Clubs, Art Exhibitions and Sports

Clubs

Club Answer
Cheongdam-dong

Equipped with state of the art sound and lighting, Club Answer is the foremost venue for electronic music in Seoul. Located in front of Hotel Prima in Cheongdam-dong, the club presents world class DJs in an extensive space with modern decor to offer a memorable dance experience. Visit www.clubanswer.co.kr, for more information.

Club Heaven
Yeoksam-dong

Located next to the Renaissance Seoul Hotel, Club Heaven is gaining a reputation as a clubber’s paradise with star DJs and a celebrity clientele. Electronic music is the main menu, with laser light and paper confetti shows aplenty on the side. The club caters to partying at any hour of the night: the “main stage” on the first floor is open until 6:30 a.m., while club hoppers can enter the upper level’s “after stage” after 4:30 a.m. Call 1644-8466.

Underlounge Seoul
Hongdae or Hongik University Area

This is the local club of a hip Japanese chain that’s also to be found in Shanghai. Located in the popular 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 open bar or in 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. Check www.ohoo.net.

Naos Nova
Itaewon
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.

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.

St.102
Hongdae

This hip-hop club often has special parties and performances. Do-rags, dreads and baseball caps turned sideways can be spotted here. Visit st102.cyworld.com. 360-18 Seogyo-dong, Hongdae or call (02) 335-7166.

Moonyang Bar
Hongdae

This place is an Asian-inspired lounge on the third floor of a building on Parking Lot street in Hongdae area. The stone walls feature photographs and rusted steel plates cover the windows. This place is in Mapo at Seogyo-dong, 366-17. Call (02) 338-1523.
Rocky Mountain Tavern
Itaewon

A down-to-earth place, the club was started by a couple of Canadians. With a spacious, woody bar, the tavern is spread out on two floors. Find it on Itaewon’s main drag across from the International Clinic. Located near exit 3 of Itaewon Station on subway line 6.

Club FF
Hongdae

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.

Above
Itaewon

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 store 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 starting at 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. The place exudes an elegant, sophisticated atmosphere which 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 www.onceinabluemoon.co.kr.

Gachi
Apgujeong-dong

Salsa music enthusiasts can dance the night away here. The beat of salsa music will lead you to the club. 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 and turn left and look for Gachi’s red and white sign. Gachi is open from Mondays to Fridays 6 p.m.-12 a.m., Saturday to Sunday, 2 p.m.-12 a.m. Call (02) 540-7087.

The Spot
Hongdae

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 and (02) 3141-6876.

Casa Del Vino
Cheongdam-dong

This dark, intimate bar offers a great selection of wine, and it’s a great place to chill out. It’s near Salvatore Ferragamo and Prada buildings in Cheongdam-dong. Call (02) 542-8003.

Platoon Kunsthalle
Apgujeong-dong

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.

Traditional

Folk Performances
The Korea House
Open Run

The Korea House will be holding a series of traditional performances. The entrance fee is 29,000 won. Each performance includes a traditional Korean dinner. Visit www.koreahouse.or.kr or call (02) 2266-9101. Located near exit 3 of Chungmuro Station, subway lines 3 and 4.

Art exhibitions

More
16 Bungee
Through Nov. 28

Lee Jeong-bae brings his distinct, monochromatic white mini-sculptures for a witty exhibition of commentary. Located in Sagan-dong, near exit 1 of Anguk Station, subway line 3. For more information, visit www.16bungee.com.

City Mind
Gallery Hyundai Gangnam Space
Through Nov. 30

Japanese artist Hisaya Taira straddles the photographic and painted worlds with her intimate images of the very places people glide through daily ― unnoticing, immersed. From the late ‘90s deserted streets of Dallas, Texas, to the ghostly subway terminals of Asia, Taira steps into the human experience itself. Located in Sinsa-dong, a 15-minute walk from exit 2 of Apgujeong Station, subway line 3.

Life and Nature
Seoul Arts Center, Hangaram Art Museum
Through Dec. 9

An exhibition featuring some of National Geographic’s best photographs over the past 122 years is making a world tour through 32 countries and 34 languages. The exhibition is divided into four parts, exploring landscapes, animals/plants, environmental crises and hope. Located near exit 5 of Nambu Terminal Station on subway line 3. For more information, visit www.ngphoto.co.kr (Korean only) or call 1544-1681.

Picasso and Modern Art
National Museum of Contemporary Art, Deoksugung
Through March 1, 2011

The Albertina Museum Collections from Vienna has been lent to the National Museum of Contemporary Art for an exhibition of classic work ranging from Picasso to Miro, Chagall to Kandinsky. The four-part showcase divided into four segments explores 121 paintings, sculptures and drawings, providing an exploration into the major Western art movements of the 19th and 20th centuries. General admission is 11,000 won; located behind Deoksu Palace in central Seoul. For more information, visit www.moca.go.kr or call (02) 2188-6069.

Robot Story
Yeonhui-dong Projects
Through Nov. 21

Artist Kim Seok returns with a solo exhibition of new and old works comprised of his large-scale, meticulous sculptures of robots in wood and plastic. The prolific artist has previously shown his art across Korea, in solo and group exhibition ranging from the National Museum of Contemporary Art to the COEX. Located in Yeonhui-dong, western Seoul. For more information, visit www.hydprojects.com or call (02) 324-1286.

Song Young-su: Pioneer in Korean Abstract Sculpture
National Museum of Contemporary Art, Korea
Through Dec. 26

In commemoration of the 40th anniversary of legend Song Young-su’s death, a special retrospective of more than 60 pieces will be shown, comprised of the artist’s unique melded iron works, sketches, photos and other records. Song was the first sculptor to graduate from the domestic college of fine arts following the Korean War (1950-1953), and grew to become a pioneer in his field. Special educational programs, panels and events will be held throughout the exhibition period. Located a shuttlebus-ride away from exit 4 of Seoul Grand Park Station on subway line 4. Visit www.moca.go.kr for more information.

Kim Sora
Maison Hermes Dosan Park
Through Dec. 5

Artist Kim Sora is well-known in the global sphere for her works exhibited everywhere from the Venice Biennale to Los Angeles’ REDCAT art center, but her domestic exposure has fallen slack. To amend this, Kim will open her first solo exhibition in Seoul in three years, bringing to light her new direction in video installations, sculptures and performance art. Located near Dosan Park, by exit 2 of Apgujeong Station on subway line 3. Call (02) 544-7722.

Yuki Onodera
The Museum of Photography
Through Dec. 4

Renowned photographer Yuki Onodera is holding a solo exhibition of some of her most recognizable works, including pieces from her Eleventh Finger series and Potraits of Second-hand Clothes. Located near exit 2 of Mongchontoseong Station, subway line 8. On the 19th floor of Hanmi Tower. Visit www.photomuseum.or.kr.

Teletopia ― From Drawing to Laser
Pohang Museum of Steel Art
Though Nov. 21

Pohang’s latest art center opens with a large-scale exhibition of 156 of legendary Nam June Paik’s work. Spanning from his work in the early ‘60s to the 2000s, the exhibition includes his massive installation projects such as ``Turtle’’ and ``Tower,’’ but also a collection of his drawings and photographs of his performance art. Located in Pohang, North Gyeongsang Province. For more information, visit www.poma.kr (Korean only).

Trickster Makes This World
Nam June Paik Art Center
Through Nov. 21

Twelve major artists are on exhibition at this large-scale exhibition dedicated to the worlds of imagination. Works by Korean legend Nam June Paik will be on display, as well as pieces by fellow Fluxus artist George Maciunas and pop artist Ray Johnson. Located in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province. For more information, visit www.njpartcenter.kr.

Media City Seoul 2010
Seoul Museum of Art, various venues
Through Nov. 17

Media City Seoul, formerly known as the Seoul International Media Art Biennale, returns to its avant-garde roots with a revamping of its name and mission: focusing on contemporary art today while looking to the future. Internationally-renowned artists are brought together for this explosive collection of imaginative and quirky event. For more, visit www.mediacityseoul.org.

Busan Biennale
Various venues
Through Nov. 20

This southern biennale returns under the theme of ``Living in Evolution,’’ bringing together 70 artists from all over the world. Held at the Busan Museum of Art and various venues around the city, the event _ curated by Takashi Azumaya _ comes forth as a vibrant show. For more information, visit www.busanbiennale.org.

Extra-Ordinary
Gallery Hyundai
Through Nov. 30

Artist Min Songsik, who has extraordinary view of architecture, presents a solo exhibition 3 years after his latest works. The gallery shows over 40 new works of various series. Located near exit 2 of Apgujeong Station, subway line 3. For more information, call 02-519-0800 or visit www.galleryhyundai.com.

Jon Widman: A Short Time Before Goodbye
Gallery Em
Through Dec. 11

Jon Widman, who was adopted and grew in America, holds his second solo exhibition in his native country. The theme of this exhibition is mainly focused on old vintage objet, especially books, which he collected in person from different regions and countries. Jon realistically reinterprets even minor parts of these themes but turns them into abstract images. His new works include more than one type of art works, such as paintings, photos and sculpture. Located in Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam-gu. For more, visit www.galleryem.co.kr

Osang Gwon
Gallery 2
Through Dec.19
(
A solo exhibition is new version of artist Gwon’s latest series, ``The Sculptur’’. This exhibition is comprised of motorcycles without handles and wheels and displayed in the middle of white background. Gwon’s works were never based on real model of motorcycles. They were designed only by images on internet and measurements. A total of his works will show beauty of human body through reinterpreting industrial products. For more, call 02-3448-2112 or visit www.gallery2.co.kr

2010 Exhibition for Artisans with Important Intangible Cultural Heritages -Traditional Crafts, The Enjoyments of the Beauty of Korea
Special Exhibition Hall and Permanent Exhibition Hall of the Intangible Cultural Heritage Training Center
Through Nov. 24

The Korea Cultural Heritage Foundation displays an exhibition to evaluate the present condition of the transmission of Korean traditional culture in now days, and improve techniques in making traditional crafts. The exhibition is divided into 4 parts; clothing, food, shelter, and arts. There would be two demonstrations per day by possessors of intangible cultural treasure only on Saturday and Sunday. Admission is for free. Located a 7-minute walk from exit 8 of Seolleung Station, subway line 2, or a 10-minute walk from exit 1 of Gangnam-gu Office Station , line number 7. For more information, visit www.chf.or.kr

Soul of Line
Ungno Lee Museum
Through Feb. 27, 2011

Ungno Lee Museum deals with one of the major aesthetic issues of art history in the 20th century, modernity, with more than 20 artists of various views. There would be practical programs for children and adult theoretical programs for adults. Located in Daejeon For more, visit http://ungnolee.daejeon.go.kr

Lim Yang-Hwan; Gum Print
The Museum of Photography, Seoul
Through Dec. 4

Artist Lim Yang-Hwan is the only artist who sticks to unique fashion of printing, Gum print. This exhibition is comprised of his original art works because of peculiar technical characteristics. You can also expect to have conversation directly with artist Lim at 2 o’clock p.m. on November 20th. Located 19th floor of Hanmi Tower in Bangi-dong, Seoul. For more, call 02-418-1315, or visit www.photo museum.or.kr