Clubs
The Circle
Cheongdam-dong
Located in the upscale Cheongdam-dong neighborhood, it's notorious for turning you down unless you're dressed chic and sleek. Faithful to its name, it has a round revolving floor ― looking for your ``lost'' table gives clubbers the perfect excuse to sit down with a sexy stranger. Located on Dosan-daero near Hak-dong intersection. Call (02) 546-5933 or visit www.thecircle.co.kr.
Club Answer
Cheongdam-dong
Dance music mogul Hed Kandi is bringing its show to Club Answer to offer a distinctive event to Seoul dance fans. The UK based house music record label Hed Kandi has the attention of club-goers and promoters worldwide. Come and experience the ``most glamorous show on Earth,'' with dancers, acrobatic DJs and costume themed parties. Admission costs 30,000 won, including one free drink. The dress code is ``chic.'' For more information, call 010-9365-1722. Located in Cheongdam-dong across the street from Prima Hotel, near the entrance of Yeongdong-daegyo.
Club Evans
Hongdae or Hongik University Area
This club, located near Hongik University, is great for intimate live performances. The line-up of performers is generally top-notch and the acoustics are good. Located near exit 1 on Sangsu Station on subway line 6 or exit 6 on Hongdae Station on subway line 2. Call (02) 337-8361 or www.clubevans.com.
Club Caliente
Itaewon
The patrons are so diverse, DJ Josh sometimes has a hard job appealing to everyone. But he keeps the dance floor going, playing a variety of standbys and new Latin music. The song selection is what keeps people coming back. Located near exit 4 of Itaewon Station subway line 6. Call (011) 9094 8484
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 NB
Gangnam
This hip-hop hot spot is a cornerstone of Seoul nightlife. ``Noise Basem*nt'' often holds special parties and performances and you can find Korean homies here with do-rags, dreads and baseball caps turned sideways. Located near Kyobo Bookstore (exit 6 of Gangnam station on subway line 2). Call (02) or visit www.clubnb.com. Check out other NB chains in Hongdae.
Underlounge Seoul
Hongdae or Hongik University Area
It's 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 club music and lights. It's pretty spacious with a supersized mirror ball hanging over your head. DJs from near and far make music while you can hang out at the open bar or classy private rooms. Located near the main entrance of Hongik Univ. Call (02) 325-5715 or visit www.underlounge.kr.
Moonyang Bar
Hongdae
This place is an Asian-inspired lounge located 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 Sokyo-dong, 366-17. Call (02) 338-1523.
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.
Naos Nova
Itaewon
A wine bar and restaurant with a design so stunning 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, expect to hear funk, punk, rock, or pop. Funky Funky attracts an eclectic mix of people. To get there: 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 starting at 7 p.m. up 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 basem*nt bar, and it is mainly standing room-only. 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 is a great place to chill out. It's near the Salvatore Ferragamo and Prada buildings in Cheongdam-dong. Call (02) 542-8003.
Traditional
Traditional Performance
Korea House
Open run
The Korea House holds 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 on subway lines 3 and 4.
Traditional Wine Making Demonstration
Namsangol Hanok Village
6-9 p.m., every Saturday
In the courtyard of Namsangol Hanok Village, visitors can see demonstrations of how traditional Korean wines were made. Usually made from rice, traditional wines were considered, if taken in moderation, good for the body. Located near exits 3 and 4 of Chungmuro station on subway lines 3 and 4. Call (02) 2266-6923.
Korean Classical Music & Dance
Namsangol Hanok Village
8-9 p.m. everyday
You can listen to traditional Korean chamber music, including the piri (cylindrical oboe), haegeum (two-stringed fiddle), ajaeng (seven-string zither bowed with a rosined stick), as well as pansori (Korean opera) and dance. The daily performance takes place at Anchae in Younghyo Park's House in the Hanok Village, located near exits 3 and 4 of Chungmuro station on subway lines 3 and 4. Call (02) 2266-6923.
Experience Hanok Life
Namsangol Hanok Village
11 a.m.-6 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays
At Namsangol Hanok Village, a well preserved Joseon (1392-1910) nobleman's house, visitors are able to see and experience traditional Korean daily life, such as making jipsin (straw shoes), doenjang (bead curd) and jelly. Located near exits 3 and 4 of Chungmuro station on subway lines 3 and 4. Call (02) 2266-6923.
Art Exhibitions
Shisei Kuwabara
The Museum of Photography, Seoul
Through Feb. 21
Renowned Japanese photojournalist Shisei Kuwabara is holding a solo exhibition of his black-and-white photographs of North Korea. Visit www.photomuseum.or.kr or call (02) 418-1315.
39(2)
Art Sonje Center
Through Feb. 15
Paradigm Shift curator Han Keum-hyun put together this group exhibition of works by artists Kim Gyoo-sik, Noh Sun-tag, Back Seung-woo Back, Lee Young-hoon and Jeon Jae-hong. The center is open Tuesday to Sunday 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Visit www.artsonje.org/asc or the exhibition blog a39c2.wordpress.com.
Light & Celebration
Doosan Gallery
Through Jan. 15
Experience artworks filled with light at Doosan Gallery's final exhibit for 2008, which revolves around the theme of light. Featured are artists who use light in their works, such as Yu Hye-young, Park Zinoo, Shin Tae-ho, Jo Eun-hwan, Lee Jang-sub and Lee Sang-jin. Visit www.doosanartcenter.com or call (02) 708-5050.
The Monster
Arario Seoul
Through Jan. 20
Rising artist Lee Seung-ae is holding a solo exhibition of his delicate depictions of monsters. Visit www.ararioseoul.com.
Doll's Outing
Gallery Jant
Through Dec. 31
Francoise Seungheey Kim depicts her beautiful antique dolls in a series of cheerful paintings. She is particularly interested in exploring people's fascination with dolls. Gallery Jant is located at the second floor of Bundang The # Star Park. Call (031) 783-7931.
Johannes Hueppi
Gallery Godo
Through Dec. 30
Johannes Hueppi, who is based in Switzerland, is having his first solo show in Seoul. Hueppi is known for his portraits of nude women. Call 02-720-2223.
WOW!
Ssamzie Art Mart
Through Jan. 11
Kang Jun-young's ceramic jars and ceramic tile drawings are on display at Ssamzie Art Mart, Sssamziegil in Insa-dong. Visit www.ssamziegil.com or call (02) 736-0900.
Gute Besserung
Michael Schultz Gallery Seoul
Through Feb. 7
German artist Jan Muche is holding an exhibit, which features one of his works Sammlung. Visit www.schultzgallery.co.kr.
Kim Chong-hak
Gallery Yeh
Through Jan. 17
Kim Chong-hak is holding a solo exhibition at Gallery Yeh. Visit www.galleryyeh.com or call (02) 542-5543.
Great Masters of European Art: Meet Rembrandt
Hangaram Art Museum
Through Feb. 26
Art works by great European masters such as Rembrandt, Rubens, Van Dyck and Boucher are in Seoul for the first time. The works are from the permanent collection of the State Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts, Moscow, Russia. The exhibit is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tickets are 12,000 won for adults, 9,000 won for youth and 7,000 won for children. Call (02) 2113-3400. Visit www.sac.or.kr (English, Korean).
Traces
Gallery Space
Through Jan. 18
Kim Seung-young's installation work is unveiled as part of Gallery Space's re-opening project: Construction of Discourses. Visit www.space-culture.com or call (02) 3670-3628.
Emotional Space
Savina Museum of Contemporary Art
Through Dec. 21
In his installation works, Kim Bum-su uses film to create geometrical and organic patterns that form shapes of the heart, leaf, cross, diamond or arch. Since the theme of the exhibit is love, he used film from movies about love. Visit www.savinamuseum.com or call (02) 736-4371.
Park Hong-soon Solo Exhibition
Museum of Photography, Seoul
Through Feb. 21
Park Hong-soon is holding a solo exhibition of his black and white photography. Visit www.photomuseum.or.kr or call (02) 418-1315.
We Live/ In a Time of Our Own
Seomi & Tuus Gallery
Through Jan. 23
French artist Oliver Babin is known for his mysterious art works that feature words. Seomi & Tuus Gallery is located in Cheongdam-dong. Call (02) 511-7305.
NJ Entertainment Seoul
Lee Hwaik Gallery
Through Dec. 23
Pop artist Noh June creates wide-eyed cartoonish character sculptures, such as ``Space Clo," ``Dancing Zara," and ``Big Eyed Kkamjigi." Call (02) 730-7817/8 or visit www.leehwaikgallery.com.
Photographs
Gallery Kong
Through Jan. 11
Intriguing photographs by Kim Sun-mee, Min Byeong-hun, Victor Schraeger and Kim Soo-kang are on display at this year-end exhibition. Call (02) 738-7776.
Misterio
National Museum of Contemporary Art, Korea
Through March 1
Park Jae-kwon is holding a solo exhibition Misterio at the Gallery 6 of the National Museum of Contemporary Art, Korea. Visit www.moca.go.kr.
Who's Next in China
Opera Gallery
Open Run
The works of the next generation of Chinese artists such as Xue Song, Zhang Wei, Feng Ling and Xiong Qin are showcased at Opera Gallery Seoul. Visit www.operagallery.com.
Heaven for Artists
Seoul Museum of Art
Through March 22
``Heaven for Artists" features 79 works, which show the different concepts of heaven, from the renowned Pompidou Center in Paris, France. Artists such as Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, Joan Miro, Raoul Dufy and Marc Chagall show how they interpret heaven. Tickets are 12,000 won for adults, 9,000 won 12-17 year olds, and 7,000 won for 6-11 year olds. Closed on Monday. Visit www.seoulmoa.org or www.pompidou2008.kr.
I Am An Artist
National Museum of Contemporary Art, Korea
Through March 8
The Young Korean Artists 2008 exhibit features works by promising artists such as Sang Seok-ho, Kim Si-won, Wee Young-il, Lee Jae-hoon and Che One-joon. Visit www.moca.go.kr or call (02) 2188-6000.
The Same and Not the Same
Gallery Sang
Through Dec. 30
Han Eun-sun's paintings, which are done on hanji or traditional Korean paper, depict nature on a microscopic level. Call (02) 730-0030 or email gallerysang1@naver.com.
Roh Kwang
Lee & Park Gallery
Through Dec. 28
Roh Kwang's scenic countryside landscapes and still life paintings of flowers and women are on display at Lee & Park Gallery in Heyri Art Park, Gyeonggi Province. Visit www.heyri.net or call (031) 957-7521.
Thanks for Giving
Bong Art Gallery
Through Dec. 31
This group exhibition features works by Kang Jun-young, Lee Ji-hyeok, Kim Hyo-suk and Yang Jae-kwang. Call (02) 3444-1929.
Winter Waltz
N Gallery
Through Dec. 28
N Gallery, located in Bundang, is hosting its winter exhibition featuring works by Kim Joong-sik, Kim Mi-kyoung, Byun Jae-hee, Suh Kyoun-ja, among others. Visit www.ngallery.net or call (070) 7430-3323.
2 Handbags in a Pickle
Arko Art Center, Insa Art Space
Through Feb. 8
German artist John Bock is presenting his new 40-minute video ``PARA_SCHIZO, ensnarled," which was filmed entirely in Korea. This is his first solo exhibition in Asia. His other videos and films will be shown at Insa Art Space every Friday at 5 p.m. through Feb. 3. Visit www.arkoartcenter.or.kr or call (02) 760-4563.
Cosmetic Girls
Kukje Gallery
Through Dec. 31
Oh Hein-kuhn is showing revealing but sensitive portraits of young Korean women. Visit www.kukjegallery.com or call (02) 735-8449.
Va & Vient
NaLee Mecenat Art Center
Through Feb. 14
Eight French artists, such as Jean-Marie Appriou, Carole Bailly, Julia Chobert, Pierre Derrien, are participating in this group exhibit at the center, located in Gimpo City. Visit www.nalee.net or artcenter.nalee.net.
Barricade
Gallery Em
Through Dec. 27
Minimalist, black-and-white digital prints by Kim Si-yeon are showcased at a solo exhibition at Gallery Em, Cheongdam-dong. Visit www.galleryem.co.kr. or call (02) 544-8145.
Li Jikai
Arario Gallery, Cheonan
Through Jan. 24
Rising Chinese artist Li Jikai is holding a solo exhibition at Arario Gallery Cheonan. He has been attracting attention for his work questioning the existence of human life. He received acclaim for his last solo show, ``Clear," at Beijing's renowned Today Art Museum earlier this year. The gallery is open Tuesday to Sunday. Visit www.arariogallery.co.kr.
Art Show
Millennium Seoul Hilton lobby
Through Dec. 31
The Millennium Seoul Hilton is hosting an art show featuring works of Korean artists Koo Cha-soong, Roh Jae-soon, and Shin Hyun-koog. This is the fifth art exhibit to be held in the hotel lobby. Call (02) 317-3012.
Jonathan Borofsky
Pyo Gallery Seoul
Through Dec. 31
American artist Jonathan Borofsky, best known for his ``Hammering Man'' public sculptures, is holding a solo exhibition of his smaller scale works at Pyo Gallery in Itaewon. Visit www.pyoart.com or call (02) 543-7337.
Humble Masterpieces
Hangaram Design Museum, Seoul Arts Center
Through Dec. 31
Organized by the Museum of Modern Art, New York, the exhibit features everyday, simple objects such as Post-It notes, paper clips, Band-Aids and Bic Pens. Most of the objects are considered indispensable masterpieces of design. Admission is free. Visit www.sac.or.kr/eng.
Power of Photography
Sungkok Art Museum
Through Jan. 11
The beauty and power of French photography will impress visitors at the Sungkok Art Museum. Twenty-one French photographers participated in the event. Visit www.sungkokmuseum.com.
My Dear Objects
Hanyang University Museum
Through Dec. 31
This fall, Hanyang University Museum is showing a special exhibition of traditional crafts collected from all over the world. Visit www.museumuf.hanyang.ac.kr.
The Gleam of Lanterns
Cyan Museum of Art
Through April 26
Sculptor Park Choong-heum is holding a solo exhibition that explores art and design as a symbol of life. Visit www.cyanmuseum.org or call (054) 338-9391.
Now Jump: Nam June Paik Festival
Nam June Paik Art Center
Through Feb. 5
Located in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province, the Nam June Paik Art Center is dedicated to the late Paik (1932-2006) and his legacy as the ``father of video art.'' ``Now Jump,'' features not just Paik's works such as ``TV Garden'' and ``Elephant Cart,'' but also works by 113 artists and nine groups from 19 countries. Admission is 7,000 won for adults, 5,000 won for middle and high school students and 3,000 won for elementary school students. Visit www.njpartcenter.kr.
Architectural Ceramics _ OLD
Clayarch Gimhae Museum
Through Feb. 8
The Clayarch Gimhae Museum is hosting an exhibition focused on architectural ceramics by ten artists from Korea, U.S., U.K., Switzerland and Japan. The exhibition also features photographs by Belgian photographer Mark De Fraeye. The museum is located in Gimhae, South Gyeongsang Province. Visit www.clayarch.org or call (055) 340-7000.
Hwang Kyu-baik
Gallery Hyundai, Gangnam Space
Through Dec. 21
Works by 77-year-old artist Hwang Kyu-baik are on display at Gallery Hyundai Gangnam Space. Visit www.galleryhyundai.com or call (02) 519-0800.
King
Gallery 2
Through Dec. 20
Son Dong-hyun is holding a solo exhibition at Gallery 2. Visit ww.gallery2.co.kr or call (02) 3448-2112.
First Glance
Alternative Space Loop
Through Dec. 23
Sen Chung is showing 20 melancholic paintings and a mural at his solo exhibition. Through his paintings, Chung shows his feelings about unfamiliar places and situations. Visit www.galleryloop.com or call (02) 3141-1377.
Kids
Science Illusion Exhibition
Seoul National Science Museum
Through March 1
Experience the world of lights at the Science Illusion Exhibit from Japan. Kids can learn the wonders of electricity and also enjoy artwork made with lasers, holograms, LEDs and other interactive systems. Tickets cost from 8,000 won to 10,000 won. For more information, visit www.ticket.interpark.com or call 1544-8732. Located near exit 4 of Hyehwa Station on subway line.
Kids' Nanta
Woongjin Think Big Art Hall
Open Run
Famous percussion instrument musical Nanta is remade as a kids' musical. Four cooks are given an order to prepare 100 kids' birthday party within few hours. Suddenly four magicians appear and help them prepare food and cakes. The musical also presents laser and magic show, and ends with Korean traditional rhythmic music. Tickets cost from 30,000 won to 50,000 won. For more information visit www.ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 738-8289. Located near from Seolleung Station on subway Bundang line.
Family Musical Momo
Changjo Concert Hall
Open Run
Momo is a delightful little girl who has the gift of listening. She helps people find their way out of problems by simply listening to them. But everything changes as the Men in Grey arrive at the village. The meaning of time is altered to a hectic and sterile concept, leaving Momo on a quest to bring back the pleasant village and the meaning of time to their righteous place. All tickets cost 20,000 won. For more information, visit www.ticketlink.co.kr or call (02) 747-7001. Located near exit 4 of Hyehwa Station on subway line 4.
Sports Games
Basketball
Dec. 20, Saturday, 2008
Wonju Dongbu Promy vs. Busan KTF Magic Wings
Wonju Chiak Stadium at 3 p.m.
Changwon LG Sakers vs. Seoul SK Knights
Changwon Indoor Stadium at 3 p.m.
Ulsan Mobis Pheobus vs. Anyang KT & G Kites
Ulsan Dongcheon Stadium at 3 p.m.
Dec. 21, Sunday, 2008
Daegu Orions vs. Seoul SK Knights
Daegu Indoor Stadium at 3 p.m.
Anyang KT & G Kites vs. Busan KTF Magic Wings
Anyang Indoor Stadium at 3 p.m.
Incheon ETLand Black Slamers vs. Wonju Dongbu Promy
Incheon Samsan Indoor Stadium at 5 p.m.
Seoul Samsung Thunders vs. Jeonju KCC Egis
Jamsil Indoor Stadium at 3 p.m.
