Happy Buddha’s Birthday, we hope you’re either exploring or fleeing the country over the long weekend. If you’re stuck in Seoul, don’t worry – we’ve got you sorted. Peruse the events on offer and pay attention to the bottom of this post. There’s FREE STUFF up for grabs. If you haven’t planned a trip yet but are eager to, why not visit some of the beaches around the Incheon area? They’re relatively close to Seoul and are pretty damn lovely. Try Muuido island or Waymook beach.
ONGOING
Good Labor, Bad Art
‘Good Labor, Bad Art’ is a solo exhibition of the artist Gimhongsok. As part of series of exhibitions to broaden the idea of Korean contemporary art by introducing more controversial and dynamic elements. The show covers a range of mediums showing the artists diversity in aesthetics. Gimhongsok’s work juxtaposes a criticism of reality with a sense of humour. Highlights include ‘Public Blank’ a witty take on the concept of ‘Public Art’, with extravagant and impractical proposals for external monuments based around the appreciation and enjoyment of solitude. ‘Good Labour, Bad Art’ is at Plateau, Samsung Museum of Art until 26th May.
ALL WEEKEND
World DJ Fest 2013
Dubbed Seoul’s first and largest electronic festival, World DJ Fest kicks off the summer festival season with a slew of international DJs whose genres range from techno to electro to hardcore house. Their official line-up has now been announced and it’s huge – Skream & Benga will be playing, amongst others. Directions to World DJ Fest Korea 2013 should be the same as previous years since it’s still in Yangpyeong. Check out this informative blogpost for details.
The 7th Seoul Jazz Festival 2013
Clashing with World DJ Fest is the 7th Seoul Jazz Festival at Olympic Park’s Lakeside Stage, with singer/ songwriter Damien Rice headlining and Kings of Convenience supporting. Discover more about the event by reading our preview.
Korea’s Second Wineglass Bay Outdoor Festival
A weekend of kayaking and other outdoorsy endeavors with intermittent drinking? Even the Buddha would approve. Sited at the beautiful Namhae Island, the Wineglass Bay Outdoor festival wraps up sailing, kayaking, bonfires, beer, live music, seafood consumption, and BBQ into a hell of a weekend. And, the Buddha is still smiling, it’s all in the name of preserving Korea’s national forests. Further details on packages and pricing can be found on
THURSDAY
Stand Up Seoul SNEAK PEEK
Launch your long weekend with . The Rocky Mountain Tavern shindig is a preview of SUS’s upcoming shows at the Renaissance. Local comics will start the sneak peek and the night will close with sure to be solid sets from Matt Braunger and Kyle Kinane. Tickets are free if you already booked for the Renaissance shows, W10,000 otherwise.
FRIDAY
Roller Boogie Night #2
Like the nightlife? Like to boogie…on wheels? Pull out the track jacket and get ready to roll at Platoon this Friday for the second Roller Boogie Night at Platoon in Gangnam. Chincha captured the disco inferno on wheels from the first event, watch it here.
SATURDAY
Tasty Soul: A Classic R&B Jam
On Saturday, May 18th, , , , and DJ Crab will spin a wide selection of soul classics at . Trap is trapping you? Pop ain’t popping for you? Then this is a night to breakaway! There’s also a Cakeshop night on with glasses of wine from W4000.
Loose Union Raid the South
Beer, cocktails and rock n roll–things Loose Union, Southern Sons and Magpie Brewing Co. hope to , really fresh club Gangnam way. Head there for live performances from Yukari, DMCK, New Blue Death, Love X Stereo and Used Cassettes. Dance party to follow. W15,000 at the door.
Pegasus Headline Strange Fruit
Another option for indie in Seoul this Saturday is at always-awesome Strange Fruit in Hongdae for Busan and Seoul bands Les Sales, Genius and Three Summer. Pegasus from Japan are .
Bake Sale
Missing home-cooked treats? Pick some up at a charity bake sale near . The group behind the event are raising money for a North Korean defector and have promised Chincha there’ll be flavoured breads on offer. We’re counting down the hours.
SUNDAY
Chuncheon Mime Fest Waterfight
Head up to Chuncheon this Sunday for a full-on waterfight in the streets as the Chuncheon Mime Fest launches. What could be more fun on a perfectly sunny day? .
Sigur Ros Live in Seoul
Ethereal, epic Scandinavian post-rock band Sigur Ros are playing Seoul’s Olympic Gymnastics Arena this Sunday. Tickets are now being sold on Interpark and range from 99,000 – 110,000 won. Watch one of the band’s recent music videos, created by Seoul videographer Nils Clauss.
TUESDAY
Wye Oak Live in Seoul
Baltimore duo famed for having music featured on series such as The Walking Dead are in Seoul on Tuesday. Here’s the on the show itself. Kuang Program and 404 are supporting, making this a solid evening of indie pairings.
Words by Charlotte Hammond and Loren Cotter
Cover image by Janna Gibson for on Instagram
