Clubs

The Octagon
Nonhyeon-dong

This club recently opened near the New Hilltop Hotel in Nonhyeon-dong. The venue offers a club stage, lounge bar and dining area in a hip and modern setting. Leave via exit 4 of Hakdong Station on subway line 7. Call (02) 516-8847 for more information.

Club Volume
Itaewon

Located in the Crown Hotel near Noksapyeong Station, Club Volume offers the finest venue for specially themed weekly events and world-class DJs. Club Volume was listed by TIME magazine among the “10 things to do in 24 hours in Seoul.” For more information, call 1544-2635.

Le Nuit Blanche
Cheongdam-dong

Formerly Club Answer, Le Nuit Blanche is a posh restaurant, theater and club. Located in front of the Hotel Prima in Cheongdam-dong, Le Nuit Blanche offers Cirque du Soleil-type performances. World-class DJs from all over the world perform at the club. For more information, call (02) 514-4311.

W.E. Listen
Samcheong-dong

This cafe reinterprets traditional Korean desserts. The menu not only offers American-style coffee but also sweet potato, sweet bean latte, a “hoddeok” pancake set, multi-grain lattes and more. Located near exit 1 of Anguk Station on subway line 3. For more information, visit www.westneast.co.kr or call (02) 739-0919.

Berlin Cafe & Lounge
Itaewon

Almost hidden atop a hill at the mouth of Itaewon, this terrace with a view offers deliciously themed dinner platters, strong cocktails and DJs on the weekends. The kitchen is open late and the waiting staff is attentive. The modern decor, floral touches and artistic ambience add to the dining experience. For more information, call (02) 749-0903.

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. It is located on the street between the Hakdong intersection and the Galleria intersection in Apgujeong-dong. For more information, call (02) 549-5490.

Naos Nova
Huam-dong

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. For more information, visit www.naosnova.com. 448-120 Huam-dong Yongsan-gu, Seoul or call (02) 754-2202.

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 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. For more information, visit www.kunsthalle.com.

Gachi
Apgujeong-dong

Salsa enthusiasts can dance the night away here. To get to Gachi, get off at Apgujeong Station Line 3 and get out at exit 5. After walking past six streets, look for the 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 and Sunday, 2 p.m. to 12 a.m. For more information, call (02) 540-7087.

Kyotofu
Itaewon

With a stark, modern interior and unique menu options with tofu-based ingredients, this restaurant and sake lounge offers a hip dining experience. For more info, call (02) 749-1488.

Traditional

Cultural shows
Korea House
Open run

Korea House regularly holds a series of traditional performances featuring dance, “pansori” (Korean opera) and more. Tickets cost 50,000 won. Located near exit 3 of Chungmuro Station, subway lines 3 and 4. For more information, call (02) 2266-9101.

Miso
Chongdong Theater
Open run

This Korean musical tells the romantic story of a young couple in the Joseon Kingdom (1392-1910) falling in love with each other, describing the transformation of love as chronicling the four seasons and using Korean musical instruments and dance. The musical was created in 2008, and the second version has been running since 2010. Tickets cost 30,000 to 50,000 won. For more information, call (02) 751-1500.

Kim Duk-soo’s Traditional Yeonhui Performance ’Pan’
Gwanghwamun Art Hall

Open run

“Pan,” which opened in May 2008, is a traditional Korean performance expressing on stage a Korean clown’s joyful and pleasant emotions in harmony with traditional instruments, drama and circus acts. Since its first performance in 2008, the theater has prepared a new version of the show and opened it to the public in 2009. Tickets cost 30,000 to 50,000 won. Located near exit 1 of Gyeongbokgung Station on subway line 3. Call (02) 722-3416.

Art Exhibitions

Nostalgia is an Extended Feedback
Nam June Paik Art Center
Through Jan. 20, 2013

Paik Nam-june, regarded as one of the first video artists, was a Korean American best known for his various works in different media. He tried to incorporate the significance of high technology for humans into his art. The exhibition will provide an important opportunity to reevaluate his art and thoughts in light of its value for today. Tickets cost 4,000 won. Located in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province. For more information, call (031) 201- 8571.

Mook Han
Gallery Hyundai Gangnam
Through Sept. 16

Mook Han was born in 1914 and is most recognized as the first purveyor of geometric abstract art in Korea. His works received most recognition in the 1970s, and Gallery Hyundai is re-celebrating his influence on modern Korean art. Admission is free. For more information, call (02) 519- 0800 or visit www.galleryhyundai.com.

Felix Gonzalez-Torres

Plateau

Through Sept. 28

A retrospective of Felix Gonzalez-Torres, the Cuban-born American artist who left a strong imprint on contemporary art, is being held at Plateau. The artist’s fear of death, seeking eternity and love for his AIDS-infected lover are all reflected in his works. His signature candy pile, “Untitled” (Placebo) and “Untitled” (Rossmore II) are also on display. Visitors are free to take posters or candies from the exhibit. They are then eventually refilled by the gallery. For more information, visit www.plateau.or.kr or call 1577-7595.

Re-Opening Doosan Gallery Seoul
Doosan Gallery
Through Aug. 19

Doosan Gallery presents Korea’s 14 renowned artists, who have successfully spread their works inside and outside of the country. The 14 artists include Gwon Osang, Kira Kim, Kim In-sook, who have participated in Doosan Residency New York from several years. Admission is free. For more information, call (02) 708-5050 or visit www.doosangallery .com.

Yoon Jung-hee: From a Seed
Songeun Artcube
Through Aug. 22

Yoon Jung-hee’s art works are known to be only made out of metal wires. By using cold wires, she portrays a warm feeling of life through ways in which she folds the metals. Admission is free. For more information, call (02) 3448-0100 or visit www.songeunartspace.org.

ArtSpectrum 2012
Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art
Through Sept. 16

ArtSpectrum, Leeum’s biennial project to introduce aspiring Korean artists, has returned. Eight artists — Kim A-young, Kim Ji-eun, Bae Chan-hyo, Oak Jung-ho, Jang Bo-yun, Jun so-jung, Choi Ki-chang and Han Kyung-woo — present a variety of works themed from individual identity as a foreign student to historical events such as the international dispute over Port Hamilton, also known as Geomun Island. The medium ranges from photographs, videos and installations, sampling the diversity of Korean contemporary art. Admission is 6,000 won. Located near Hangangjin Station on subway line 6. For more information, call (02) 2014-6900 or visit www.leeum.org.

Kohei Nawa: TRANS
Arario Gallery
Through Nov. 4

Arario Gallery displays Kohei Nawa’s artwork. Kohei Nawa, a young Japanese artist, will hold a solo exhibition for the first time in Korea. The exhibition reveals Nawa’s new sculptures and paintings. Tickets cost 3,000 won. For more information, call (041) 551-5100 or visit www.arariogallery.co.kr.

Gao Lei Projections
Arario Gallery
Through Aug. 19

Gao Lei is a young Chinese photographer who hopes to keep and restore the traditional construction styles through his art works. He uses a peculiar technique to capture images, which divides and magnifies substances through photography. More than twenty-two works by Gao Lei is displayed in Korea for the first time. Tickets cost 3,000 won. For more information, call (041) 551-5100 or visit www.arariogallery.co.kr.

2012 Exposition du Musee du Louvre
Hangaram Art Museum, Seoul Arts Center
Through Sept. 30

A group of artworks from the Louvre themed “Myths and Legends” came to Korea for a special exhibition. Three experts from the prestigious museum hand-picked works related to familiar Olympian gods and goddesses. The pieces on display include some of the priceless collection such as the marble sculpture “Cupid and Psyche” by Italian Antonio Canova, “Pygmalion and Galatea” by Anne-Louis Girodet and “Daphnis and Chloe” by Francois Gerard. Admission is 12,000 won. For more information, call (02) 325-1077 or visit www.louvre2012.co.kr.

SeMA Gold 2012: Hidden Track
Seoul Museum of Art
Through Aug. 26

Established artists in their 50s and 60s have set and unique artistic styles. However, they do have the desire to break out from their established approaches and “SeMA Gold 2012: Hidden Track” gives them a chance to express their hidden aspirations. For more information, visit www.seoulmoa.org or call (02) 2124-8800.

Different Special
Gyeonggi Museum of Modern Art
Through Oct. 7

“Different Special” brings artworks of 41 disabled artists from three nations — Korea, the United States and Japan. The arts are all creatively thought out by artists who suffer from developmental disability. Tickets cost 4,000 won. For more information, call (031) 481-7007 or visit www.gmoma.co.kr.

Kids

Garuya Garuya
COEX Artium
Open Run

This children’s exhibition allows visitors to play with flour. Activities include baking bread, playing flour instruments, making dough, drawing pictures using flour and more. Closed on Mondays and only children over 24 months are allowed. Tickets cost 17,000 to 23,000 won. Discounts are also available. For more information, call (02) 738-8289.

Eric Carle English Art Studio
Yoondang Art Hall

Through Sept. 9

Eric Carle is a famous children’s picture book author and illustrator who was born in New York. Carle’s artworks are displayed at the Yoondang Art Hall through Sept. 9. Admission is free. For more information and reservations, please call 1577-2046.

Cocomong Eco Park
Open Run

The Cocomong Eco Park focuses on the importance of developing children’s senses. Through incorporating various aspects of nature to the park, it will allow children to develop as the leaders in an ecologically concerned world. Tickets cost 18,000 won. For more information, call 1661-0568.

Sports Games

Football
Saturday, Aug. 18

Gangwon FC vs. Busan I’Park
Gangneung Stadium at 7 p.m.

Seoul FC vs. Suwon Samsung
Seoul World Cup Stadium at 7 p.m.

Ulsan Hyundai vs. Incheon Utd.
Ulsan Munsu Football Stadium at 7 p.m.

Gwangju FC vs. Daejeon Citizen
Gwangju World Cup Stadium at 7 p.m.


Baseball
Saturday, Aug. 18

Nexen Heroes vs. Lotte Giants
Sajik Baseball Stadium at 5 p.m.

KIA Tigers vs. SK Wyverns
Munhak Baseball Stadium at 5 p.m.

LG Twins vs. Hanwha Eagles
Daejeon Baseball Stadium at 5 p.m.

Samsung Lions bs. Doosan Bears
Jamsil Baseball Stadium at 5 p.m.

Horseracing

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 Station, subway line 4, exit 3. For more information, call (02)509-1114 or visit at www.kra.co.kr.