Cheongdam-dong, often considered the Beverly Hills of Seoul, may just be the next hotspot for this city's art aficionados.

"Cheongdam-dong is experiencing a gallery boom," said Josephin Suh, account manager for Communique, and currently in charge of art exhibitions at Maison Hermes.

With its abundance of designer shops, upscale cafes and restaurants, and a new set of posh clubs, it should come as no surprise that snazzy galleries are also popping up in this ritzy neighbourhood.

But what does come as a surprise, is that these are not just low-brow exhibits for the light-hearted visitor; these galleries are serious about art.

"Insa-dong is no longer much of a place for art. It is more of a tourist hotspot," said Yoo Art Space curator Shin Kyung-ah. Yoo Art Space, originally located in Insa-dong, moved to Cheongdam for its more professional environment.

Yoo Art Space is just one in a series of galleries situated in Cheongdam-dong. From the more classic Juliana Gallery, one of the first galleries in Korea to display original works by Andy Warhol, to the brand new Gallery Em, a little space that promotes new, upcoming artists, one can take one's pick of galleries in this posh area.

And not only can one inhale a little culture, one can also shop till you drop and have a good but pricey cup of joe to boot.

After browsing through some modern art take a jaunt on over to Confezione, a bona fide espresso bar that serves up its coffee in a sleek interior. The shop, which has a beverage-only menu, is punctuated by its orange gold ostrich skin rimmed bar. One can also enjoy one's coffee outside, on their beautiful, spacious veranda. And if the weather is a little chill, lush fur blankets are on hand for those who want to cuddle.

To get a little food to go with that coffee, Actually, a brasserie located near Yoo Art Space and Gallery Em, is the perfect place. The interior rivals that of a gallery. The first floor showcases a massive combined photograph created by four Russian artists. On the second floor an original Ivan Jenson Absolut Vodka painting greets visitors.

The food and drinks are just as good as the art in this establishment. They have everything from Dutch coffee to the increasingly popular hand drip version. The waffle with everything is ideal for those who like their waffles chewy and sweet. While the French warm apple tart, lemon meringue pie and walnut ricotta cheese cake are great for those looking for a heartier autumnal dessert.

Visitor Information
Gallery Em: "Shared Boundaries," an exhibition of modern Korean and Japanese art will run through Dec 22. Gallery Em is a 20 minute walk from Apgujeong Subway Station, Line 3. The gallery is situated next to Cheongdam Elementary School and is open Tuesday to Friday from 10am to 6:30pm, and Saturdays from 11am to 6pm. For more information call 02) 544-8145 or go to www.galleryem.co.kr

Yoo Art Space: "Flat & Floating," artist Baik Seung Ho's 3rd solo exhibition runs through Nov 17. Yoo Art Space is located right next to Gallery Em. It opens Monday to Friday from 10am to 6pm, and Saturdays from 10am to 2pm. For more information call 02) 544 - 8585 or go to www.yooartspace.com

Juliana Gallery: "The Exhibition of 10 distinguished artists in honor of Sol LeWitt, " an art exhibition honouring famed minimalist artist Sol LeWitt runs through Nov 20. Juliana Gallery is a 20 minute walk from Apgujeong Subway Station, Line 3. For details call 02) 514-4266.

Confezione: Coffee costs 10,000 won to 15,000 won, refills included. Opens from 11am to 11pm everyday. Confezione is located near Yoo Art Space, behind the Rolls Royce store. For more information call (02) 812-2311 or visit www.molinarikorea.co.kr

Actually: Coffee ranges from 9,000 won to 11,000 won, refills included. Sandwichs from 16,000 won to 17,000 won. Desserts from 8,000 won to 15,000 won. Actually is located near Yoo Art Space, next to the Prada store. For more information call (02) 3445-1350 or visit www.actually.co.kr (By JEAN OH/ The Korea Herald/ ANN)