Korean clown’s joyful and pleasant emotions in harmony with traditional instruments, drama and circus acts. Since its first performance in 2008, the theater has prepared a new version of the show and opened it to the public in 2009. The second version is now being presented. Located near exit 1 of Gyeongbokgung Station, subway line 3. Tickets cost 30,000 to 50,000 won. For more information, call (02) 722-3416.
Miso
Chongdong Theater
This Korean musical, tells the romantic story a young couple in the Joseon Kingdom (1392-1897) falling in love with each other, describing the transformation of love as chronicling the four seasons and using Korean musical instruments and dance. The musical was created in 2008, and the second version has been running on the stage since 2010. Tickets cost 30,000 to 50,000 won. Located near exit 5 of Seodaemun Station, subway line 5. For more information, call (02) 751-1500.
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 ancestral 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.
Life Story
Gallery Sun Contemporary
Through July 31
Sculptor Kim Gyung-min focuses on the daily lives of ordinary people as the main subject of his artwork. This exhibit introduces 13 newly-created pieces reflecting the humorous aspects, delicacy and dramatic components of his work in detail. Admission is free. Located near exit 1 of Anguk Station on subway line 3. For more information call (02) 720-5789.
Beyond the Blue
Gallery Hyundai
Through Aug. 7
The exhibition displays various art pieces featuring the color blue. Visitors will have the opportunity to understand the unique color interpretation by Koreans. The works accentuate the metaphorical symbol and ideas of the many shades and hues of blue. Admission is free. Located near exit 5 of Gyeongbok Palace Station on subway line 3. For more information call (02) 734-6111.
Korea Philatelic Exhibition 2011
COEX Hall A
July 28-Aug. 1
The Korean postal service will hold its annual philatelic exhibition in order to introduce its history spanning 127 years and promote the historical value of Korean stamps. This exhibition will provide an interesting opportunity to learn how to collect stamps. Admission is free. Located near exit 5 or 6 of Samseong Station on subway line 2. For more information, call (02) 6000-1076.
Master of Optic Artist Cruz-Diez
Dream Forest Arts Center
Through Sept. 13
The artistic pieces created by Cruz-Diez, a world-famous Venezuelan kinetic and op artist, are displayed under the theme of “color in space and time of light.” The center opens three galleries to the public to view his huge art pieces, which were creatively born after a lengthy search for aesthetic points of color and light. Tickets cost 5,000 to 8,000 won. Located near exit 2 of Miasamgeori Station on subway line 4. For more information, call (02) 2289-5401.
Isabelle Huppert: Woman of Many Faces
The Museum of Photography
Through Aug. 13
This exhibition displays the portrait photographs of Isabelle Huppert, a French actress known for winning two awards at the Cannes Film Festival, taken by over 70 world-famous artists, including Robert Frank and Nan Goldin. Cheon Kyung-woo, a Korean photographer, visited Paris to take her portrait photos and contribute them to this exhibition. Tickets cost 12,000 won. Located at exit 2 of Mongchontoseong Station on subway line 8. For more information, call (02) 418-1315.
See, Show & the Windows
Ilmin Museum of Art
Through Aug. 14
Focusing on the idea that the show windows of stores on the street trigger human desire in contemporary society, the museum exhibits several art pieces composed of visual materials existing around us. From the exterior of a building to the interior of a hospital, the exhibition focuses on the external visual elements dominating our ordinary life. Located near exit 5 of Gwanghwamun Station on subway line 5. Admission is free. For more information, call (02) 2020-2060.
Giant Elephant
Gong Art Space
Over 80 art pieces created by Indian contemporary artists, from T.V. Santhosh to Dileep Sharma, are on display. Reflecting the current boom of Chindia (China + India) and the rapid growth of their economies, Indian art has received attention throughout the world. It provides a meaningful opportunity to understand Indian culture and society through the country’s contemporary art. Located near the exit 3 of Jonggak Station on subway line 1. For more information, call (02) 790-1144.
Spacing: Xavier Veilhan Exhibition
Ilju & Seonhwa Gallery
Through Aug. 18
Veilhan, a French artist, tries to explore the abyss and essence of human existence via his art work utilizing the elements of straight lines, geometrical figures, minimalism and mass production. Located near exit 6 of Gwanghwamun Station on subway line 5. For more information, call (02) 2002-7777.
The First Tripitaka Exhibition
Horim Museum
Through Sept. 30
Celebrating the 1,000th anniversary of publication of the First Tripitaka, the museum, known for owning the largest collection of around 100 pieces of the First Tripitaka, displays a series of Tripitaka Koreana in order to demonstrate the excellence of Korean historical artifacts and culture. Audiences will be able to have the opportunity to understand the wisdom of Korea’s past generations. Tickets cost 5,000 to 8,000 won. Located near exit 3 of Apgujeong Station on subway line 3. For more information, call (02) 541-3523.
American Art
National Museum of Contemporary Art (Deoksu Palace)
Through Sept. 25
For the first time in Asia, 87 artworks by 47 artists owned by Whitney Museum of American Art are on display. By looking at American contemporary art, people can understand American culture and society. There are special programs such as a lecture, seminar and conversation with a curator. Tickets cost 12,000 won. Located near exits 1 and 12 at City Hall Station on subway lines 1 and 2. For more information call (02) 2188-6069, 6070.
Dreams Come True
Hangaram Design Museum, Seoul Arts Center*
The Art of Disney’s classic fairy tales is exhibited at the Seoul Arts Center. The exhibition presents the great legacies of Walt Disney artists, including Mary Blair, Glen Keane and Eyvind Earle, and features over 600 artworks representing some of the most beloved animated films. Tickets cost 10,000 to 14,000 won. For more information call (02) 795-2011~2.
Touch Me
Daerim Contemporary Art Museum
The Daerim Contemporary Art Museum is holding Juergen Teller’s photography exhibition “Touch Me.” The exhibition features Teller’s personal story as well as photos of celebrities and models. His philosophy of photography makes life’s daily moments special and catches the ordinary lives of supermodels and celebrities. Tickets cost 2,000 to 5,000 won. Located near exit 4 at Gyeongbok Palace Station on subway line 3. For more information call (02) 720-0667.
2011 Musee d’Orsay — Reve et Realite
Hangaram Art Museum, Seoul Arts Center*
This exhibition includes the masterpieces from Van Gogh’s “La Nuit Etoilee, Arles” which is being shown for the first time in Korea and other famous artworks from Paul Cezanne, Paul Gauguin, Claude Monet, Edgar Degas, Auguste Renoir and Pierre Bonnard from the Musee d’Orsay collection. Tickets cost 5,000 to 12,000 won. For more information (02) 325-1077.
Richard Gere ‘Pilgrim’ Photo Exhibition
V-Gallery, Seoul Arts Center*
Through July 24
Actor Richard Gere has for many years found spiritual solace and guidance in Tibetan Buddhism. The “Pilgrim” exhibition is composed of 64 photographs capturing Tibet, its people, and its community. For more information call (02) 355-4486.
Siegfried
Seoul Arts Center*
Through July 10
The Korea National Opera is staging the children’s opera “Siegfried,” based on Wagner’s “The Ring of the Nibelung.” For the first time the troupe has condensed the 17-hour-long original story, which inspired the film franchise “The Lord of the Ring,” into a 100-minute piece. Tickets cost 20,000 to 50,000 won. For more information, call (02) 586-5363.
Baseball
Saturday-Sunday, July 9-10
Lotte Giants vs. SK Wyverns
Munhak Baseball Stadium at 5:00 p.m.
Nexen Heroes vs. Hanwha Eagles
Daejeon Baseball Stadium at 5:00 p.m.
Doosan Bears vs. Samsung Lions
Daegu Baseball Stadium at 5:00 p.m.
KIA Tigers vs. LG Twins
Jamsil Baseball Stadium at 5:00 p.m.