Weekend in Seoul
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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.
Underlounge Seoul
Hongdae or Hongik University Area
This is the local club of a well-established Japanese chain that also has a branch in Shanghai, located in the famous clubbing district of Hongdae. There are lots of artistic and creative people in the area located near the main entrance of Hongik University. For more information, call (02) 325-5715 or visit www.underlounge.kr.
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 waitstaff is attentive. The modern decor, floral touches and artistic ambiance add to the dining experience. 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 information and reservations about "Kyotofu", 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 info, 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
Playing On
Changdong Art Studio
Through May 17
Artists from various countries including Germany, Austria, India, Bangladesh, Japan and Mexico are showing their take on Korean scenery. Participating artists include Andreas Zingerle, Kate Tesse Lee, Matthias Scholten, Yoko Shimizu and Chinmoyi Patel. Docent and children's work book programs are available. Admission is free. Located near exit 2 of Changdong Station on subway line 1 or exit 1 of Suyu Station on subway line 4. Take green bus 1157, 1127, or 1138 then get off at Korea Exchange Bank, Changdong branch. For information, call (02) 995-0995.
Suh Do-ho: Home Within Home
Leeum Samsung Museum of Art
Through June 3
An active artist since the early 1990s, Suh Do-ho has held exhibitions at the Whitney Museum of American Art and the Serpentine Gallery. The graduate of Seoul National University, will have a solo exhibition featuring 43 installations, sculptures, drawings and videos. Located near exit 1 of Hangangjin Station on subway line 6. For more information, call (02) 2014-6901 or visit www.leeum.org.
The Triumph in Daily Life
Arario Gallery Seoul Samcheong
Through April 29
Arario Gallery Seoul Samcheong presents Kim Hanna's exhibition through April 29. The exhibition "Triumph in the Daily Life" highlights the so-called "88 generation", those who barely survive on 880,000 won a month while working irregular jobs. The artist intends to encourage the younger generation through her work. Admission is free. Open from Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Located near exit 1 of Anguk Station on subway line 3. For more information, call (02) 723-6190.
Play Panopticon
Seoul Arts Space
Through May 17
Seven artists from various countries ranging from Mexico to France visited Seoul for four months to discover Korea from their own distinctive cultural viewpoints. Their unique yet similar perceptions of Korea will be displayed in the forms of videos and pictures. The theme "Play Panopticon" means to investigate the surroundings objectively, and the exhibition will bring out the theme for the audience. Admission is free. Open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Located near exit 2 of Sangwangshimni Station on subway line 2. For more information, call (02)807-4800 or visit www.seoulartspace.or.kr.
Dansaekhwa: Korean Monochrome Painting
National Museum of Contemporary Art
Through May 13
Monochrome painting has been an important genre in Korean contemporary art since the mid-1970s. Thus, the National Museum of Contemporary Art presents "Dansaekhwa: Korean Monochrome Painting" through to May 13. Artwork by 31 artists can be viewed in this exhibition. Tickets cost 2,400 to 4,000 won. Located near exit 1, 2, or 3 of Seoul Grand Park Station on subway line 4. For more information, call (02) 2188-6000 or visit www.moca.go.kr.
Art Folly 2012: Cubrick
National Museum of Contemporary Art
Through June 30
The National Museum of Contemporary Art has opened an exhibition "Art Folly 2012: Cubrick", which is composed of works by architect Kim Chan-joong. The exhibition is outdoors. The work was created by stacking 42 cubes made of fiber-reinforced plastic. This is a new type of public art presented by the museum. Admission is free. Located near exit 2 of Seoul Grand Park Station on subway line 4, For more information and reservations, call (02) 2188-6000 or visit www.moca.go.kr.
INTRO
Goyang Art Studio
Through May 31
This art exhibition at the Goyang Art Studio through May 31 features 21 artists. Admission is free. Located near exit 2 of Gupabal Station on subway line 3 then take a bus 9709, 9710,
760, 30, 31, or 909. For more information, call (031) 962-0070 or visit www.moca.go.kr.
X_Sound
Nam June Paik Art Center
Through July 1
This exhibition explores the rediscovery of sound through artworks of the late Paik Nam-june and John Cage who greatly influenced him. In 1960, John Cage opened a new era of music by not playing the piano during the concert. "X_Sound" offers not only installation pieces but also sound performances. Tickets cost 2,000 to 4,000 won. Located near exit 5 of Giheung Station on the Bundang subway line. Free parking available. For more information, call (031) 201-8512.
Michael Craig-Martin's "Word, Image, Desire"
Gallery Hyundai
Through April 29
Gallery Hyundai presents a series of British artists' exhibitions to celebrate the 2012 London Olympics. Michael Craig-Martin starts it with the exhibition called "Word, Image, Desire". Craig-Martin is regarded as a developer of modern British arts. This exhibition shows images of daily objects with abstract vocabularies. Open from Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is free. Located near exit 1 of Anguk Station or exit 5 of Gyeongbokgung Station on subway line 3. For more, please call (02) 2287-3500 or visit www.galleryhyundai.com.
SeMA Young 2012: 12 Events for 12 Rooms
Seoul Museum of Art
Through May 17
Seoul Museum of Art introduces new rising artists through this exhibition. The exhibition aims to show an artistic stream in society.
Around 12 aspiring local artists are participating and the wide ranging works include paintings, videos, photographs, and audio tracks. Admission is free. Closed on Mondays. Located near exit 10, 11 or 12 of City Hall Station
on subway line 1 or 2. call (02) 2124-8938 or visit seoulmoa.seoul.go.kr.
A Story of Northern European Furniture: Finn Juhl 100 Year Exhibition
Daelim Museum
Through Sept. 23
The Daelim Museum is exhibiting designs of Finn Juhl, a Scandinavian furniture master. The exhibition is filled with collections from Oda Noritsugu, a world renowned chair collector. Finn Juhl's most famous desk, chair, cabinets and more furniture designs will be displayed differently every month, providing an opportunity for the audience to experience Scandinavian design in greater depth. Admission is free. Located near exit 3 of Gyeongbokgung station subway line 3. For more information, call (02)720-0667 or visit www.daelimmuseum.
Kim Jong-hak
Gallery Hyundai
May 1-27
Kim Jong-hak, "Mt. Seorak's artist", will hold an exhibition in May. The exhibition offers drawings of Mt. Seorak and letters he wrote to his daughter. Admission is free. Closed on Mondays. Located near exit 1 of Anguk Station or exit 5 of Gyeongbokgung Station on subway line 3. For more information, call (02) 2287-3591.
Billy Childish
Gallery Hyundai
May 11-June 3
To celebrate 2012 London Olympic Games, Gallery Hyundai presents a Billy Childish exhibition. The English artist, painter, author, poet, photographer, film maker, singer and guitarist is known for his explicit and prolific work. During this exhibition, Billy Childish interpreted Hans Fallada and Robert Walser's literature in his art work. Admission is free. Located near exit 1 of Anguk Station or exit 5 of Gyeongbokgung Station on subway line 3. For more information and reservations, please call (02) 2287-3500 or visit www.galleryhyundai.com.
Paul McCarthy: Nine Dwarves
Kukje Gallery
Through May 12
One of America's most influential and challenging artists working today, Paul McCarthy has been using a range of themes from psychoanalysis to popular culture. This exhibition shows Paul McCarthy's lens on Disney's animation "Snow White". Particularly, the exhibition "Nine Dwarves" focuses on the symbolic meaning of Disney culture and the impact of mass media. Admission is free. Located near exit 1 of Anguk Station or exit 5 of Gyeongbokgung Station on subway line 3. For more information and reservations, call (02) 735-8449 or visit www.kukjegallery.com.
Kids
Garuya Garuya
COEX Artium
Open Run
This children's exhibition allows attendees to play with flour. The exhibition includes baking bread, a flour massage, 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. Located near exit 5 or 6 of Samsung Station on subway line 2. For more information, call (02) 738-8289 or visit www.coex.co.kr.
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. He is most famous for "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" published in 1969. Carle will exhibit his drawings at the Yoondang Art Hall through Sept. 9. Located near exit 2 of Apgujeong Station on subway line 3. Tickets cost 10,000 to 13,000 won. For those who want to take part in premium art classes, it costs an extra 27,000 won. For more information and reservations, please call 1577-2046.
Cloud Bread
COEX Art Hall
Through June 16
Based on a children's best-seller story book, the musical "Cloud Bread" will be performed at the COEX Art Hall. The musical is offered in English. No performance on Mondays. Tickets cost 25,000 won. Located near exit 5 of Samseong Station on subway line 2. For more information and reservations, please call 1588-5212 or visit www.coex.co.kr.
Sports games
Football
Saturday, April 28
Ulsan Hyundai vs. Daejeon Citizen
Ulsan Munsu Stadium at 3 p.m.
Suwon Bluewings vs. Seongnam Ilhwa
Daegu Stadium at 3 p.m.
Daegu FC vs. Pohang Steelers
Daegu Stadium at 3 p.m.
Sangju Sangmu vs. Busan I'Park
Sangju Civic Stadium 5 p.m.
Men's Baseball
Saturday, April 28
KIA Tigers vs. Doosan Bears
Jamsil Baseball Stadium at 5 p.m.
Nexen Heroes vs. Hanwha Eagles
Cheongju Baseball Stadium at 5 p.m.
LG Twins vs. Lotte Giants
Sajik Baseball Stadium at 5 p.m.
Samsung Lions vs. SK Wyverns
Munhak Baseball Stadium at 5 p.m.
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