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. Located near the main entrance of Hongik University. Call (02) 325-5715 or visit www.underlounge.kr.
Boutique Club 52
Itaewon
Once called Function inside Macaroni Market, Club 52 boasts a chic and modern interior with the DJ spinning the beats for the hippest crowd from the center of the dance floor. Featuring top DJs from both home and abroad, two bars inside the club serving the coolest cocktails including some made with Hendrick’s gin, and a high-class interior, Club 52 is always the place for good times.
Club Volume
Located in the Crown Hotel near Noksapyeong Station, Club Volume offers the finest venue for specially themed weekly events and talented international DJs for unforgettable nights of dancing and debauchery. Reborn after extensive renovations to maintain its reputation as 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 a posh restaurant, theater and club. Located in front of the 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 perform at the club. Call (02) 514-4311 for more information.
Cafe Mou
Sinsa-dong
This cafe has a rich ethnic interior that mixes inspirations from such places as Morocco and France. Its menu is limited, but features desserts. It is 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.
Berlin Cafe & Lounge
Almost hidden atop a hill at the mouth of Itaewon, this terrace with a view offers deliciously themed dinner platters, strong cocktails and DJs on the weekends. The kitchen is open late and the waitstaff is attentive. The modern decor, floral touches and artistic ambiance add to the dining experience. Call (02) 749-0903 for reservations.
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.
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 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.
Noxa Lounge
KyoungLiDan
A restaurant and bar serving home-style Italian cuisine along with basic cocktails, wine and a large selection of non-alcoholic drinks, Noxa offers the best patio seating in the neighborhood with a cosmopolitan flair. Call (02) 790-0776 for more information.
Gachi
Salsa enthusiasts can dance the night away here. To get to Gachi, get off at Apgujeong Line 3 and get out at Exit 5. After walking past six streets, look for the 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
Hongdae
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.
Naos Nova
Huam-dong
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.
Kyotofu
With a stark, modern interior and unique menu options with tofu-based ingredients, this restaurant and sake lounge offers a hip dining experience. Call (02) 749-1488 for reservations.
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.
Art Exhibitions
Josef Schulz ‘The Glory of Nature’
Gallery Lumiere
Through Jan. 8, 2012
Josef Schula, born in Poland of 1966, is a creative artist taught by Bernd & Hilla Becher who gave rise to revolutionary changes in German photographic history from striaght-shooting photography to experimental one. Schulz’s edited with both analog and digital methods. Tickets cost 5,000 won. Located near exit 7 of Gwanghwamun Station on subway line 5. For more information, call (02) 517-2134.
Where’s My Friend’s Home
Nam Seoul Museum of Art
Through Feb. 19
The exhibition, designed to give young audiences an opportunity to appreciate art in an easy and entertaining way during the winter vacation, aims to excite their curiosity towards the museum itself by turning into an imaginary space. The program consists of four parts: “Entering,” “Lingering,” “Being Lost” and “Meeting.” Located near exit 6 of Sadang Station on subway lines 2 and 4. Admission is free. For more information, call (02) 2124-8800 or 8924.
Kwon Ki-soo ‘Reflection’
Gallery Hyundai Gangnam Space
Through Dec. 31
The exhibition titled “Reflection Series” will shed light on new pieces created by artist Kwon Ki-soo, best known as the creator of the famous character “Dong gu ri.” Kwon has extended his artistic realm by focusing on illusionary images, utilizing painting, sculpture, video and installation art. Admission is free. Located near exit 2 of Apgujeong Station on subway line 3. For more information, call (02) 519-0800.
Zadok Ben-David ‘Blackfield’
Artclub 1563
Through Feb. 10
Israeli artist Zadok Ben-David has tried to visualize what he has observed in the world with careful consideration of nature and life, using his simple and unique methods. The artist tries to symbolize peace and humanism through his pieces contrasting between life and death. Admission is free. Located near exit 2 of Seocho Station on subway line 2. For more information, call (02) 584-5044.
Live Park 4D World Tour
KINTEX Ilsan
Through March 4, 2012.
KINTEXB will present lockbuster art “Live Park 4D World Tour,” a new genre of entertainment show. Audiences will be allowed to experience 4D imaginative world. The park consists of seven attractions including 360 degree screen and hologram performances. KINTEX is located in Ilsan, visit www.kintex.com/english/main.jsp for directions. Tickets cost 12,000 to 23,000 won. For more information, call 1566-1369.
The Masters
Opera Gallery
Celebrating the 4th anniversary since its grand opening, the gallery prepared an exhibition entitled “The Masters” to display the pieces of world-renowned artists in modern art history from post impressionism in the 19th century to modernism. Claude Monet, Marc Chagall, Pablo Picasso, Georges Braque, Raoul Dufy, Fernand Leger, Andy Warhol, Tom Wesselmann and Robert Indiana are featured. Admission is free. Located near exit 2 of Apgujeong Station on subway line 3. For more information, call (02) 3446-0070.
Tell Me Tell Me: Australian and Korean Art 1976-2011
National Museum of Contemporary Art
Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between Korea and Australia, this exhibition was designed in cooperation with the Museum of Contemporary Art in Sydney. Setting 1976 as the starting point for the exchange of artistic values between the two countries as four Korean artists participated in the 2nd Sydney Biennale and video artist Paik Nam-june visited Australia that year, the exhibition highlights the astonishing moments of modern art in either nation from then to today.
Over 130 pieces created by 47 Korean and Australian artists are on display. Tickets cost 5,000 won. Located near exit 4 of Seoul Grand Park Station on subway line 4. For more information, call (02) 2188-6000.
Memory My Mom
Goyang Oulimnuri
Through Feb. 22
The exhibition “Memory My Mom” expresses life in the ‘50s and ‘60s in Korea. Children can experience traditional activities such as making egg baskets. There is also a story telling session. Tickets cost 6,000 to 10,000 won. Located near exit 4 of Hwajeong Station on subway line 3. For more information, call (02) 512-2088.
Joris Laarman
Kukje Gallery
Through Jan. 20
Designer Joris Laarman, born in the Netherlands in 1979, will hold a solo exhibition in Korea for the first time. The artist is known for exquisite furniture design, such as the “Bone Chair” and the “Starlings table,” crafted in harmony with restrained lines and unprecedented shapes. Admission is free. Located near exit 1 of Anguk Station on subway line 3. For more information, call (02) 735-8449.
It’s My Home: Earth from Above
Seoul Museum of Art
Through March 15, 2012.
World’s famous aerial photographer Yann Arthus-Bertrand exhibits images of the Earth. He records the current situation and wants to tell the importance of preserving our land. The exhibition also shows moving images of the DMZ in Korea. Tickets cost 6,000 to 10,000 won. Located near exit 2 of City Hall Station on subway line number 2. Closed on every Monday. For more information, call (02) 3789-8696.
Karl Lagerfeld Photography Exhibition
Daelim Museum
Through March 18
Working as head fashion designer and creative director for Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld has expressed his artistic spirit in various sectors from photography to publishing and film. This exhibition will be a good opportunity to see his ability as a photographer covering a wide range of genres from portraits to architecture and scenery. Tickets cost 5,000 won. Located near exit 3 of Gyeongbokgung Station on subway line 3. For more information, call (02) 720-0667.
The Court Painters of Joseon Kingdom
Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art
Through Jan. 29
Focusing on the historical pieces of “Hwawon,” court-designated painters of the Joseon Kingdom (1392-1910), the exhibition aims to introduce the artists involved. The exhibition is divided into two sections: “The Court Painter’s Brush: Forming Royal Authority” and “The Court Painter’s Brush: Painting Joseon.” Tickets cost 7,000 won. An English translation service will be provided at 2 p.m. every weekend. Located near exit 1 of Hangangjin Station on subway line 6. For more information, call (02) 2014-6901.
TV Commune
Nam June Paik Art Center
Through Jan. 24
Considering the upcoming rapid changes in the media environment with the termination of analog broadcasting in 2012, this exhibition introduces works showing the influence of television in our lives and the concept of “interaction” that TV has been holding.” Including historical works by famous video artist Paik Nam-june (1932-2006), those of his contemporaries such as Dara Birnbaum and David Cronenberg will also be on display. Tickets cost 4,000 won. Located near exit 6 of Sinnonhyeon Station on subway line 9 (using bus number 5001, 5003). For more information, call (031) 201-8500.
Korea House 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.
Saturday Morning Concert with Tea ‘Morning of SamcheongGak’
SamcheongGak
SamcheongGak, a traditional Korean cultural venue established in 1972, has been holding regular morning concerts on the last Saturday of each month. Audiences can enjoy traditional Korean music with special seasonal Korean teas. Performer Moon Shin-won will be on stage on Dec. 31 to present her new works such as “Chungsanjigok,” “Chinginjigok” and “Samchungjigok.” Tickets cost 20,000 won. Located near exit 5 of Jonggak Station on subway line 1. A shuttle bus from subway stations to Samcheonggak is provided. For more information, call (02) 765-3700 or visit https://www.samcheonggak.or.kr.
Miso
Chongdong Theater
This Korean musical tells the romantic story of 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 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.
Kim Duk-soo’s Traditional Yeonhui Performance ‘Pan’
Gwanghwamun Art Hall
“Pan,” which opened in May 2008, is a traditional Korean 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.
Chocolate The Exhibition
V Gallery, Seoul Arts Center*
Through March 3, 2012
Targeting family audiences, the exhibition, reconstituted on the basis of the content of the Field Museum in Chicago, tries to deliver educational messages on everything about chocolate from its history to the production process and chocolatiers’ artistic works. Tickets cost 10,000 won. For more information, call (02) 585-9991.
Annie
Sejong Center for the Performing Arts*
Through Dec. 29
Presented by the Seoul Metropolitan Musical Theater, the musical “Annie” tells the story of an orphaned girl, who desperately waits for her parents with half of a heart-shaped locket. Tickets cost 30,000 to 70,000 won. For more information, call (02) 399-1114.
Cloud Bread
COEX Art Hall
Jan. 19 to March 4
Based on children’s best seller story book, musical “Cloud Bread” will be performed at the COEX Art Hall. Tickets cost 25,000 won. For more information, call 1544-1555.
Basketball
Saturday
Dec. 31.
Anyang KGC vs. Seoul Samsung Thunders
Anyang Indoor Stadium at 3 p.m.
Seoul SK Knights vs. Ulsan Mobis Phoebus
Seoul Jamsil Student Gymnasium at 3 p.m.
Jeonju KCC Egis vs. Goyang Orions
Jeonju Indoor Gymnasium at 5 p.m.