Around Town 2

The Octagon

Nonhyeon

Near the New Hilltop Hotel in Nonhyeon, 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.

Once in a Blue Moon

Apgujeong

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 Galleria department stores in the posh district of Apgujeong. For more information, call (02) 549-5490 or visit www.onceinabluemoon.co.kr.

Club Answer

Cheongdam

Club Answer, chosen as one of the five hottest clubs in Seoul by CNN, provides a spacious interior and brilliant lighting systems, with world renowned DJs filling the stage. Club Answer is located in the classy area of Cheongdam, a district known to lead the party culture of Seoul. Located near exit 13 of Cheongdam Station on subway line 7. For more information, call (02) 514-4311 or visit www.clubanswer.co.kr.

Club Ellui

One of the largest clubs in Asia and located under Hotel Ellui, world-class DJs such as Alex Kenji and Ferry Corsten feature in weekend lineups. Located near exit 13 of Cheongdam Station on subway line 7. For more information, call 1577-9669 or visit www.ellui.net.

Luv Superlounge

Nestled in the heart of Itaewon, Luv Superlounge offers a wide selection of drinks, and a solid sound system with resident DJ AndiNuman from New Zealand. Located near exit 1 of Itaewon Station on subway line 6. For more information, call (02) 794-8898 or visit ko-kr.facebook.com/luvsuperlounge.

Club Double Eight

Sinsa

Opened in 2010, Club Double Eight takes clubbing to a whole new level. Located in Gangnam, it provides diverse hotel promotions and features weekend lineups with global DJs. Located near exit 1 of Sinsa Station on subway line 3. For more information, call (02) 543-8803 or visit cafe.naver.com/doubleeight.

Club Mute

Club Mute is a boutique club with exquisitely designed decorations and a custom-tailored sound system. Located near exit 1 of Itaewon Station on subway line 6. For more information, call (02) 796-6853 or visit www.clubmute.com.

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 through 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, call (02) 3447-1191 or visit www.kunsthalle.com.

Dojo

Work hard, play hard, sleep later! Lying underground Noxa in the thriving Kyonggridan 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.

‘ImHeon-jung and the National Orchestra of Korea'

National Theater of Korea

April 17

ImHeon-jung, the leading figure in classical music in Korea, will be conducting the National Orchestra of Korea in a special concert at the National Theater of Korea on April 17. This will mark Im's first, and hopefully not last, attempt to lead a Korean traditional orchestra, a performance that will also incorporate instruments and compositional themes from Western orchestral tradition. Indeed, such an arrangement is especially fitting, given the program they have planned. Im and the orchestra will lead off the night with an invigorating rendition of "My Beautiful Country" by Kang Joon-il, a piece written specially for the National Orchestra and which pays homage to the natural and majestic splendor of Korea. The performance will proceed with Estonian composer's Arvo Part's "Fratres," featuring Korean violinist BaekJoo-young on the violin, "Heaven" by Jung Il-Ryun, and finally conclude with the quintessential Korean tune, "Arirang." Ticket prices range from 20,000 to 50,000 won. For more information, call (02) 2280-4114 or visit

www.ntok.go.kr.

‘Kim Ji Won: Accumulation'

Kim Chong Yung Museum

Through April 22

The Kim Chong Yung Museum will hold a special exhibition of Korean artist Kim Ji-won's work from Feb. 27 to April 22. Although Kim Chong-yung is primarily regarded as a trailblazer of modern Korean abstract sculpture, he also devoted much of his life to the growth and expansion of Korean art education, spotting and nurturing promising young artists and presenting them with a conspicuous platform from which to showcase their work. The museum has honored his enduring legacy since 2004 by selecting emerging talents and hosting an annual exhibition of their work so far. This year, the honoree is none other than Kim Ji-won, who works exclusively with wine bottles and glassware and fire to create haunting works of art. Admission is free. Located near exit 2 of Gwanghwamun Station on subway line 5. For more information, call (02) 3217-6484 or visit kimchongyung.com.

‘Hanjin Shipping: The Box Project 2015'

National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Seoul

Through Sept. 13

The National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art in Seoul is holding a special exhibition for the annual "Hanjin Shipping Box Project" through Sept. 13. Installations by Argentine conceptual artist Leandro Erlich, "Port of Reflections," will be displayed. Located near exit 2 of City Hall Station on subway line 1 and 2. Tickets cost 4,000 won. For more information, call (02) 3701-9500 or visit www.mmca.go.kr.

‘Artist's Portfolio'

SAVINA Museum

Through June 6

Following the museum's successful pilot project last year, the SAVINA Museum will be holding its second "Artist's Portfolio" from March 18 to June 6. Unlike other exhibitions, which only display the final product, the organizers of "Artist's Portfolio" showcase the in-house painters and designers' entire portfolio, thus allowing visitors to view and fully experience the strenuous and visceral process by which each participant was able to arrive at his or her art. Through this rather revolutionary approach, one can attempt to delve into each artist's mind and understand his or her artistic philosophy, as opposed to merely scratching at the proverbial surface. Tickets cost 3,000 won for adults and 2,000 for children. Located near exit 1 of Anguk Station on subway line 3. For more information, call (02) 736-4371 or visit www.savinamuseum.com.

‘Magnum's First'

The Museum of Photography, Seoul

April 4-Aug. 15

To herald in the 130th anniversary of bilateral relations between Korea and France in 2016, a retrospective photography exhibition will be held at the Museum of Photography from April 4 to Aug. 15. Organized in part by Magnum Photos, one of the world's most eminent photography agencies, "Magnum's First" will feature photo-essays composed of original black and white vintage prints shot by the eight iconic photojournalists featured: Henri Cartier-Bresson, Marc Riboud, IngeMorath, Ernest Haas, Jean Marquis, Werner Bischof, Robert Capa and Erich Lessing. Located near exit 2 of Mongchontoseong Station on subway line 8. For more information, call (02) 0418-1315 or visit www.photomuseum.or.kr.

Mark Rothko

Seoul Arts Center*

Through June 28

The Seoul Arts Center will be holding an exhibition of the work of abstract expressionist painter Mark Rothko in southern Seoul from March 23 to June 28. This exhibition is not only a fortuitous occasion to view and admire Mark Rothko's multi-form paintings, but also an examination of the intersection of Steve Jobs and Mark Rothko, two dominant figures in their respective fields. In his final year of life, Steve Jobs became rabidly inspired by Rothko's philosophy of simplicity: expressing the complex and chaotic in simple terms. The exhibition is divided into multiple parts, all of which are dedicated to celebrating Rothko's influential working philosophy. Tickets cost 15,000 won for adults, 10,000 won for adolescents, and 8,000 for children. For more information, call (02) 532-4407 or visit covana.co.kr.

‘Special Exhibition of Donated Works of Jung Tak-young'

National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Deoksugung

The National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art is currently showcasing a special collection of works by Korean artist Jung Tak-young at its Deoksugung branch through June 28. Jung Tak-young is widely regarded as Korea's expert in abstract ink paintings, an art form he has labored over since the beginning of his distinguished and illustrious career. The exhibition is divided into four separate sections, each dedicated to works created during a specific time in Jung's life, and stands as a singular opportunity for visitors to vividly visualize the dynamic evolution of Jung's aesthetic approach. Admission is free. For more information, call (02) 2022-0600 or visit www.mmca.go.kr.

‘Illusion and Fantasy'

Through May 6

An exhibition featuring 30 items, such as paintings, dioramic models and sculptures exploring the penultimate question of life and fantasticality will be held at the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art in Seoul from Feb. 10 to May 6. The seven participating artists tackle this abstruse but critical subject through diverse mediums of artistic expression, which serves as a testament to the limitless possibilities and diversity of contemporary art. Tickets cost 4,000 won. Located near exit 1 of Anguk Station on subway line 3. For more information, call (02) 3701-9500 or visit www.moca.go.kr.

Kathe Kollwitz

Seoul Museum of Art

Through April 19

The Seoul Museum of Art is currently holding an exhibition of Kathe Kollwitz's work, with some 56 of her original charcoal drawings on display. During her lifetime, Kollwitz, a noted German painter, printmaker and sculptor of the early twentieth century, dealt with visceral social and political issues through her art by examining the poignant dichotomy of the common man's perpetual social suffering and the pristine veneer of Germany's rapid industrialization. The exhibition is divided into two parts, the first gallery of which details the life of the working class prior to 1914, while the latter gallery, focusing on post-First World War Germany, contains drawings depicting the utter savagery of war. Located near exit 1 of City Hall Station on subway line 1. Admission is free. For more information, call (02) 2124-5269 or visit www.sema.seoul.go.kr.

‘Park Hyunki 1942-2000: Mandala'

National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Gwacheon

Through May 25

A retrospective exhibition posthumously honoring Park Hyun-ki, unanimously regarded as the father of video art in Korea, is being held at the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art in Gwacheon through May 25. Throughout his relatively short career, Park distinguished himself from his contemporaries with his innovative interpretation of video as an artistic medium. Park's work is characterized by his singularly remarkable ability to blend old and new, Western and Eastern artistic traditions seamlessly and harmoniously. Located near exit 2 of Seoul Grand Park Station on subway line 4. Tickets cost 2,000 won. For more information, call (02) 2188-6000 or visit www.mmca.go.kr.

‘The Subtle Triangle'

Through May 10

The Seoul Museum of Art is currently holding an exhibition featuring the works of three representative artists of Northeast Asia ― Korea, China, and Japan ― titled "The Subtle Triangle" through May 10 as a thematic expansion of a day-long colloquium the museum hosted in November of last year. In recent years, diplomatic relations among the three states have become increasingly strained as a result of differing perspectives on their shared history. Rather than focusing on the contentious and inflammatory facet of present day politics, however, the three artists, each of whom are considered to stand at the forefront of their generation ― Yangachi, Meiro Koizumi and Xu Zhen ― have shifted their agenda to that of regional development and collaboration, and by extension cultural exchanges. Admission is free. For more information, call (02) 2124-8934 or visit sema.seoul.go.kr.

Simon Morley ‘Kiss Me Deadly'

Gallery Baton

Through April 11

Gallery Baton hosts Simon Morley's solo exhibition through April 11. Devotees of the Golden Age of Hollywood are sure to recognize the exhibition's title, which pays homage to Robert Aldrich's 1955 film noir of the same name. At first glance, however, nothing could seem further from the mysterious allure of 1950s Hollywood than the seemingly one-note paintings on display. Yet upon closer examination, Morley's intention of analyzing the intersection between film and text becomes a little clearer. In one piece, the kiss scene from the aforementioned film can be detected beneath copious amounts of paint, while another appropriates the title card itself, allowing it to seep through the surface. As such, the various texts and images come together to form a bemusing yet mellifluous whole. Located near exit 1 of Apgujeong Station on subway line 3. For more information, call (02) 597-5701 or visit gallerybaton.com.

‘Archive Story: Kim Dal-jin and Art '

Kimdaljin Art Archives and Museum

Through May 31

Windy City will hold a concert with saxophonist Shin Hyun-pil at KT&G Sangsang Madang Live Hall on Nov. 30. / Courtesy of Windy City

The Kimdaljin Art Archives and Museum is holding an exhibition of artifacts dating back to a bygone era in Korean art, and by extension, social history through May 31. Founded in 2008, the Kimdaljin Art Archives and Museum is famed for being the first official museum dedicated solely to the meticulous preservation and cataloguing of historically significant documents and artworks. Visitors will be able to look at more than 250 relics from Korea's vibrant past, ranging from pamphlets and leaflets to art history textbooks. For more information, call (02) 730-6216 or visit www.daljinmuseum.com.

‘When Everyday Reveals Itself Out of the Blue'

Gallery White Block

Through April 26

“Puberty” by Hi Kyoung is currently on display at Gallery White Block as part of the museum’s exhibition entitled “When Everyday Reveals Itself Out of the Blue” through April 26. Courtesy of Gallery White Block

Gallery White Block is currently holding an exhibition entitled "When Everyday Reveals Itself Out of the Blue" through April 26. The exhibition, which features the eclectic works of Lee Woo-lim, Lee Chae-young, Hi Kyoung, and Hwang Seon-tae, four dominant actors in the domestic contemporary art scene, builds upon the bewildering premise of the unanticipated and unforeseen in life ― events or moments that unexpectedly affect one's life, for better or worse: the "out of the blue" facet of the showcase. In addition, visitors will benefit from scores of copious notes, drawings and other such materials that inspired each artist's flow of ideas that are on display alongside the artists' respective final artwork. For more information, call (031) 992-4400 or visit www.whiteblock.org.

‘Gwanmool: A Way of Seeing’

The National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art is currently holding an exhibition titled “Gwanmool: A Way of Seeing” through June 28 at its Deoksugung branch. The overarching theme of the exhibition revolves around the proverbial “artist’s gaze” of early Korean modern art, which broke from traditional art in terms of not only observing objects or nature, but also trying to capture the indiscernible essence of the subject and extract a greater, more profound meaning. The exhibition is divided into four parts, all of which represent the gradual progression of the Korean modern artist’s study of and approach towards art. Admission is free. For more information, call (02) 2022-0600 or visit www.mmca.go.kr.

‘Ici, Con-tinuer’

Kim Joong-up Museum of Architecture

The Kim Joong-up Museum of Architecture is currently holding an architecture exhibition through May 10 in collaboration with the French Embassy, French Cultural Center and Architecture Association in Seoul. / Courtesy of the Anyang Foundation for Culture & Arts

The Kim Joong-up Museum of Architecture is currently holding an architecture exhibition through May 10 in collaboration with the French Embassy, the French Institute and Architecture Association in Seoul. No words can adequately explicate the massive influence architect Kim Joong-up has had on the development of Korean modern architecture. While already established in Korea as a professor at the Department of Architecture in Seoul National University, Kim decided to further hone his art under the invaluable tutelage of the father of modern architecture himself, Le Corbusier. The five prolific years Kim spent in Paris are manifested in what is largely considered to be his iconic masterpiece, which deftly combines elements of both traditional Korean and modern French architectural properties: the French embassy in Seoul. Given the above, the primary mission of the exhibition aims to further consolidate and enhance the Franco-Korean connection in the spirit of Kim’s artistic approach. The exhibition is divided into three parts, each focusing on the notion of temporal, human, or artistic continuity, respectively, and will feature over 200 works, including haphazard sketches, models, and photographs, of multiple artists, both French and Korean. Tickets cost 2,000 won for adults, and 1,000 won for Anyang residents; admission is free for children below 3 and senior citizens over 65. For more information, call (031) 687-0909 or visit www.ayac.or.kr.

Bill Viola

Kukje Gallery

Through May 3

The Kukje Gallery will hold Bill Viola's third solo show at the gallery through May 3. Viola is a contemporary American video artist, considered a leading figure in the medium of video. This exhibition will consist of seven individual video installations that serve to examine and raise critical questions concerning the abstract concept of time. Furthermore, visitors will have the opportunity to view Bill Viola's works that were created between 2005 and 2014. Located near exit 1 of Anguk Station on subway line 3. For more information, call (02) 735-8449 or visit www.kukjegallery.com.

‘Objectology II: Make'

The National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art is currently holding an exhibition at its Gwacheon branch through June 28 as a follow-up of another show back in 2014. While "Objectology I: Design and Art" focused on the viewer's attention on the norms and values by which objects become privatized, "Objectology II: Make" aims to place the emphasis more on the correlation of the pragmatic or practical objects and people. By showcasing the works of visual artists, whose work depends upon such a relational framework, visitors can witness such interplay at hand. Admission is free. Located near exit 4 of Seoul Grand Park Station on subway line 4. For more information, call (02) 2188-6000 or visit www.mmca.go.kr.

‘Space Life'

Ilmin Museum of Art

Through May 17

The Ilmin Museum of Art is holding its first exhibition of 2015, entitled "Space Life," through May 17. Centering on NASA images borrowed from the organization's archives, the exhibition also features more than 30 pieces of different contemporaryartists' interpretations of outer space. Tickets cost 4,000 won for adults and 3,000 won for students, including university students. Located near exit 5 of Gwanghwamun Station on subway line 5.For more information, call (02) 2020-2050 or visit ilmin.org.

‘Millet, Barbizon & Fontainebleau'

Seoul Olympic Museum of Art

The Seoul Olympic Museum of Art is holding a retrospective exhibition of work by French realist painter Jean-Francois Millet, celebrating the 200th anniversary of his birth, from Jan. 25 to May 10. The exhibition features painting collections from the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston including his four masterpieces: "The Sower," "Potato Planters," "Harvesters Resting (Ruth and Boaz)," and "Young Shepherdess." Located near exit 1 of Mongchontoseong Station on subway line 8. Tickets cost 8,000 won for children, 10,000 won for students under 18, and 14,000 won for adults. For more information, call 1588-2618 or visit www.milletseoul.com.

The Children's Museum

National Museum of Korea

Open Run

The Children's Museum run by the National Museum of Korea provides an opportunity for children to see the lifestyles of Koreans in the past. The museum also exhibits duplicated versions of Korea's national treasures, which visitors can touch. In the "hands-on" activity room, children can play traditional Korean music instruments. Located near exit 2 of Ichon Station, subway line 4 and Jungang Line. Admission is free. For more information, visit www.museum.go.kr.

Gwacheon National Science Museum

Gwacheon, Gyeonggi Province

The museum has revamped its programs, highlighted by a wider variety of natural history items such as dinosaurs and also items on space technology. Located near exit 5 of Seoul Grand Park Station, subway line 4. Tickets cost 2,000 won for children and 4,000 won for adults. For more information, call (02) 3677-1500 or visit www.sciencecenter.go.kr.

Men's Basketball

Friday, Apr. 3

*No matches scheduled

Saturday, Apr. 4

WonjuDongbuPromy vs. Ulsan Mobis Phoebus

Wonju Sports Complex at 4 p.m.

Sunday, Apr. 5

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 Racecourse Park Station, subway line 4, exit 3. For more information, call (02) 509-1114 or visit www.kra.co.kr.