Seven awesome things to do this weekend (May 4-6)

Friday, May 4

Blonde Redhead

Blonde Redhead perform at AX Hall tonight at 10 p.m., with Apollo 18 opening. The show is being put on by SuperColorSuper, which was the focus of Groove Korea’s cover story this month. Check it out here. The music promoter is in dire straits. If they don’t have a massive May, they will cease international shows. For tickets, e-mail scstickets@gmail.com. For more info, go to www.supercolorsuper.com.

Details: Tonight at AX Hall, Seoul

Directions:  Here’s a map — http://hiexpat.com/venues/ax-hall

Arts & crafts

This isn’t your old-fashioned, lame grade school art & crafts class. This is for real. And by that I mean drawing real people. Take a date and try something different. You might like it.

Details: Jankura Artspace. Class is from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.; one session costs 10,000 won.

Directions: Itaewon Subway Station, exit 3, and make a U-turn. Turn left at Quiznos and walk until the 3-way intersection (5 mins). Make a left at the 3-way and Jankura Artspace is on the 4th floor of the building on the corner.

Karaoke night

If you’ve been inspired by Lady Gaga’s performance last weekend, you can strut your own skills at Club After’s Friday Evening Karaoke with drink specials to help you muster up the courage.

Details: Club After, located in Itaewon. Singing starts at 10:30 p.m.

Directions: Itaewon Subway Station, exit 3, and make a U-turn. Turn left at the intersection and another left after Taco Bell. Turn right at the first street and Club After is located on your left side halfway down the block.

Saturday, May 5

Seoul International Wines and Spirits Expo

Tired of going to the same happy hour every week? The 10th Annual Seoul International Wines and Spirits Expo features everything from beers to sake (obviously wines and spirits, too) for the entire crew to enjoy.

Details: Coex Mall, Hall C is where most of the exhibitions will take place. General admission is 20,000 won on May 5 from 2 p.m. – 6 p.m. and May 6 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Directions: Samsung Subway Station, exit 6, towards the World Trade Towers by Coex Mall, Hall C.

Free bus to Busan 

It’s Children’s Day! Send your kids away on a free bus to Busan. Ok, I hope you don’t really do that but, nevertheless, the free foreigner bus is a great way to road trip across Korea down to Busan for yourself or the whole family.

Details: You must have a foreign passport to ride the free bus. Departs from Gwanghwamun Dongwha Duty Free Shop at 8 a.m. and arrives in Busan’s Lotte Hotel at 2 p.m. The return trip from Busan departs at 4 p.m. daily (except Mondays). Make sure to apply and check availability online before showing up.

Directions: Subway Gwanghwamun, exit 6. The duty free shop is located down that block.

Sunday, May 06

Horseracing

Attention all racing fans, racing season is now in full swing and the weather is perfect for a day outside at the tracks. It’s not the Kentucky Derby (and there’s no infamous infield, in case you were wondering) but Seoul Racetrack provides a good time for all ages.

Details: Entrance is a mere 800 won, but gamble at your own risk.

Directions: Seoul Racecourse Park Subway Station (Line 4), exit 2, and make a left towards the large parking lot. From there, just follow the crowd.

Seoul Zoo

In keeping with the animal theme this Sunday, if you’re not looking to unleash your inner gambling addiction, the Seoul Zoo offers a bit of tranquility in contrast to the horse track. Just one stop next to the race track, the Seoul Zoo offers everything from dolphins to tigers.

Details: Open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. with park admission rates starting at 3,000 won for adults.

Directions: Subway Station Seoul Grand Park (Line 4), exit 2, and walk straight ahead.