Concerts, Museums and Performances

Classical Concerts

Prazak Quartet Recital

Sejong Chamber Hall

May 7

The Prazac Quartet performs in Korea as part of the Seoul Spring Festival of Chamber Music, which runs through May 13. As one of today's leading international chamber music ensembles, the Czech quartet will offer music of Smetana, Dvorak and Schubert. The 36 year-old quartet will fascinate visitors with their humble yet impressive performances. Tickets cost from 10,000 won to 40,000 won. Visit www.seoulspring.org or call (02) 712-4879. Located near exits 1 or 8 of Gwanghwamun Station on subway line 5.

Pinchas Zukerman Recital

LG Arts Center

May 12

Israeli violinist Pinchas Zukerman comes to Seoul to present the music of Schubert, Franck, Kodaly and Faur. He will also play ``Liebesfreud'' of Kreisler with Russian pianist Tatiana Goncharova and Canadian cellist Amanda Forsyth. The musicians are visiting Korea as part of the Seoul Spring Festival of Chamber Music, which continues through May 13. Tickets cost from 20,000 won to 50,000 won. Visit www.seoulspring.org or call (02)- 712-4879. Located near exit 7 of Yeoksam Station on subway line 2.

Sigiswald Kuijken & La Petite Bande

Seoul Arts Center

May 21

A prominent violinist, violist and conductor, Sigiswald Kuijken will perform with his band, La Petite Bande at Seoul Arts Center. Famous for re-establishing the Baroque technique of violin playing ― without using the chin or shoulder rest ― the Belgian musician formed the band in 1972. Enjoy the classics of Bach and Vivaldi with Kuijken and his band. Tickets cost from 40,000 won to 120,000 won. For more visit www.yuyuclassic.com or call (02) 586-2722. Located near exits 4 and 5 of Nambu Bus Terminal Station on subway line 3.

Opera Eugene Onegin Concertante

June 9

The National Opera of Korea has prepared the ``Opera Eugene Onegin Concertante.'' Unlike other traditional operas, an Opera Concertante is a performance where the orchestra is positioned at the center of the stage. There are no glamorous costumes or settings, but only music to present the story. ``Eugene Onegin'' is based on the novel by Russian author Aleksandr Pushkin. Tickets cost from 10,000 won to 70,000 won. Visit www.nationalopera.org or call (02) 586-5282. Located near exits 4 and 5 of Nambu Bus Terminal Station on subway line 3.

2008 High 1 Cinema Concert

COEX Auditorium

May 16

Conductor Kim Bong-mee leads the High 1 Orchestra as they perform famous soundtracks from ``The Sound of Music'' (1965) and ``Legends of the Fall '' (1994). Korean traditional singer Oh Jung-hae and baritone Kim Dongkyu will join the orchestra. Tickets cost from 50,000 won to 100,000 won. Visit www.ticketlink.co.kr or call (02) 749-1300. Located near exit 5 and 6 of Samseong Station on subway line 2.

The Philadelphia Orchestra

Sejong Center for the Performing Arts

May 30-31

The Philadelphia Orchestra visits Seoul for the first time in 30 years. With German maestro Christoph Eschenbach, Korean-American violinist Juliette Kang and Korean violist Chang Choong-jin, it will offer the music of Beethoven, Bernstein and Mozart. Tickets cost from 40,000 won to 200,000 won. For more visit www.ticket.interpark.com or call 1544-1555. Located near exit 8 of Gwanghwamun Station on subway line 5.

Tolzer Dnabenchor

May 9

Tolzer Dnabenchor recently received the ``Diapason d'Or,'' one of the most prestigious awards for classical records, given by French magazine ``Diapason.'' The choir singers will present songs of Mozart, Rossini and more. Tickets cost from 30,000 won to 80,000 won. Visit www.ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 3463- 2466. Located near exit 7 of Yeoksam Station on subway line 2.

The Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra

June 25

Celebrating its 90th anniversary this year, the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra will visit Seoul for the first time. Conducted by Yannick Nezet-Seguin of Canada, the orchestra will be accompanied by Chinese pianist Yundi Li. Tickets cost from 40,000 won to 130,000 won. For more visit www.ticketlink.co.kr or call 1588-7890. Located near exit 8 of Gwanghwamun Station on subway line 5.

Andrea Rost and Lee Jeong-won

Goyang Aram Nuri Arts Complex

May 10

Hungarian soprano Andrea Rost will perform in Seoul with Korean tenor Lee Jeong-won. With Italian conductor Ottavio Marino conducting, the two celebrated singers will sing songs from ``Romeo and Juliet,'' ``Rigoletto,'' ``Aida'' and much more. Tickets cost from 30,000 won to 120,000 won. Visit www.ticketlink.co.kr or call 1577-7766. Located near exit Aramnuri of Jeongbalsan station on subway line 3.

Cellist Song Young-hoon's Eternal Tango

Seongnam Arts Center

June 29

Cellist Song Young-hoon and Japanese Tango band ``Cuatrocientos'' will get together once again to offer the passion of the Tango. Ballad singer Kim Dong-ryul will also perform. Tickets cost from 44,000 won to 77,000 won. Located near exit 1 of Imae station on the Bundang line.

The Ten Tenors

May 24

Australian vocal ensemble ``The Ten Tenors,'' are visiting Korea for the first time. Their album ``Here's to the Heroes'' (2006) became a big hit in the United States and Australia, selling more than 2 million copies. Tickets cost from 40,000 won to 150,000 won. Visit www.bravo.comm.co.kr or call (02) 3463-2466. Located near exits 4 and 5 of Nambu Bus Terminal Station on subway line 3.

Kim Chee-yun's Serenata Notturno

May 19-20

Violinist Kim Chee-yun will present songs from her new album ``Serenata Notturno.'' For those who want to spend a spring evening with romantic melodies, this should be an unforgettable experience. Tickets cost from 30,000 won to 70,000 won. Visit www.clubbalcony.com or call 1588-7890. Located near exit 7 of Yeoksam Station on subway line 2.

Korean World Star Series: Sumi Jo

May 23

Experience the charisma and beautiful melodies of international star soprano Sumi Jo. This is the second of the Korea World Star Series hosted by Seoul Arts Center. Tickets cost from 30,000 won to 120,000 won. Visit www.ticketlink.co.kr or call 1588-7890. Located near exits 4 and 5 of Nambu Bus Terminal Station on subway line 3.

Big Tickets

Paul Potts Live in Seoul

Grand Auditorium, Ewha Womans University

May 3-4

From a cell phone salesman to the winner of “Britain’s Got Talent,” Paul Potts has proved there are no boundaries when it comes to love and passion for music. Potts will visit Seoul for the first time. Tickets cost from 77,000 won to 132,000 won. Visit www.ticketlink.co.kr or call (02) 722-6504. Located near exit 4 of Ewha University Station on subway 2.

Blue Man Group MegaStar World Tour

June 10-22

From a street performance to an international tour, the Blue Man Group has finally reached Korea. Many may recognize the group from its appearance in the Intel 3 television commercial a few years ago. The performance will present the story of an innocent Blue man who wishes to become a rock star. Visitors will get to experience a performance that is funny, entertaining and indeed different. Tickets cost from 50,000 won to 150,000 won. Visit www.blueman2008.co.kr or call (02) 541-6235. Located near exits 1 and 8 of Gwanghwamun Station on subway line 5.

Martha Argerich and Chung Myungwhun

With Korea's celebrated maestro Chung Myung-whun, world renowned Argentina-born pianist Martha Argerich will perform Prokofiev and Bruckner's pieces for Korean fans. Tickets cost from 55,000 won to 220,000 won. Visit www.ticket.interpark.com or call 1544-1555. Located near exits 4 and 5 of Nambu Bus Terminal Station on subway line 3.

Magic of Rick Thomas

Olympic Stadium, Olympic Park

May 2-12

Rick Thomas was given the Best Illusionist of the Year from the World Magic Awards in 2007, the Theater Excellence Award in 2004 among many other awards in his magical career. Tickets cost from 30,000 won to 100,000 won. Visit www.rickthomas.co.kr or call (02) 1588-7890. Located near exit 3 of Olympic Park Station on subway line 5.

Museums

Glory of Persia

National Museum of Korea

Through Aug. 31

``Glory of Persia,'' underway at the National Museum of Korea, offers visitors historical relics of the Persian civilization. It will showcase 204 items and also include performances, seminars and festivals. The exhibition will move onto the Daegu National Museum from Sept. 29 to Dec. 21. Located at Ichon Station on subway line 4, exit 2.

Dead Sea Scrolls

Yongsan National Memorial Museum

Through June 4

The Dead Sea Scrolls and the Birth of Christianity exhibits five genuine and three copied dead sea scrolls and some 800 other relics. Located at Samgakji Station, exits 1 and 11.

Dance

Swan Lake

Aramnuri Theater

June 13-14

Experience the grace and beauty of ``Swan Lake'' performed by the Korea National Ballet. World-renowned choreographer Yuri Grigorovich will present his version of the piece, with more dramatic moves and scenes. Tickets cost from 30,000 won to 90, 000 won. Visit www.artgy.or.kr or call 1577-7766. Located near exit Aramnuri, Jeongbalsan Station.

2008 World Ballet Star Festival in Seoul

June 5-6

Renowned ballet dancers from all over the world, including France, the Netherlands and Russia, will gather in Seoul to participate in the ``2008 World Ballet Star Festival.'' A total of 14 dancers will offer the true beauty of classical and modern ballet. For ballet lovers, this will be a memorable performance. Tickets cost from 30,000 won to 200,000 won. Visit www.ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 751-9682.Located near exit 8 of Gwanghwamun Station on subway line 5.

Netherlands Dance Theater

May 17-18

British newspaper the Independent praised them as being ``characterized by the gorgeous fluency of young bodies in an ecstasy of motion.'' They are the Netherlands Dance Theater, who will visit Korea to perform their unique and graceful dance moves. Tickets cost from 30,000 won to 100,000 won. Visit www.snart.or.kr or call (031) 783-8000. Located near exit 1 of Imae station on the Bundang line.

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.

Break Out

Break Out Theater

Having drawn 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

Morning Musume 10th Anniversary Live Tour

Olympic Hall, Olympic Park

June 1

Japanese pop idol group Morningumusume will visit Korea as part of their 10th anniversary tour. Making their debut in 1998, the group has been one of the most influential idol groups in the Japanese pop industry, with many famous members. To celebrate their 10th anniversary, they will perform favorite songs from the last 10 years and also arrange a section where they can communicate with their fans. Tickets cost from 66,000 won to 88,000 won. Visit www.goodconcert.com or call 1544-0737. Located near exit 3 of Olympic Park Station on subway line 5.

The Click Five Live in Seoul

Sangsang Madang Live Hall

May 27

American pop group The Click Five will visit Seoul for the second time, on the Asian leg of their world Asian tour. Selling about 350,000 copies of their first album ``Greetings from Imrie House'' in the United States, they will present songs from not only their first, but their second album ``Modern Minds and Pastimes.'' All tickets cost 30,000 won. Visit www.ticket.interpark.com or call 1544-1555. Located near exit 5 of Hongik University Station on subway line 2.

European Jazz Trio Live in Seoul

June 20

The European Jazz Trio will visit Korea for the sixth time, and with their on-going passion toward jazz, fans will surely experience a memorable evening. Join Dutch drummer Roy Dackus, bassist Frans Van Hoeven and pianist Marc Van Roon in this impressive performance. Tickets cost from 20,000 won to 80,000 won. Visit www.ticketlink.co.kr or call 1588- 7890. Located near exits 4 and 5 of Nambu Bus Terminal Station on subway line 3.

L'Arc-en-Ciel

Gymnasium Stadium, Olympic Park

May 17

Top Japanese rock group L'Arc-en-Ciel will perform in Seoul. The group, whose name means rainbow in French, is renowned for their unique interpretation of rock music. Tickets cost from 44,000 won to 99,000 won. Visit www.ticket.interpark.com or call 1544-1555. Located near exit 3 of Olympic Park Station on subway line 5.

The History Cho Yong-pil's Concert

Jamsil Sports Complex

One of Korea's most successful singers, Cho Yong-pil is holding a concert to celebrate his 40th anniversary. At the press conference of his concert, the singer said that without his fans, he would never have made it this far. Tickets cost from 40,000 won to 150,000 won. Visit www.ticket.interpark. com or call (02) 541-7110. Located near exit 4 of Sports Complex Station on subway line 2.

Sung Si-kyung Story Concert

Gyeonggi Arts Center

May 24-25

One of the most popular male ballad singers in Korea, Sung Si-kyung will hold a concert for his fans before he leaves to serve in the military. Tickets cost from 55,000 won to 88,000 won. Visit www.ticketlink.co.kr or call 1588- 6789. Located near exit 4 of Suwon Station on subway line 1.

Sonny Rollins

May 23-25

Meet Sonny Rollins, the celebrated American saxophonist at his concert this May. The 79-year-old Jazz musician has released 65 albums and has been the inspiration for many artists for the past years. Tickets cost from 50,000 won to 130,000 won. Visit www.ticketlink.co.kr or call (02) 2005-0114. Located near exit 7 of Yeoksam Station on subway line 2.

Claude Bolling Ensemble

Jazz pianist Claude Bolling and his ``Big Band'' will perform offerings from ``Suite for Flute, Suite for Cello'' and various big band jazz standards. Tickets cost from 10,000 won to 70,000 won. Visit www.artgy.or.kr or call 1577-7766. Located near exit Aramnuri, Jeongbalsan Station.

Kim Dong-ryul's Monologue concert

May 25

Ballad singer Kim Dong-ryul is holding a concert to thank his fans for waiting for him and his new album ``Thanks'' for the past four years. Tickets cost from 66,000 won to 110,000 won. Visit www.mooboong.com or call 1588- 7890. Located near exit 1 of Imae station on the Bundang line.

Play & Musicals

Franz Kafka's Metamorphosis

May 16-18

Kafka's famous novel, ``Metamorphosis'' is now on stage and will be presented by Iceland's ``Vesturport Theatre.'' Join Gregor Samsa, who has turned into a bug, and look into the reality and meaning of man himself. Tickets cost from 30,000 won to 60,000 won. Visit www.lgart.com or call (02) 2005-0114. Located near exit 7 of Yeoksam Station on subway line 2.

The Life

KEPCO Art Center

May 2-June 15

This musical depicts life on Broadway's 42nd street in the 1980s. Tickets cost from 20,000 won to 95,000 won. Visit www.musicalthelife.com or call (02) 501-7888. Located near exit 1 of Yangjae Station on subway line 3.

Five Course Love

Doore Hall

May 10-July 7

Three actors play fifteen characters at five restaurants in one night. Tickets range from 30,000 won to 40,000 won. Visit ticket.interpark.com or call 1544-1555. Located near exit 2 of Hyehwa Station on subway line 4.

Mamma Mia!

Charlotte Theater

Through May 14

Musical ``Mamma Mia!,'' based on hit songs of ABBA, such as ``Dancing Queen'' and ``I have A Dream,'' is currently in Korean production. Tickets cost from 40,000 won to 120,000 won. Visit www.mamma-mia.co.kr or call (02) 577-1987. Located near exit 3 of Jamsil Station on subway lines 2 and 8.

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels

Doosan Art Center

Through May 12

Based on the namesake 1988 film, a hit from Broadway is now revived as a Korean production. With music and lyrics by David Yazbek from a book by Jeffrey Lane. Tickets cost 40,000 won to 60,000 won. Visit ticket.interpark.com or call 1544-1555. Located near exit 1 of Jongno 5-ga Station on subway line 1.

Evil Dead

Chungmu Art Hall

Through June 15

A farcical, horror musical, ``Evil Dead, the Musical'' portrays college students who unintentionally releases evil spirits in the woods. Tickets range from 30,000 won to 50,000 won. Visit www.showfac.com/evildead or call (02) 2051-3307. Located near exit 9 of Sindang Station on subway lines 2 and 6.

Grease

Dongsoong Art Center

Return to Rydell High School in 1950s to see Danny and Sandy's love story with rock and roll music. Tickets cost from 40,000 won to 60,000 won. Visit ticket.interpark.com or call 1544-1555. Located near exit 1 of Hyehwa Station on subway line 4.

Finding Kim Jong-wook

Daehangno Art Madang

A woman looking for her first love, Kim Jong-wook, hires a man to find him for her. Watch to see how the story between them unravels. Tickets are 40,000 won. Visit ticket.interpark.com or call 1544-1555. Located near exit 2 of Hyehwa Station on subway line 4.