Concerts, Museums & Performances
Classical Concerts
Cantabile Concert
Sejong Center for the Performing Arts
Jan. 5
Japanese comic and soap opera Nodame Cantabile is actualized on stage. S Orchestra under the leadership of conductor Choi Soo-yeol, accompanied by pianist Lee Hee-ju, will play classical numbers from the original cartoon. Tickets cost from 25,000 won to 55,000 won. Visit ticket.interpark.com or (02) 6372-3242. Located near exit 8 of Gwanghwamun Station on subway line 5.
New Year's Concert With Cellist Chung Myung-hwa
Hoam Art Hall
Jan. 4 & 6
Cellist Chung Myung-hwa with pianist Kim Sun-wook will play cello sonatas written by Debussy, Rachmaninov and Brahms. Tickets range from 30,000 won to 50,000 won. Visit www.credia.co.kr or call (02) 751-9606. Located near exit 9 of City Hall Station on subway line 1 and 2.
Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra Subscription Concert
Jan. 6
Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra will play Shostakovich's Symphony and Schumann's Piano Concert. Sung Shi-yeon will conduct the orchestra while Sergio Tiempo will play the piano. Tickets cost from 10,000 won to 50,000 won. Visit www.ticketlink.co.kr call (02) 399-1111. Located near exit 8 of Gwanghwamun Station on subway line 5.
Joy of Strings Concert
Jan. 11
Joy of Strings, a string ensemble, will give a concert to celebrate their 10th anniversary and the New Year. Their repertoire includes Mozart's Divertimento and Piazzolla's Tango Ballet. Tickets cost from 30,000 won to 50,000 won. Visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 780-5054. Located near exit 8 of Gwanghwamun Station on subway line 5.
Vienna Boys Choir New Year's Concert
Jan. 12
Famous for their angelic sound, Vienna Boys Choir will visit Korea yet again. Together with songs like ``Ave Maria'' and light tunes like ``On a wonderful day,'' the choir will sing world folksongs including ``Arirang.'' Tickets cost from 30,000 won to 100,000 won. Visit ticket.interpark.com or 1577-5266. Located near exit 8 of Gwanghwamun Station on subway line 5.
Friendly Concert with Chamber Music
Ensemble Diapason presents a concert of easy classics. The program includes Mancini's ``The Pink Panther,'' Pachelbel's ``Canon'' and more. Tickets cost from 10,000 won to 20,000 won. Visit ticket.interpark.com or 1544-1555. Located near exit 8 of Gwanghwamun Station on subway line 5.
2008 New Year's Concert with Suh Hai-kyung
Seoul Arts Center
Jan. 22
Pianist Suh Hai-kyung presents a New Year's concert with KBS Symphony Orchestra conducted by Constantin Orbelian. Tickets cost from 30,000 won to 100,000 won. Visit www.credia.co.kr or (02) 751-9606. Located near exits 4 and 5 of Nambu Bus Terminal Station on subway line 3.
Aram Nuri New Year's Concert with Sejong Soloists
Goyang Aram Nuri Arts Complex
Korean classical music lovers will be able to see Richard Yongjae O'Neill and the Sejong Soloists. Tickets range from 20,000 won to 27,000 won. Visit www.artgy.or.kr or call 1588-7890. Located near exit 3 of Jeongbalsan Station on subway line 3.
Gum Nanse and the Euro-Asian Philharmonic Orchestra's New Year Concert
Jan. 23
Renowned conductor Gum Nanse will start the New Year with a classic performance at the Seoul Arts Center. It will be a great opportunity to enjoy and welcome the busy New Year with grand yet soothing classical melodies. Tickets cost from 20,000 won to 80,000 won. Visit www.ticketlink.co.kr or call (02) 3473-8744. Located near exits 4 and 5 of Nambu Bus Terminal Station on subway line 3.
Kim Dong-gyu Concert
Feb. 1
Join Korea's favorite baritone Kim Dong-gyu at his concert, ``For the Beautiful You.'' He will perform with the Mostly Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Park Sang-hyun. Kim will sing his personal favorite arias, classics and also pop songs. Tickets cost 30,000 won to 100,000 won. Visit www.ticketlink.co.kr or call (02) 399-1111. Located near exits 4 and 5 of Nambu Bus Terminal Station on subway line 3.
Andras Schiff the First Piano Recital in Korea
Feb. 24
Praised by the New York Times as being the ``best pianist to play Bach in the whole classical world,'' Andras Schiff will visit Korean fans for the first time. Tickets cost from 40,000 won to 120,000 won. Visit www.ticketlink.co.kr or call (02) 541-6234. Located near exits 4 and 5 of Nambu Bus Terminal Station on subway line 3.
Gewandhaus Orchester zu Leipzig and Thomanerchor
Feb. 27
World-renowned Gewandhaus Orchester zu Leipzig, conducted by Georg Christoph Biller, will play Bach's BWV 232 and more. Tickets cost from 40,000 won to 150,000 won. Visit www.vincero.co.kr or call (02) 599-5743. Located near exits 4 and 5 of Nambu Bus Terminal Station on subway line 3.
Kim Yong-bae's 11 O'clock Concert
Through April 10
Pianist Kim Yong-bae, together with other artists, has arranged a series of concerts to familiarize the public with classical music. Concerts are on the second Thursday of every month, at 11:00 a.m. Tickets range from 20,000 won to 27,000 won. Visit www.sac.or.kr or call (02) 580-1234. Located near exits 4 and 5 of Nambu Bus Terminal Station on subway line 3.
Big Tickets
Bobby Mcferrin & Friends
Jan. 25-27
Bobby Mcferrin gives a concert in Seoul with Song Young-hoon and Camerata Antiqua Seoul. Tickets range from 40,000 won to 150,000 won. Visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 580-1300. Located near exits 4 and 5 of Nambu Bus Terminal Station on subway line 3.
Bjork Live in Seoul
Olympic Hall, Olympic Park
Feb. 16
Goddess from Iceland, Bjork comes to Korea for the first time. This concert is a part of ``The Volta Tour'' celebrating her sixth album. Tickets cost from 67,000 won to 89,000 won. Visit ticket.interpark.com or call 1544-1555. Located near exit 3 of Olympic Park Station on subway line 5.
Celine Dion
Gymnastics Stadium, Olympic Park
March 18-19
World top artist Celine Dion will give a concert in Korea. During the ``Taking Chances World Tour 2008,'' Dion will sing ``My Heart Will Go on'' and ``The Power of Love'' along with songs from her new album. Tickets cost from 75,000 won to 300,000 won. Visit ticket.interpark.com or call 1544-1555. Located near exit 3 of Olympic Park Station on subway line 5.
Museums
Blue Dragon, Guardian Deity of East
National Museum of Korea
Through Jan. 6
Cheongnyong (blue dragon) is the guardian deity of the underworld. The detail and brilliant colors of cheongnyong express energy and liveliness and displays the sophisticated artistry of Goguryeo painters. Located at Ichon Station on subway line 4, exit 2.
Jingdezhen Qingbai Porcelain: Beauty of Pure White Blooming in Blue
Through April 13
The Asian Art Gallery showcases 75 items, including a Qingbai porcelain pillow recovered from the Sinan seabed. Qingbai porcelain, also known as shady blue porcelain, was one of the most favored types of pottery in China. Located at Ichon Station on subway line 4, exit 2.
Year of the Rat
National Folk Museum of Korea
Through Feb. 25
To celebrate the Year of the Rat, the museum offers a special exhibition to help understand the East's lunar calendar and date system. Located at Gyeongbokgung Station on subway line 3, exit 5.
Late Joseon Tea Culture
The Amore Museum
Through Feb. 28
The Amore Museum presents an exhibition on the tea culture of the late Joseon Kingdom. This exhibition displays documents about the culture and tea utensils from that period. Admission is free. Visit museum.amorepacific.co.kr or call (031) 280-5595. Locate in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province.
Dance
Alice in Wonderland
Seoul Open Theater Changdong
Jan. 11-13
Seoul Ballet Theater presents a ballet version of ``Alice in Wonderland.'' Splendid costumes, various animal characters and gorgeous stage settings will grab the attention of people of all ages. Tickets range from 10,000 won to 15,000 won. Visit www.sotc.or.kr or call (02) 994-1469. Located near exit 1 of Changdong Station on subway lines 1 and 4.
Korea National Ballet's ``A Ballet with a Commentary''
Guro Arts Valley
For those who think ballet is difficult and boring, the Korea National Ballet has prepared the perfect performance. Renowned musical star Nam Kyoung-joo will help the audience understand the plots and dances of favorite ballet classics. Tickets range from 10,000 won to 20,000 won. Visit www.guroartsvalley.or.kr or call (02) 2029-1721. Located near exit 2 of Sindorim Station on line 1.
Song of Mermaid
Arco Arts Theater
Feb. 29-March 1
Kim Sun-hee Ballet performs their own version of the classic ``The Little Mermaid.'' They have prepared a sealike stage with colorful costumes and diverse characters that will give the all time favorite classic story a bit of a twist. Tickets cost from 20,000 won to 50,000 won. Visit www.ticketlink.co.kr or call (02) 3216-1185. Located near exit 2 of Hyehwa Station on subway line 4.
Ballerina Who Loved a B-Boy
Hongik University B-Boy Theater
Open Run
With a reenergized cast and storyline, this entertaining story of a ballerina who falls hopelessly in love with the world of hip-hop is now on stage near Hongik Univ. Tickets cost from 30,000 won to 50,000 won. Visit www.sjbboyz.com or call (02) 323-5233. 6
Break Out
Break Out Theater
Extreme dance comedy that drew attention at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival last year, Break Out now shows B-boy performances along with comedy. Tickets cost from 40,000 won to 50,000 won. Visit www.breakout.co.kr or call (02) 722-3995. Located near exit 15 of Jongno 3-ga Station on subway lines 1, 3 and 5.
Pop & Jazz
My Chemical Romance Live in Korea
Founded in 2001, the American rock band My Chemical Romance will visit Korea for their ``Black Parade World Tour.'' They will sing hit songs like ``Welcome to the Black Parade'' and ``Famous Last Words.'' Tickets cost from 66,000 won to 88,000 won. Visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 3444-9969. Located near exit 3 of Olympic Park Station on subway line 5.
FT Island's Concert: First Island
Seongnam Indoor Stadium
Pop hit FT Island will hold their first concert in Seongnam. The five-member group will play their hit songs and also other pop music for their fans. Tickets cost from 44,000 won to 55,000 won. Visit www.ticketlink.co,kr or call 1588-4567. Located near exit 2 of Moran Station on subway line 8.
French Musical Concert
KBS Hall
Romeo, Damien Sargue, and Benvolio, Cyril Niccolai, of French musical ``Romeo et Juliette'' will give a musical gala concert in Korea. Joy Esther, Juliette, will participate as a guest singer. Tickets cost from 35,000 won to 90,000 won. Visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 417-7746. Located near exit 3 of Yeouido Station on subway line 5.
Dream Theater Live in Korea
Melon-AX
Progressive rock band Dream Theater comes to Korea for the fifth time as a part of their ``Chaos in Motion World Tour 2008.'' Tickets are 88,000 won. Visit ticket.interpark.com or call 1544-1555. Located near exit 2 of Gwangnaru Station on subway line 5.
Woongsan's Valentine's Day Concert
Seongnam Arts Center
Feb. 13-14
Jazz artist Woongsan will celebrate Valentine's day by holding a special concert for lovers. The concert also includes special tickets that provide wine, dinner and other gifts for couples celebrating the special day. Tickets range from 35,000 won to 65,000 won. Located near exit 1 of Imae station on the Bundang subway line.
Nana Mouskouri Concert
Millennium Hall, Central City
Jan. 20
Renowned Greek singer Nana Mouskouri will sing timeless songs like ``Over and Over,'' ``Try to Remember'' and ``Amazing Grace.'' Tickets cost from 90,000 won to 190,000 won. Located near exits 2 and 3 of Express Bus Terminal Station on subway lines 3 and 7.
Jun Je-duk's White Day Concert
March 13-15
Korea's first Jazz harmonica player, Jun Je-duk often is compared with Stevie Wonder. Jun will perform for couples in February with his unique sounds and musical techniques. The blind artist won the Best Jazz and Crossover Award at the Korean Music Awards in 2005. The concert also includes special tickets that provide wine, dinner and other gifts for couples that wish to celebrate the special day. Tickets cost from 35,000 won from 65,000. Located near exit 1 of Imae station on the Bundang subway line.
2008 Jazz and the City
KT Art Hall
Through Jan. 31
Various jazz groups and soloists will perform everyday. Tickets cost 1,000 won. Visit www.ticketlink.co.kr or call 1588-7890. Located near exit 2 of Gwanghwamun Station on subway line 5.
Plays & Musicals
Beautiful Game
LG Arts Center
Through Jan. 13
Another Andrew Lloyd Webber musical, ``The Beautiful Game'' is staged in Korea. This musical is about a group of teenagers growing up amid religious intolerance in Belfast, Northern Ireland in 1969. Tickets cost from 30,000 won to 100,000 won. Visit www.beautifulgame.co.kr or call (02) 501-7888. Located near exit 7 of Yeoksam Station on subway line 2.
Le Dix Commandements
Coex Atlantic Hall
Through Jan. 19
French musicals continue to boom in Korea, including the second visit of ``Le Dix Commandements.'' An excerpt from the Bible, Moses' life is staged. Don't miss the parting of the Red Sea's spectacular effects. Tickets cost from 40,000 won to 140,000 won. Visit www.gsticket.co.kr or call 1588-4558 for more information. Located near exit 6 of Samseong Staion on subway line 2.
Le Passe-muraille
Dongsoong Art Center
Through Feb. 3
A very French musical tells the tale of a man who could walk through the walls of Montmartre and the people around him. Based on Marcel Ayme's novel and music by Michel Legrand. Tickets cost from 30,000 won to 65,000 won. Visit ticket.interpark.com or call 1544-1555. Located near exit 1 of Hyehwa Station on subway line 4.
Hairspray
Chungmu Art Hall
Through Feb. 17
A big hit from Broadway, the musical Hairspray is now on the Korean stage. Music from the 1960s heats up the stage with unique characters such as Tracy, a big girl with big hair and an even bigger heart. Tickets range from 40,000 won to 80,000 won. Visit ticket.interpark.com or call 1544-1555. Located near exit 9 of Sindang Station on subway lines 2 and 6.
42nd Street
National Theater of Korea
Jan. 5 - Feb. 28
Broadway musical ``42nd Street'' comes to Korea. The Broadway tour team will perform heart-pumping tap in marvelous costumes. Tickets range from 40,000 won to 130,000 won. Visit ticket.interpark.com or call 1544-1555. Located near exit 2 of Dongguk Univ. Station on subway line 3 (shuttle available).
Spelling Bee
Through March 9
The Spelling Bee contest has been turned into a heart-warming musical. The musical won the Tony Award for Best Book of a Musical in 2005. Ticket prices range from 30,000 won to 45,000 won. Visit ticket.interpark.com or call 1544-1555 Located near exit 9 of Sindang Station on subway lines 2 and 6.
Great Catsby Season 2
Daehangno Art Madang
``The Great Catsby'' is not ``The Great Gatsby.'' This is a Korean musical based on the web cartoon of the same name. It is a love story with original numbers written by Atmosphere. Tickets are priced at 40,000 won. Visit www.greatcatsby.com or call (02) 338-6685. Located near exit 2 of Hyehwa Station on subway line 4.