The Octagon
Nonhyeon-dong
Near the New Hilltop Hotel in Nonhyeon-dong this club is notable for its stylish interior and elite clientele. The venue offers a club stage, lounge bar and dining area to satisfy any night out after work or on the weekend. Near exit 4 of Hakdong Station on subway line 7. For more information, call (02) 516-8847.
Club Volume
Itaewon
Offering a venue for specially-themed weekly events and world-class DJs, Club Volume is located in the Crown Hotel near Noksapyeong Station. Club Volume was listed by Time magazine among the “10 things to do in 24 hours in Seoul.” For more information, call 1544-2635.
Dojo
Kyoungridan-gil
Work hard, play hard, sleep later! Lying underground Noxa in the thriving Kyoungridan neighborhood, Dojo is the latest edition to the clubbing nightlife in Seoul. Popular local DJs offer nonstop tunes for energetic dancing until dawn with weekday drink specials and enthusiastic crowds of longtime expats. For more information, call (02) 790-1334.
W.E. Listen
Samcheong-dong
This cafe reinterprets traditional Korean desserts. The menu not only offers American-style coffee but also sweet potato, sweet bean latte, a “hotteok” pancake set, multi-grain lattes and more. The cafe is located near exit 1 of Anguk Station on subway line 3. For more information, visit www.westneast.co.kr or call (02) 739-0919.
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 waiting staff is attentive. The modern decor, floral touches and artistic ambience add to the dining experience. For more information, call (02) 749-0903.
Once in a Blue Moon
Apgujeong-dong
Once in a Blue Moon is one of the best known and well established jazz clubs in the city. It features live jazz sets from two different bands every night, usually starting at 7:30 p.m. It is located between the Hakdong intersection and the Galleria department stores in the posh district of Apgujeong-dong. For more information, call (02) 549-5490.
Naos Nova
Huam-dong
A wine bar and restaurant spread out on three floors called, Hell, Heaven and Earth with high ceilings and unique lighting, Naos Nova offers a “new sanctuary” of respite from hectic daily life in a hip and stylish setting. The owner speaks both French and English. Located in Huam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul. For more information, visit www.naosnova.com or call (02) 754-2202.
Platoon Kunsthalle
Platoon Kunsthalle is a cultural space offering various facilities, including a large, open hall, library lounge, art studios, and a bar and restaurant for multi-purpose events. It is open from Monday to Saturday from 11 a.m to 1 a.m. and DJ nights are on Thursday and Friday from 10 p.m. Located near exit 10 of Hakdong Station on subway line 7. For more information, visit www.kunsthalle.com.
Gachi
Salsa enthusiasts can dance the night away here. To get to Gachi, go to Apgujeong Station on line 3 and leave via exit 5. Gachi is open from Mondays to Fridays 6 p.m. to 12 a.m., Saturday and Sunday, 2 p.m. to 12 a.m. For more information, call (02) 540-7087.
Kyotofu
With a stark, modern interior and unique menu options made from tofu-based ingredients, this restaurant and sake lounge offers a casual dining experience. Fancy cocktails and delectable desserts are plentiful. For more information, call (02) 749-1488.
Noreum Machi: The K-WIND
Seoul Namsan Traditional Theater
Through Nov. 8
“Samulnori” (traditional Korean percussion performance) group Noreum Machi has performed in 60 cities since 1993. Noreum Machi originally means a player so skilled that no one would dare to play after them. With four main traditional Korean instruments ―“buk”or drum, “janggu” or hourglass drum, “kkwaenggwari” or small flat gong, and “jing” or large gong ― they perform their own pieces. Tickets cost 30,000 won. Located by exit 3 or 4 of Chungmuro Station, subway lines 3 and 4. For more information, call (02) 2261-0512 or visit sngad.sejongpac.or.kr/eng.
Cultural shows
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. Located near exit 3 of Chungmuro Station, subway lines 3 and 4. For more information, call (02) 2266-9101.
‘Trace Back’
Changdong Art Studio, National Museum of Contemporary Art
Through Nov. 25
Changdong Art Studio has been providing space for young artists so that they can concentrate on their creations since 2004. In this exhibition, “Trace Back,” 10 artists from Canada, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Turkey, India, Slovenia, and Ukraine who came to Korea through international exchange programs present their works to the public. For more information, call (02) 995-0995 or visit www.artstudio.or.kr.
Ibero ― American Art Fair Seoul
Seoul Arts Center*
Nov. 15-19
Ibero-American Art Fair Seoul 2012 is a specialized exhibition of the works of modern artists of Europe and Central and South America. About 130 artists from 15 countries including Spain, Portugal, Mexico, Venezuela and Cuba will be introduced. Tickets cost 5,000 to 10,000 won. For more information, call (02) 739-4333 or visit www.sac.or.kr.
Testing Testing 1.2.3: Selections from the SongEun Collection
SongEun Art Space
Through Dec. 11
In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the business firm Samtan, SongEun Art Space presents an exhibition solely devoted to acknowledging work by artists old and new. With two divisions in the exhibition, one is a selected collection of young Korean artists who were supported by SongEun in the past. The other consists of work by recognized and pivotal international artists from many genres in art. Admission is free. For more information, call (02) 3448-0100 or visit www.songrunartspace.com.
Modern Masterpieces from the Museum Collection: Poetry and Dreams
Deoksugung, National Museum of Contemporary Art
Through Dec. 2
The 1950s to the early 20th century was a period of extreme difficulty in Korea that was followed by massive improvements and transformation. The National Museum of Contemporary Art focuses on works by Korean artists who drew inspiration, hope and changes during this era of Korean adversity. The exhibition presents around 100 works by more than 50 artists. Admission is free. For more information, call (02) 2188-6114 or visit www.moca.go.kr.
Life: A User’s Manual
Culture Station Seoul 284
Through Nov. 4
“How does art create and change our life?” French author Georges Perec’s “La Vie Mode d’Employ” discusses the importance of design and life. The exhibition features more than 70 pieces of design, art, and architecture in relation to human life. Admission is free. For more information, call (02) 3407-3500 or visit seoul284.org.
Donghee Koo: Residency Artist
Doosan Gallery
Doosan Gallery presents Koo Dong-hee’s solo exhibition, which invites the audience to view her perception of uncertainty. Her works display contradictions and absurdities in her ordinary life, expressing her thoughts on art. Admission is free. For more information, call (02) 708- 5050 or visit www. doosangallery.com.
Choi Jae-eun: - verse
Kukje Gallery
Through Nov. 22
Choi Jae-eun, primarily based in Germany and Japan, is holding her first solo exhibition in five years. Choi was the first Korean artist to have a solo exhibition at the Hara Museum of Contemporary Art in Tokyo, Japan in 2010 and moved to Germany afterwards in an attempt to move into conceptual art. She has also worked with diverse mediums ranging from sculpture and installations to architecture, as well as photography, video and sound. Since moving to Berlin in 2010, she has been fascinated by large wide-open skies, and completed “Finitude,” a video that captures the movements of the night sky from dusk till dawn in real time. For more information call (02) 735-8449 or visit www.kukjegallery.com.
2012 Korea Artist Prize
National Museum of Contemporary Art
Through Nov. 11
Without a definite theme, “2012 Korea Artist Prize” presents artworks of four artists ― Gim Hong-sok, Moon Kyung-won and Jeon Joon-ho as a team, Lim Min-ouk and Yee Soo-kyung. Because the artists were asked to present any pieces they were able to manifest, the exhibition introduces works of four distinct themes; “Wrong Interpretations,” “Voice of Metatonia ― Two Perspectives,” “Constellation Gemini,” and “The Possibility of the Half.” Located near exit 2 of Seoul Grand Park Station on subway line 4. Tickets cost 5,000 won. For more information, call (02) 2188-6114 or visit
Anish Kapoor
Leeum Samsung Museum of Art
Through Jan. 27, 2013
Installation artist, Anish Kapoor’s first major museum show in East Asia is under way at the Leeum. Born in Mumbai, India in 1954, Kapoor started to showcase his works from the 1970’s in England. He is known for using a variety of materials in his work including paint, fiberglass, stone, PVC, stainless steel, wax and cement. In this exhibition, “Void,” large scale monochromatic works, and stainless-steel sculptures dominate. The exhibition is the first to occupy the museum’s entire exhibition space including the garden. For more information, call (02) 2014-6901 or visit leeum.samsungfoundation.org.
The Bull’s Eye: Folkert De Jong
Arario Gallery Seoul Samcheong
Through Dec. 9
Folkert De Jong is a sculptor and installation artist based in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. He expresses problems of humanity ― ranging from environmental problems and abuse of science to war and natural disaster ― using polystyrene and polyurethane. In his first exhibition in Korea, he will show 12 pieces including four new works. Admission is free. For more information, call (02) 723-6190 or visit www.arariogallery.com.
Garuya Garuya
COEX Artium
This children’s exhibition allows visitors to play with flour. Activities include baking bread, playing with utensils used for flour, making dough, drawing pictures using flour and more. Closed on Mondays and only children over 24 months are allowed. Tickets cost 17,000 to 23,000 won. Discounts are also available. For more information, call (02) 738-8289.
Cocomong Eco Park
The Cocomong Eco Park focuses on the importance of developing children’s senses so they can pay more attention to the world around them. Tickets cost 18,000 won for 24 months to 13 years old, and free for under 24 months. Located in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province. For more information, call 1661-0568 or visit www.cocomongecopark.com.
Football
Saturday, Nov. 3
Incheon Utd. vs. Seongnam FC
Tancheon Sports Complex at 3 p.m.
Pohang Steelers vs. Ulsan Hyundai FC
Ulsan Munsu Football Stadium at 3 p.m.
Gyeongnam FC vs. Jeju FC
Jeju World Cup Stadium at 3 p.m.
Sangju FC vs. Gwangju FC
Gwangju World Cup Stadium at 5 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 4
Suwon FC vs. FC Seoul
Seoul World Cup Stadium at 2 p.m.
Chunnam Dragons vs. Daegu FC
Daegu Stadium at 3 p.m.
Daejeon Citizen vs. Gangwon FC
Gangneung Sports Complex at 3 p.m
Busan Ipark vs. Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors FC
Jeonju World Cup Stadium at 5 p.m.
Volleyball
Kepco 45 vs. Samsung Bluefangs
Chungmu Gymnasium, Daejeon at 3 p.m.
Rush&Cash Dream 6 vs. Korean Air Jumbos
Dowon Gymnasium, Incheon at 2 p.m.
Women’s Basketball
Samsung Life Blueminx vs. KDB Life Winnus
Guri Indoor Gymnasium at 6 p.m.
Woori Bank Hansae vs. Samsung Life Blueminx
Yongin Indoor Gymnasium at 6 p.m.
Gwacheon Seoul Race Track
The Gwacheon Seoul Race Track holds races from 10:30 a.m. to 5:10 p.m., every Saturday and Sunday. Get off at Seoul Race course Station, subway line 4, exit 3. For more information, call (02) 509-1114 or visit www.kra.co.kr.