Underlounge Seoul
Hongdae or Hongik University Area
This is the local club of a hip Japanese chain that’s also 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Gachi
Apgujeongdong
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, turn left and look for Gachi’s red and white sign. Gachi is open from Mondays to Fridays 6 p.m. to 12 a.m., Saturday to Sunday, 2 p.m. to 12 a.m. Call (02) 540-7087.
St.102
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
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. Call (02) 338-1523.
Rocky Mountain Tavern
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.
Club FF
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
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 22-ho. Call (02) 749-0717.
Once in a Blue Moon
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 that 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
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
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.
Folk performances
The Korea House
Open Run
The Korea House will hold 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.
Geometrical Illusion
Ilju and Seonhwa Gallery, Wellside GalleryThrough July 9
On the 20th anniversary of Lee Seung-jio’s death, this two part exhibition opens to share the works of Korea’s avant garde artist. Lee introduced the country to geometric abstraction in the 1960s, helping shape the contemporary art scene. Part 1 is located near exit 6 of Gwanghwamun Station on subway line 5. The second exhibition runs through July 7 at Wellside Gallery near Seocho Station on subway line 2. Visit www.leeseungjio.com.
Pop Art Superstar Keith Haring
SOMA Museum of Arts
Through Sept. 5
The largest exhibition of Keith Haring’s works in Korea opens to present roughly 150 pieces to the public. Take the time to check out the influential New York artist on the 20th anniversary of his death. Tickets cost 10,000 won; visit www.haring.co.kr.
Moon Zone
Art+Lounge Dibang
Through July 24
The inaugural exhibition of this new art space opens to feature a range of artists. From video installations to paintings, a diversity of art can be seen. Located north of Seoul, visit www.dibang.org.
Man Ray’s Photography & His Heritage
Seoul Museum of Art
Through Aug. 15
The works of renowned photographer Man Ray will be on display alongside 47 Korean artists in this expansive exhibition. Located behind Deoksugung Palace near City Hall Station on subway lines 1, 2 and 5. Visit www.seoulmoa.seoul.go.kr.
I don’t let you down
Pool
Through July 11
This dual exhibition by Lee Je and Aesop combines installations with paintings inside the unique art-centered space of “Pool.” Located in Gugi-dong; visit www.altpool.org for more information (English and Korean).
Proklamasi!
Watergate Gallery
Through July 10
Five talented artists from Indonesia are brought together in this group exhibition. Each with a distinct style, the five featured offer a look into contemporary art from the country. Located near exit 1 of Hakdong Station on subway line 7. Visit www.watergate.co.kr.
Green House
Gallery Hyundai
Through July 4
Moon Kung-won explores the relationships between traditional and modern, time and space, the moving and the still, in this solo exhibition. Located near exit 1 of Anguk station on subway line 3. Visit www.galleryhyundai.com.
Out of Noise
Gallery Hyundai Gangnam Space
Through June 27
Japanese artist Toru Kuwakubo is holding an exhibition of his whimsical, colorful oils on canvas. Located a 20 minute walk from Apgujeong Station, exit 2, on subway line 3. Visit www.galleryhyundai.com.
Masquerade
Through June 20
Kim Sung-jin tackles intimate close-ups of people in this solo exhibition. Located in Gangnam, near Apgujeong Station on subway line number 3. Visit www.galleryhyundai.com.
Nature Created by Light
Leeahn Gallery
Trhough July 3
American artist Jennifer Steinkamp explores themes of nature through video art in her first solo exhibition in Korea. Leeahn Gallery is based in Daegu with a branch in Seoul. Visit www.leeahngallery.com.
Games of Desire
Mongin Art Center
Through July 25
Renowned Iranian artist Shirin Neshat opens her first solo exhibition in Korea with video installations showing male and female performers reciting traditional courtship songs. The Mongin Art Center is located in Samcheong-dong, near Anguk Station exit 1, subway line 3. Visit www.mongin.org.
Memoryscape
Arko Art Center
Take a walk down memory lane with the collections of 80 people and eight artists. A cornucopia of items makes up this exhibition of personal collections ― each of which have been formed over the course of at least 10 years. Hosted by Arts Council Korea and the Arko Art Center, Memoryscape will feature such artists as Yoon Jeong-jee and Kim Yoon-ho. Arko Art Center is located near exit 2 of Hyehwa Station on subway line 2. Admission is free. Visit www.arkoartcenter.or.kr.
Solid but Fluid
YHD Projects
Hong Sung-chul depicts the human body by printing images onto hundreds of thousands of elastic strings ― giving them a ghostly three-dimensional effect. Located near Hongik University Station exit 4, subway line 2. Visit www.yhdprojects.com for more information.
Emotional City
UNC Gallery
Hye Ja opens a solo exhibition of her oil paintings, featuring expressionistic city landscapes and social commentary on humans and technology. UNC Gallery is located near Anguk Station exit 1 on subway line 3. Visit www.gncgallery.com or call (02) 773-2798.
Disposable Identity
Gallery Kong
An Se-eun is opening a solo exhibition at the recently relocated Gallery Kong. Now in Samcheong-dong, Anguk Station exit 1 on subway line 3. Visit www.gallerykong.com for more information.
Draw
Arario Gallery
This exhibition features the works of two artists, Yoon Hee-seop and Choi Wong-jung, who have been widely exhibited in New York. Arario Gallery brings their work back to Korea. Located in Jongno, Anguk Station on subway line 3, exit 1. Visit www.arariogallery.com.
Nigel Hall
Urban Art
Through June 24
Briton Nigel Hall will bring 10 of his wood and bronze sculptures to a solo exhibition in Urban Art. Located near exit 8 of Sinsa Station on subway line 3. Visit www.urganart4u.com.
Abstract Touch
Opera Gallery
June 22-July 14
Iceland’s Oli G. Johannsson and China’s Wang Yehan unite in a joint exhibition of west meets east at Opera Gallery. Located near Cheongdam Station on subway line 7, exit 9. Visit www.operagallery.com for more information.
Light On
Keumsan Gallery, Heyri Artists’ Village
The works of Jeong Bo-young, Jeong Se-ra and Lim Seong-yeon are displayed together in this new exhibition. The Heyri Artists’ Village is located in Paju. Take subway line 2 to Hapjeong Station and take bus 2200. Visit www.heyri.net for more information.
Phantoms
Atelier Hermes
Renowned French installation artist Bertrand Lavier will be presenting old and new works at Atelier Hermes, located on the third floor of the Hermes flagship store, near Dosan Park, southern Seoul.
The Moon Is the Oldest Clock
National Museum of Contemporary Art
Eleven artists bring together their latest works in a new exhibition by the National Museum of Contemporary Art in Gwacheon. Visit www.moca.go.kr.
N―either
Gallery Sun Contemporary
Through July 3
Kim Jin brings her detailed oil on linen works to this solo exhibition. The artist takes impressionist art to a new level with her unique style. Located near exit 1 of Anguk Station on subway line 3. Visit www.suncontemporary.com.
Le Petit Prince
Ewha 100th Memorial Hall
Based on a classic children’s book by Yves De Saint-Esupery, “The Little Prince” has been transformed into a musical. Tickets cost 20,000 won to 25,000 won. Visit ticket.interpark.com or call 080-080-0828. Located near exit 1 or exit 12 of City Hall Station on subway line 1 and 2.
A Dwarf Who Loved Snow White
Prime Art Hall, Sindorim
Based on the Disney Movie “Snow White” but dramatized for more fun. Tickets cost 33,000 won each and 90,000 won for a family of four. Call (02) 2111-1146. Located near exit 2 of Sindorim Station on subway line 1 and 2.
Saturday, June 19
Hanwha Eagles vs. Samsung Lions
Daegu Stadium at 5 p.m.
Kia Tigers vs. SK Wyverns
Incheon Word Cup Stadium at 5 p.m.
Lotte Giants vs. LG Twins
Jamsil Stadium at 5 p.m.
Doosan Bears vs. Nexen Heroes
Mokdong Stadium at 5 p.m.
Sunday, June 20
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.