Entertainment in South Korea
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A
Sejong Centre for the Performing Arts
Centrally located, this leading arts complex puts on major drama, music and art shows – everything from large-scale musicals to fusion gugak (traditional Korean music) and gypsy violinists. It has a grand hall, a small theatre and three art galleries. Check out the website for what’s on and ticketing options.
reviewed
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B
Arko Art Theatre
This large red-brick theatre was designed by leading architect Kim Swoo-geun and opened in 1981. The 600-seat and 150-seat venues put on a varied dance-oriented program of events and shows, as well as hosting the annual Seoul Performing Arts Festival and the International Modern Dance Festival.
reviewed
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Cheongsong Eoreum Makgeolli
Don't leave without popping into this traditional 'makgeolli and mackerel' pub restaurant near the seafront that offers a wide choice of wholesome grub plus beers and kettles of makgeolli. Join the locals (children welcome) for traditional food and good cheer in a friendly atmosphere. Ask for the English menu.
reviewed
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Monk
Before and after jazz sets (21:00 to 23:00, Wednesday to Saturday) Monk can be an empty sound stage with a few offbeat characters. When live music hits the stage, the place is full of offbeat characters. Poetry Plus - a night of performance art for budding Leonard Cohens - runs one Saturday every six weeks (21:00 to 23:00).
reviewed
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C
Ole Stompers Rock Spot
This muso-owned Itaewon pub has live music, often a rocking blues expat band, most Fridays and Saturdays around 10pm. Look out for the Battle of the Bands shows, which have big prize money and attract top local talent, both Korean and expat. The signature drink is ‘tek and mek’ – draft beer with a shot of tequila (W5000).
reviewed
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D
Todam Teashop
This rustic den next to Chongdong Theatre serves up genuine homemade teas including ones made from apricots, pine needles and even deer antler. Try sipjeondaebotang, which has 13 ingredients and is sweetened with honey quince syrup and served with Korean green tea, candied ginger and lightweight rice crackers.
reviewed
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E
Oktoberfest
It’s much quieter than Oktoberfest at Seoul’s first microbrewery but it’s still going strong and producing 1000L a day inside this large bare-brick and natural-wood cellar bar. Four freshly produced beers along with German-style meats are served by frock-clad lasses (platters W11,000 to W50,000).
reviewed
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F
Labris
Up on the 8th floor, this newly opened social-cum–dance club is for women only and is lesbian oriented. It attracts locals and foreigners with its three levels of differently coloured, comfortable sofas. DJ nights are Friday to Sunday when the minimum charge for a drink and compulsory anju is W17,000.
reviewed
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Grand Ole Opry
This grand ol’ country-and-western bar and dance hall, with crates of beer lying around and big Mexican hats on the wall, is still going strong. The barn has plenty of honky-tonk atmosphere, compulsory dancing, staff who chat, cheap drinks and cowboy-music requests, all adding up to a good time for the fans.
reviewed
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G
Dalsaeneun Dalman Saenggak Handa
This poetically named teashop is packed with plants and rustic artefacts. Bird song, soothing music and trickling water add to the atmosphere. Huddle in a cubicle and savour one of the 15 teas, which include gamnipcha (persimmon-leaf tea). Saenggangcha (ginger tea) is peppery but sweet.
reviewed
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H
M2
Deep underground is M2, one of the largest and best Hongdae clubs. It has a high ceiling and plenty of lights and visuals. Top local and international DJs spin mainly progressive house music. Wednesday is ladies night. The only downside at this celeb haunt is that some staff are on the obstinate side.
reviewed
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I
DGBD
A legendary live-music venue (previously called Drug) where all the top Hongdae bands have played over the years. It’s standing-room only, although there are a few chairs and a balcony. The menu is mainly rock but not always, and with the closure of Skunk Hell, punk acts are likely to migrate here.
reviewed
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J
Club Caliente
The varied Latin beats and rhythms laid on by DJ Josh will get you to your feet – especially after a couple of the club’s La Rosa soju (a vodkalike liqour) mixes. Saturday nights are always packed, and dance lessons are available – ask at the venue for days and times.
reviewed
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K
Sk@2
DJs Hyun Geun and Beat 2 Flow crank up a bit of everything (except ska) on the B1 level. The curtained section with round, red beds is reserved for wealthy whiskey drinkers. Downstairs has house and electronic with a more laser/psychedelic style. Free entry for ladies except Friday and Saturday.
reviewed
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L
All That Jazz
A fixture on the Seoul jazz scene for over 30 years, top local musicians regularly perform here. The live music starts at 9pm except on Friday (8.30pm) and Saturday and Sunday (both 7pm). Besides beer, you can order frozen cocktails, wines and even dinner. Check the website for the schedule.
reviewed
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J Bar
This funky subterranean cellar with a youthful vibe and a dance area generally has live music every Friday and Saturday from 22:00 to 00:00. At other times the bar staff have a choice of 6000 LPs as well as numerous CDs. There is a pool table, an occasional DJ and beers are not too pricey.
reviewed
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M
Nanta Theatre
Set in a kitchen, this long-running, high-octane show mixes varied ingredients – magic tricks, circus acts, drumming with kitchen utensils, comedy, dance, martial arts and audience participation – to produce a clever and entertaining musical pantomime that has broken box office records.
reviewed
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N
Reggae Pub
Reggae rhythms on the sound system are the main attraction at this Jamaican outpost, but there is pool and darts. Jamaican-style wings, curry and hamburgers are on the menu, and a dance area with disco ball lighting gives the pub a clubby atmosphere as the night progresses on weekends.
reviewed
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O
3 Alley Pub
Mixing together a friendly pub atmosphere (darts, pool, cheap chicken wings on Tuesdays, a trivia quiz on Wednesdays) with top-notch European-style pub grub (mains W15,000) and nine draught beers is a formula that makes this place an expat magnet, especially with the older crowd.
reviewed
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P
Trance
Pouting drag princesses Ms Nina and Ms Nang entertain in their own utterly unique style at this small gay club with a DJ and a stage. The shows don’t begin until 2.30am on Friday and Saturday nights. Otherwise this red-and-black dance club serves up mixed dance music.
reviewed
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Q
Juju Tent Bar
Particularly popular in summer, this outdoor bar near Apgujeong has a retractable roof and is open all year round. Beer and soju are W4000 but the trad food, chicken gizzards, chicken feet, grilled eel, stews and fish, is more expensive (meals W12,000 to W20,000).
reviewed
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R
Macondo
Free dancing lessons are a daily attraction at this other long-lasting Latin American dance club where you can show off those salsa, merengue and bachata moves. It’s at the other end of Hongdae from most of the clubs. Drunks aren’t welcome.
reviewed
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Giant Step Jazz Bar
The Giant Step is a jazz bar with all the trappings you'd expect in an upscale joint, like burgundy wood, black-and-white photos and a good supply of recordings. Live 30-minute sets on stage Wednesday to Saturday (21:00, 22:00 and 23:00). Located near Gwang·an beach.
reviewed
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S
Live Jazz Club
Daehangno is home to the Seoul Jazz Academy, and this large but intimate venue, with black decor subtly blended with blue neon, attracts top Korean jazz stars such as saxophonist Lee Jeong-suk and his quartet. Enjoy two or three sessions every evening in this jazz haven.
reviewed
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T
Slug.Er
Live indie rock bands and the dark ones of the local metal scene bring in the customers to this dark underground den of a live venue. The drinks aren't too expensive and the there are Hip Hop nights and DJ fests for those who prefer beats and rhymes to hair and solos.
reviewed