Weekend in Seoul

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 following webstie, 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. In the past Suh studied at Yale and the Rhode Island School of Design. Tickets cost 6,000 to 10,000 won. Located near exit 1 of Hangangjin Station on subway line 6. For more information, call (02) 2014-6901 or visit following website, 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 artwork. 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.

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.

Time Collected

Arario Gallery SEOUL Cheongdam

Through April 22

Lee Jin-yong, a native of Busan, will hold the exhibition "Time Collected" at Arario Gallery SEOUL, Cheongdam-dong. This exhibition aims to show traditional Korean pottery that Lee has collected since he was 20 years old. Through the showcase, Lee sheds light on the beauty of Korean pottery. Open from Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Admission is free. Located near exit 8 of Cheongdam Station on subway line 7. For more information, call (02) 541-5701 or visit www.arariogallery.co.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 following website, 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.

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. For more information and reservations, call (02) 2124-8938 or visit seoulmoa.seoul.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, then take the free shuttle bus or walk about 15 to 20 minutes. For more information and reservations, call (02) 2188-6000 or visit www.moca.go.kr.

Kim Jong-hak

Gallery Hyundai

May 1-27

Kim Jong-hak, "Mt. Seorak's artist", holds 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 or visit

The Stranger

Gallery Hyundai Gangnam Space

Through April 22

Park Min-joon's individual exhibition shows 20 new pieces by the artist. Park focuses on life and death. Especially, Park has added his own imaginative image to Greek mythology and reinterpreted its stories. Closed on Mondays. Admission is free. Located near exit 2 of Apgujeong Station on subway line 3. For more information and reservations, call (02) 519-0800 or visit following website, www.galleryhyundai.com.

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 following website, www.galleryhyundai.com.

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

Men's Football
Saturday, April 21

FC Seoul vs. Jeju Utd.
Seoul World Cup Stadium at 3 p.m.

Gyeongnam FC vs. Suwon Bluewings
Jinju Stadium at 3 p.m.

Daegu FC vs. Sangjoo Phoenix
Daegu Stadium at 3 p.m.

Busan I'Park vs. Gangwon FC
Busan Stadium at 5 p.m.

Men's Baseball
Saturday, April 21

Lotte Giants vs. KIA Tigers
Gwangjju Baseball Stadium at 1:55 p.m.

Samsung Lions vs. Hanwha Eagles
Cheongju Baseball Stadium at 5 p.m.

SK Wyverns vs. LG Twins
Jamsil Baseball Stadium at 5 p.m.

Doosan Bears vs. Nexen Heroes
Mokdong Baseball Stadium 5 p.m.

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jhdo@koreatimes.co.kr