Record bar, galactic-themed cafe and craft workshops for cold winter weekend Sip, chat and groove at Kompakt Record Bar Looking for a bar with good music and a laid-back atmosphere? Kompakt Record Bar in Seongsu-gu, eastern Seoul, offers a perfect blend of music appreciation and relaxation. This listening bar and brand is founded on a deep respect for record culture and the local DJ scene. The Seongsu location is the third branch, with the other two in Apgujeong-dong and Sinsa-dong, also in Seou

Try a figure-skating class, go sledding in Yeouido or explore up-and-coming artists One-day skating classes for all levels Ice Works, a large skating facility on the fourth floor of the E-Mart Yeoksam branch near Hanti Station in Seoul, offers one-day classes to those interested in trying ice skating. The venue spans approximately 5,000 square meters and boasts the largest ice rink in Gangnam. Ice Works offers a variety of activities on its four separate rinks, including figure skating, ice hock

Drinks paired with art, sleepy cafe and vintage stationery offer calm in troubled times Art in drinks Opened in August 2023, Lounge Heeum brands itself as a “drinks omakase” offering a long list of drinks and desserts carefully selected by a barista to embody the spirit of paintings by Kim Ji-hee. The signature reservation-only Art Brew Omakase, a three-course experience, begins with Chinese Da Hong Pao tea and a truffle pumpkin gazpacho. The starter readies the taste buds for the main dish -- v

Blow away cobwebs with hanji worry dolls Need a respite from the humdrum of everyday life and seeking ways to blow away the cobwebs? Try making your own "worry doll," a tiny, handcrafted doll to put by your bedside and tell your worries so the problems go away by the next day. Duridu Art Shop, a craft workshop in Ssamzigil -- a cultural space in Insa-dong, central Seoul -- offers a one-day class to make a worry doll using hanji, or traditional Korean mulberry paper. A worry doll is easy to make.

Visual record of endangered species National Geographic's "Photo Ark" exhibition, now on display in Seoul, opens with a stark warning: Time is running out for many of Earth's wondrous creatures. The ongoing project, helmed by photographer Joel Sartore since 2006, is a global initiative that has captured more than 15,000 species in human care. The exhibition turns out to be a powerful equalizing force. A tiny mantis commands the same frame size as a towering elephant, each sho

A Taste of Britain in Seoul Tucked away in an Euljiro alley, where old buildings, high-rise towers, and a variety of eateries coexist, there’s a cozy, inviting space that’s easy to miss if you’re not paying attention. Follow a small, modest sign, climb a narrow staircase, and you’ll find yourself in

Picture book fest at Seoul Forest library Throughout Dec. 15, Seoul Forest will turn into a magical winter haven with its “Picture Book Library in the Woods” festival. Held at the Seoul Forest Community Center from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., the event offers enchanting exhibitions, live music and interactiv

Live Jazz Bar in Cheongdam Enjoy a live performance with some of the city's best food at Chungdam Nine, a jazz bar located in Cheongdam, Seoul. Chungdam Nine is a fancy jazz bar that recently reopened after a renewal that turned it into a venue straight out of the musicals "Chicago" or "Moulin Rouge

Luxuriate at water retreat, slap on a ‘wappen’ at a sew-on patch store and contemplate the meaning of space Swim and sauna in paradise For those torn between swimming and a sauna experience, Cimer provides a luxurious retreat with its combination of swimming pools and spa facilities. Located in Jung

Jazz, dining, and river view: Mood Anchor on Sebitseom Mood Anchor on Sebitseom in Seocho-gu, Seoul, has quickly become a jazz lounge hot spot since reopening as a contemporary restaurant in September, following its earlier life as “Mood Seoul.” Known for its unique blend of fine dining and live jaz