Clubs
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 famous 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 bar or 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.
Club Heaven
Yeoksam-dong
Located next to the Renaissance Seoul Hotel, 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.
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.
Le Nuit Blanche
Cheongdam-dong
Formerly Club Answer, Le Nuit Blanche is introduced as a posh restaurant, theater and club. Located in front of 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 are invited to perform at the club. Call (02) 514-4311 or visit www.lenuitblanche.com.
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.
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.
Moonyang Bar
Hongdae
This place is an Asian-inspired lounge on the third floor of a building on Parking Lot street in the 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 over two floors. Find it on Itaewon's main drag across from the International Clinic. Located near exit 5 of Itaewon Station on subway line 6.
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.
Funky Funky
Hongdae
This live music venue features all kinds of music. Depending on the night, they feature funk, punk, rock, or pop. Funky Funky 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.
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 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.
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, (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 the 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
Guignol's Dust
One and J Gallery
Through Jan. 16
Young French artist Jerome Zonder is showing his experimental drawings at his first solo show in Korea at One and J Gallery. He has increasingly diversified his works, which elicit emotional reactions from viewers. Visit www.oneandj.com or call 02-745-1644.
Allegorille (What am I looking at?)
Youngeun Museum #4 Exhibition Hall
Through Jan. 31
Kwon Owen is holding a solo show at Youngeun Museum of Contemporary Art. Visit www.youngeunmuseum.org.
About Time
Gallery Plant
Through Jan. 21
Gallery Plant, located in Hwadong, Jongno, is hosting a solo show of works by artist Rho Jae-oon. Visit www.galleryplant.kr.
Still Lives; Small Voices
Insa Art Space
Through Dec. 20
Park Sung-yeon's solo show "still lives; small voices" is about the little moments in everyday life. Park says, "(My works) are concerned with my social self-awareness and with social issues, which are related to language to individual experience." Visit www.insaartspace.or.kr.
Transformation in Art
Savina Museum of Contemporary Art
Through Jan. 30
This exhibition explores the theme of transformation, as seen in artwork by Korean artists. It is divided into four parts: Evolution, Mask, Things and Media Team Project. Savina Museum of Contemporary Art is located near Anguk Station line 3 exit 6.
Dream Project
Gallery Godo
Through Dec. 28
Gallery Godo has gathered diverse works by 11 Korean artists for its final exhibition of 2009. Visit www.gallerygodo.com or call (02) 720-2224.
Gamut of Collision
Gallery Em
Through Jan. 16
Kim Tae-ye is holding a solo exhibition of her paintings, with the theme "Gamut of Collision" at Gallery Em. Visit www.galleryem.co.kr or call (02) 544-8145.
99 Variations
Sungkok Art Museum
Through Jan. 24
Kang Young-ho, one of the most popular commercial photographers in Korea, is holding a solo show at Sungkok Art Museum. He has shot over 1,200 advertisements for companies like Samsung, Giordano and Lotte. Kang is known as the "dancing photographer" because he takes pictures while dancing to background music. Tickets are 5,000 won for adults and 4,000 won for students. Visit www.sungkokmuseum.com or call (02) 737-8999.
Korea Tomorrow 2009
SETEC
Through Dec. 22
Korea Tomorrow is a special showcase of the best of Korean art, design and furniture. This year's theme is "Bridge the World." SETEC is located near Hangnyeoul Station on line 3. Call (02) 567-6070.
L-i-n-k-e-d: New Yorkers Meet Londoners
Keumsan Gallery, Blue Gallery
Through Jan. 10
This exhibition focuses on young Korean artists and their friends living in New York and London. It takes a look at the new networks created by Korean artists in foreign countries, and how they stay connected to their home country. Keumsan Gallery and Blume Gallery are located in Heyri Art Valley, Paju, Gyeonggi Province. Visit www.keumsan.org or blog.naver.com/heyriblume.com.
N Gallery
White Winter
Through Dec. 30
N Gallery, located in Bundang, Seongnam, has organized a Christmas-inspired exhibition. Visit www.ngalleryart.com or call (070) 7430-3323.
Magic Mixture
Opera Gallery
Through Dec. 30
Opera Gallery Seoul is presenting an exhibition of abstract expressionist works by Monaco artist Philippe Pastor and Israel artist Ilana Gal. Pastor represented Monaco at the 53rd Venice Biennale this year. The gallery is open every day from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., except holidays. Visit www.operagallery.com or call (02) 3446-0070.
Andy Warhol, the Greatest
Seoul Museum of Art
Through April 4
Enjoy the Pop Art works of American legend Andy Warhol at the Seoul Museum of Art, through April 4. The works are from The Andy Warhol Museum. Tickets are 12,000 won for adults, 10,000 won for 13 to 18 year olds and 8,000 won for 7 to 12 year olds. Free for those under 7 or above 65.Visit www.warhol.co.kr or www.maxticket.com.
Face
Cais Gallery Seoul
Through Dec. 30
Japanese artist Satoshi Kanai is holding an exhibition of portraits at Exhibition Room 1 of Cais Gallery Seoul. Visit www.caisgallery.com or call (02) 511-0668.
Lee Ki-young Exhibition
Lee Hwaik Gallery
Through Dec. 22
Lee Hwaik Gallery's final exhibition for 2009 features artist Lee Ki-young. Call (02) 730-7817 or visit www.leehwaikgallery.com.
New Republic Child
Cais Gallery Seoul
Through Dec. 30
Kwon Jay-hong's exhibition at Cais Gallery features works that incorporate plastic Korean toys into works with subtle political meanings. Visit www.caisgallery.com or call (02) 511-0668.
Ch-R-I-ST-MAS Exhibition
Urban Art
Through Dec. 31
To usher in the holiday season, Urban Art is organizing a Ch-R-I-ST-MAS exhibition in December. The title stands for "CHannel / Remind / Irony / STory / MASk." Visit www.urbanart4u.com.
William Wegman Exhibition
Watergate Gallery
Through Jan. 9
The Watergate Gallery is holding an exhibition of renowned American photographer William Wegman, who is known for his works involving canines. The gallery is located in Nonhyun-dong, Gangnam. Call (02) 540-3213/2332, e-mail info.watergate@gmail.com or visit www.changart.com. The gallery is open Monday to Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Eyedoll Show
Gallery LVS
Through Jan. 8
Mari Kim is holding a solo show of her whimsical, pop art-inspired prints at Gallery LVS, located in Sinsa-dong, Gangnam. E-mail info@gallerylvs.org or call (02) 3443-7475.
Nam June Paik Art Center Prize Exhibition
Nam June Paik Art Center
Through Feb. 28
The first ever Nam June Paik Art Center Prize was given to four artists: Lee Seung-taek, Ahn Eun-me, Ceal Floyer and Robert Adrian X, who each embody the spirit of Paik's legacy. Selected works by the winning artists are on display at the center, located in Giheung, Yongin, Gyeonggi Province. Visit www.njpartcenter.kr or e-mail info@njpartcenter.kr.
Masks
Sungkok Art Museum
Through Dec. 31
Sungkok Art Museum is hosting a special exhibition, "Masks," sponsored by the French Cultural Center. It features 100 works by 48 international artists, including Valerie Belin, Man Ray, Andy Warhol, Koo Bohn-chang and Oh Hein-kuhn. Visit www.sungkokmuseum.com or call (02) 737-8999.
Arario's Finest: Celebrating 20 years of Arario Gallery
Arario Gallery Cheonan and Seoul
Through Dec. 24
To celebrate Arario Gallery's 20th anniversary, a special exhibition features works by renowned artists Andy Warhol, Sigmar Polke, Neo Rauch, Tracey Emin, Marc Quinn, Damien Hirst and Keith Haring. Tickets to Arario Cheonan are 3,000 won for adults and 2,000 won for students. Arario Gallery is located near the Cheonan Bus Terminal, Cheonan, South Chungcheong Province. The exhibition at Arario Seoul runs through Jan. 10, and admission is free. Call (041)551-5100. Visit www.arariogallery.co.kr
Peppermint Candy: Contemporary Art from Korea in Seoul
National Museum of Contemporary Art Korea
Through Feb. 15
The National Museum of Contemporary Art originally organized this exhibition in 2007 to introduce contemporary Korean art to Chile and Argentina. It is now being held in Korea for the first time. Visit www.moca.go.kr.
Martin Creed
Art Sonje Center
Through Feb. 12
Turner Prize-winning British conceptual artist Martin Creed is holding a three-month long exhibition at Art Sonje Center. The exhibition is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Visit www.artsonge.org/asc or call 02-733-8945.
Architectural Ceramic Now & New
Clayarch Gimhae Museum
Through Feb. 7
The Clayarch Gimhae Museum, located in South Gyeongsang Province, is holding its 8th Architectural Ceramic Exhibition. Participating artists include Song Jun-gyu, Hilde Angel Danielsen, Lee Jong-geun and Johannes Pfeiffer. Visit www.clayarch.org or call (055) 340-7000.
Homage to Humanism
Gallery Hyundai Gangnam Space
Through Dec. 20
Lee Man-ik is holding an exhibition of his vibrantly-colored paintings that depict the legends and everyday lives of Koreans. Visit www.galleryhyundai.com.
Kids
Family Musical 'The Wizard of Oz'
Grand Theater, Sejong Center for the Performing Arts
Through Dec. 28
"The Wizard of Oz" takes the iconic movie's essence and performs it live. Watch as Dorothy goes to Oz to face the Wicked Witch of the West with the help of her friends. Tickets cost from 30,000 to 50,000 won. Visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02)399- 1772. Located near exits 1 and 8 of Gwanghwamun Station on subway line 5.
Family Musical "The Nutcracker"
Grand Theater, Seoul Kyoyuk Munhwa Hoekwan
Through Feb. 7, 2010
This musical set to music of Tchaikovsky is designed for the whole family. The tale centers around Marie - the heroine of the story - who receives a present from her father on Christmas Eve. Tickets cost from 30,000 to 50,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 738-8289. Located near exit 7 of Yangjae Station on subway line 3.
Sports Games
Basketball
Saturday, Dec. 19, 2009
LG Sakers vs. ET Land Elephants
Changwon Indoor Stadium at 3 p.m.
KT&G Kites vs. KCC Egis
Anyang Indoor Stadium at 3 p.m.
KT Sonic Boom vs. SK Knights
Busan Sajik Stadium at 5 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 20, 2009
Dongbu Promy vs. Ulsan Mobis
Wonju Chiak Stadium at 3 p.m.
Samsung Thunders vs. LG Sakers
Jamsil Indoor Stadium at 3 p.m.
Daegu Orions vs. KT&G Kites
Daegu Indoor Stadium at 5 p.m.
Horseracing
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 Station, subway line 4, exit 3. For more information, call (02)509-1114 or visit at www.kra.co.kr.
