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 and 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.

YeonDeung Hoe Festival

Along Jongno Street and in front of Jogye-sa Temple

May 15-17

In honor of Buddha's birthday, which falls on the eighth day of the fourth lunar month every year, the metropolitan city of Seoul will be hosting the YeonDeung Hoe Festival, commonly translated as the Lighting Lantern or Lotus Lantern Festival, from May 15 to 17. The YeonDeung Hoe Festival dates back to the early years of the Silla Dynasty and has remained an invaluable fixture in Korean artistic tradition. The Korean government certainly seems to think so; in 2012, the YeonDeung Hoe Festival was designated as Korea's Important Tangible Cultural Heritage No. 122. The festivities will be spread out over three days, and visitors from all over the world will be able to enjoy various events in between, from the Buddhist Cheer Rally and the Lantern Parade to lively cultural performances and more hands-on activities. Admission is free. For more information, call (02) 2011-1744 or visit www.llf.or.kr.

‘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, 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

Through 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 photo journalists 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 in Seoul 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.

‘Hwang Gyu-baik: Seen and Unseen'

National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Gwacheon

Through July 5

“The Tortoise and the Hare” by Hwang Gyu-baik is on display at the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art Gwacheon branch through July 5. / Courtesy of MMCA

The National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art is currently holding an exhibition titled "Hwang Gyu-baik: seen and unseen," which aims to honor renowned Korean printmaker Hwang Gyu-baik's oeuvre, through July 5 at its Gwacheon branch, south of Seoul. Born in Busan in 1932, Hwang relocated first to Paris, then New York, the hub of contemporary art. Inspired by the highly fertile artistic environment, he began to hone his printmaking techniques, incorporating mezzotint, a time-tested skill he had mastered along the way, into his repertoire, all the while revamping certain traditional components of printmaking to shape his own unique style. Perhaps as a reflection of his meticulous and global search and pursuit towards his art, Hwang is globally recognized for his restrained yet shockingly vivid prints, even being commissioned to draw the poster for the 1984 Sarajevo Winter Olympic Games. The exhibition is divided chronologically into three parts, from his early print works in Paris and New York, to his most recent creations. Admission is free. For more information, call (02) 2188-6000 or visit www.mmca.go.kr.

‘Huh Young-man: The Secret of Creations'

Through July 19

A retrospective of the work of Huh Young-man, Korea's most prominent "manhwa" (comics) artist, is being held at the Seoul Arts Center through July 19. After splashing onto the cartoon and comics scene in 1974 through a competition hosted by the HankookIlbo, The Korea Times' sister paper, Huh became a veritable household name with the publication of action-adventure comic "Gaksital," translated as bridal mask. Since then, Huh's works have been recognized and cherished for their literary value and general fun. Indeed, some of his comics have been adapted to the silver screen, while several of his smaller cartoon strips have even become serialized in local dailies. Tickets cost 12,000 won for adults, 10,000 won for teenagers and 8,000 won for children. For more information, call 070-7533-8998 or visit

‘Park Hyunki 1942-2000: Mandala'

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.

‘Hesse's Drawing Exhibition'

War Memorial of Korea

Through Nov. 1

A commemorative exhibition of illustrious Swiss poet and novelist Hermann Hesse's drawings and photographs documenting his life will be held at the War Memorial of Korea from May 2 to November 1. While more widely known for his influential prose, such as "Siddhartha," "Steppenwolf" and "Demian," which probed into existential questions of self-knowledge and spirituality, Hesse was also a prolific and passionate painter, some of whose work will be available for viewing. The exhibition will be divided into five parts, which will take visitors on a lush visual journey from his precocious childhood to the end of his eventful life. Tickets cost 15,000 won for adults, 12,000 won for students and 8,000 won for children and the handicapped. Located near exits 1, 11, or 12 of Samgakji Station on subway line 6. For more information, call (02) 709-3139 or visit www.warmemo.or.kr.

‘National Artist Park Su-geun'

DDP

The DDP is currently hosting a retrospective exhibition of Korean artist Park Su-geun's work through June 28 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of his death. Like many maestros from the past, Park did not enjoy much success in his lifetime; his fame and public recognition came long after his death. Regardless of any financial remuneration or social gain, however, Park spent most of his career portraying the everyday layman's life with respect and a certain degree of admiration, even in the face of hardship or suffering. Admission is 8,000 won. For more information, call (02) 1644-1328 or visit www.ddp.or.kr.

‘Symbols of Protection in Korean Art'

Ho-Am Art Museum

Through Feb. 28, 2016

Ho-Am Art Museum is currently holding an exhibition comprised of over sixty traditional Korean artworks and artifacts that detail the myriad of superstitions and supernatural beliefs accepted in the past. Tirelessly collected from across gender, class and other social divides, the entire collection of items on display not only offers a valuable glimpse into certain customs and systems of beliefs that were prevalent in the past, but also serves as a wider reflection on the universal nature of such concerns. Tickets cost 4,000 won for adults and 3,000 won for adolescents. For more information, call (031) 310-1801/2 or visit www.hoammuseum.org.

‘Archive Story: Kim Dal-jin and Art '

Kimdaljin Art Archives and Museum

Through May 31

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.

‘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 and 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.

‘The Blossoming Scent of Ink: Song Young-bang'

The National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art is currently hosting a commemorative exhibition aiming to celebrate the illustrious career of Song Young-bang, which spans five eventful decades, at its Gwacheon branch through June 28. Song, better recognized by his pseudonym, Uhyeon, is famously associated with his ink and brush artworks, ranging from landscapes, figures, the ubiquitous flower-and-bird combination of East Asian artistic tradition, and other animals. Tickets cost 2,000 won. For more information, call (02) 2188-6000 or visit www.mmca.go.kr.

‘Visual Scandal’

KT & G Sang SangMadang Gallery

Through Aug. 30

“Yoplait”by Raymond Savignac is currently on display at the KT & G Sang SangMadang Gallery through August 30. / Courtesy of the KT & G Sang SangMadang Gallery

A comprehensive exhibition featuring a lifetime’s worth of work by preeminent graphic artist Raymond Savignac is currently being held at the KT & G Sang SangMadang Gallery through August 30. One would be hard-pressed to find anyone who is unable to identify an original Savignac poster, for his use of explosively vivid colors, and humorous wit and simplicity are emblematic of the French illustrator’s modus operandi. Tickets cost 7,000 won. For more information, call (02) 330-6223 or visit www.sangsangmadang.com.

‘NovelloFinotti: BuonGiorno'

Seoul Museum

Through May 17

Seoul Museum is currently holding an exhibition entitled "NovelloFinotti: BuonGiorno," which spans the career of distinguished Italian sculptor NovelloFinotti, through May 17. Born in Verona, Italy, in 1939, Finotti has had his sculptures featured in many galleries and museums in both his home state and abroad, including a successful solo exhibition at the Armory Gallery in New York City. While trained in the classical tradition of Italian sculpture, Finotti has managed to establish a certain style of his own that defies stuffy tradition and subsequently revitalizes his art. Tickets cost 9,000 won for adults, 7,000 for university students, 5,000 won for adolescents, and 3,000 won for children aged 3 to 7. For more information, call (02) 395-0100 or visit www.seoulmuseum.org.

‘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.

‘2015 SeMA Green: Yun Suk-nam – Heart’

Seoul Museum of Art

“White Room” by Yun Suk-nam is currently on display at the Seoul Museum of Art through June 28. / Courtesy of Seoul Museum of Art

The Seoul Museum of Art is currently holding a commemorative exhibition of Korean artist Yun Suk-nam’s work through June 28 as the second installation of the museum’s ‘SeMA Green’ series. Arguably the most prominent and well-regarded feminist artist of Korea, Yun Suk-nam explores issues of gender that arise from an inherently unequal society through interspersed motifs of motherhood and the concomitant sacrifice that comes with such a role. Admission is free. For more information, call (02) 2124-8937 or visit sema.seoul.go.kr.

‘Like Those Beneath the Sun'

Ra Café Gallery

Through July 15

The Ra Café Gallery is currently holding an exhibition on Korean photographer Park No-hae's work in the Middle East with the focus on the inhabitants of Al-Jazira through June 15. Geographically situated between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, Al-Jazira, translated as "island" in Arabic, encompasses the borders of present-day northwestern Iraq, northeastern Syria, and southeastern Turkey. Once venerated as the birthplace of civilization itself, linking Iraq, Anatolia, Armenia and Iran together and giving rise to the development of ancient medicine, religious thought and culture, this region and its people has seen more than their fair share of hardship and unimaginable tribulations in contemporary times. Indeed, the quintessential image of the suffering Middle East, indiscriminately proliferated by the media, has more or less shaped their narrative vis-a-vis the global community. Yet the imagery which we most commonly associate with the Middle East--war, bloodshed, and inconceivable poverty--is nowhere in sight within Park's photographs. Park, who began his career documenting the 1999 Kurdish independence movement, treats his subjects with the respect and compassion they are entitled to as human beings. They are images celebrating triumph, sorrow, and various other emotions that constitute life. As such, the viscerally palpable humanity of the people renders Park's work, from the depiction of a group of children joyfully running through the sandy desert, shrieking delightfully while chasing after a beat-up ball, to that of a contemplative individual kneeling in an isolated and serene garden and praying, is rendered all the more powerful. Located near exit 1 of Jonggak Station on subway line 1. For more information, call (02) 379-1975 or visit www.racafe.kr.

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.

K-League Classic

Saturday, May 16

Ansan vs. Goyang

Ansan at 4 p.m.

Seoul vs. Chungju

Seoul at 6 p.m.

Sunday, May 17

Sangju vs. Anyang

Daegu vs. Suwon

Daegu at 4 p.m.

KBO League

Friday, May 15

Lotte vs. KT

Suwon at 6:30 p.m.

NC vs. Samsung

Daegu at 6:30 p.m.

Doosan vs. KIA

Gwangju at 6:30 p.m.

SK vs. LG

Jamsil at 6:30 p.m.

Nexen vs. Hanhwa

Daejeon at 6:30 p.m.

Suwon at 5 p.m.

Daegu at 5 p.m.

Gwangju at 5 p.m.

Jamsil at 5 p.m.

Daejeon at 5 p.m.

Suwon at 2 p.m.

Daegu at 2 p.m.

Gwangju at 2 p.m.

Jamsil at 2 p.m.

Daejeon at 2 p.m.

Tuesday, May 19

Hanhwa vs. SK

Moonhak at 6:30 p.m.

KIA vs. Lotte

Sajik at 6:30 p.m.

KT vs. NC

Masan at 6:30 p.m.

LG vs. Nexen

Mokdong at 6:30 p.m.

Samsung vs. Doosan

Wednesday, May 20

Thursday, May 21

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.