Concerts, Museums & Theater
Classical Concerts
Great Mountain Music Festival & School
Yongpyong Ski Resort, Gangwon Province
Through Aug. 22
Under the theme Music-Image-Text, the Great Mountain Music Festival & School will delight fans with music performed by some of the most promising musicians in the world. Visitors will be able to watch the world premiere of "Four Scenes" by 16-year-old composer Jay Greenberg. Tickets cost from 10,000 won to 40,000 won. Visit www.gmmfs.com. Visitors can take a shuttle bus that will be operated during the festival.
The Magic Flute
Seoul Arts Center
Through Aug. 24
Seoul Arts Center offers Mozart's "The Magic Flute" as part of the center's annual best-selling vacation event. Conducted by Christopher Lee from Austria, the Seoul Arts Center Festival Orchestra will captivate children and adults alike with its beautiful harmonies, along with striking visuals and characters. Tickets cost from 30,000 won to 50,000 won. Visit www.sac.or.kr or call (02) 580-1300. Located near exits 4 and 5 of Nambu Bus Terminal on subway line 3.
Boystown Symphony Orchestra
Busan Citizen Hall
Aug. 26
The Boystown Symphony Orchestra will perform famous classical tunes by Dvorak and Beethoven led by Korean maestro Chung Myung-whun. Renowned cellist Chung Myung-wha will also appear at the charity performance. The orchestra, comprising underprivileged children, was formed by the Sisters of Mary in 1979 in Busan. Tickets cost from 20,000 won to 50,000 won. Visit https://ticket.interpark.com or call (051) 256-3901. Located near exit 1 of Mun-hyeon Station on subway line 2 in Busan.
2008 Pops Concert
Aug. 16-17
Seoul Arts Center is preparing a special concert to celebrate its 20th anniversary. The Korean Symphony Orchestra will join conductor Kang Chang-woo, violinist Pi Ho-young, violist Kim Ga-young and singer Baek Ji-young and others to perform orchestrated versions of all-time favorite Korean pop songs. Tickets cost from 30,000 won to 60,000 won. Visit www.sac.or.kr or call (02) 580-1300. Located near exits 4 and 5 of Nambu Bus Terminal on subway line 3.
Seoul Guitar Quartet
Goyang Aram Nuri Arts Center
Aug. 23
The Seoul Guitar Quartet is renowned for its diversity in music, which ranges from classical to jazz and contemporary. At this performance, the group will present the tunes of L. Boccherini, Tchaikovsky and also several favorites from movies including "Schindler's List" and "The Last Concert." Tickets cost from 20,000 won to 30,000 won. Visit www.ticketlink.co.kr or call (031) 819-7857. Connected to exit Aramnuri of Jeongbalsan Station on subway line 3.
2008 School Classics-Summer Music
Aug. 24
The Seoul City Chamber Orchestra will perform pieces like Vivaldi's "Summer" from the "Four Seasons." This is part of the "School Classic" series Seoul Arts Center offers as an easier approach to classical music. Tickets cost from 15,000 won to 25,000 won. Visit www.ticketlink.co.kr or call (02) 780-5054. Located near exits 4 and 5 of Nambu Bus Terminal on subway line 3.
Yuhki Kuramoto's Memory of Love
Sept. 7
Japanese new age pianist Yuhki Kuramoto is visiting Seoul. Not only will he offer his famous works such as "Romance" and "Lake Louise," but also recent melodies from his 20th anniversary album "Piano Nostalgie." Tickets cost from 30,000 won to 100,000 won. Visit www.clubbalcony.com or call (02) 751-9606. Located near exits 4 and 5 of Nambu Bus Terminal on subway line 3.
Orchestra Filarmonica Della Scala
Sept. 10
The world-renowned Orchestra Filarmonica Della Scala from Italy is performing in Seoul with Korea's favorite maestro Chung Myung-whun and Chinese pianist Lang Lang. Tickets cost from 77,000 won to 187,000 won. Visit https://ticket.interpark.com or call 1544-1555. Located near exits 4 and 5 of Nambu Bus Terminal on subway line 3.
Amazing Voice 2008
Aug. 20
World-renowned vocal groups are coming together in Seoul to offer "amazing" melodies. Real Group from Sweden, M-PACT from the U.S., the Idea of North from Australia and Rajaton from Finland will perform at the event. Tickets cost from 30,000 won to 120,000 won. Visit www.vincero.co.kr or call 1588-7890. Located near exits 4 and 5 of Nambu Bus Terminal on subway line 3.
Opera Gala Concert
Seongnam Arts Center
Sept. 20
Prominent Korean opera singers who are currently based in Europe will perform famous arias from operas by Verdi, Puccini and more. Singers from Germany, Italy and even Austria will offer classical tunes with the Mostly Philharmonic Orchestra. Tickets cost from 20,000 won to 50,000 won. Visit https://www.mcm-korea.org or call 1588-7890. Located near exit 1 of Imae Station on the Bundang line.
Vladimir Ashkenazy & EUYO
Aug. 27
Russian maestro Vladimir Ashkenazy is visiting Korea with the European Union Youth Orchestra (EUYO) to offer grand classical melodies to Korean fans. Pianist Lim Dong-hyek will also join the performance. Tickets cost from 30,000 won to 150,000 won. Visit www.credia.co.kr or call (02) 751-9606. Located near exits 4 and 5 of Nambu Bus Terminal Station on subway line 3.
Traditional
Alegria
Jamsil Sports Complex
Oct. 15-Open run
Canadian circus group Cirque du Soleil will bring "Alegria" for Korean fans. Meaning "joy" in Spanish, Alegria will be a more upbeat show, compared to the troupe's previous performance "Quidam." Tickets cost from 50,000 won to 200,000 won. Visit www.cirquedusoleil.co.kr or call (02) 541-3150. Located near exits 6 and 7 of Sports Complex Station on subway line 2.
George Benson & Al Jarreau Concert
Olympic Hall, Olympic Park
Sept. 2
World-renowned jazz musicians George Benson and Al Jarreau are coming to Seoul to grace fans with their very best jazz numbers. This is the first performance of the Jazz Masters Series organized by Yellow Entertainment. Tickets cost from 70,000 won to 150,000 won. Visit https://ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 3444-9969. Located near exit 3 of Olympic Park Station on subway line 5.
Boston Ballet's Three Masterpieces
Universal Arts Center
Aug. 30-31
The Boston Ballet is visiting Korea with famed choreographer Mikko Nissinen for the first time. The troupe will offer three of their best-known works: George Balanchine's "Concerto Baracco," Twyla Tharp's "In the Upper Room" and Christopher Wheeldon's "Polyphonia." Tickets cost from 60,000 won to 150,000 won. Visit https://ticket.interpark.com or call 1544-1681. Located near exit 4 of Achasan 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 on to the Daegu National Museum from Sept. 29 to Dec. 21. Located at Ichon Station on subway line 4, exit 2.
Moments of Hardship and Glory
National Folk Museum of Korea
Through Sept. 15
To mark the 60th anniversary of the founding of the nation, the museum presents a collection items that have been with Koreans for the past six decades. For more information, call (02) 3704-3114. Located near exit 1 of Anguk Station or near exit 5 of Gyeongbokgung Station on subway line 3.
Dance
2008 Ballet Expo Seoul-Young Star Gala
Aug. 17
As part of the 2008 Ballet Expo Seoul, young Korean dancers, winners of various international dance competitions, will perform classic and contemporary ballet, and famous pas de deux from well-known works including Sleeping Beauty. Ticket cost from 20,000 won to 30,000 won. Visit www.ticketlink.co.kr or call (02) 538-0505. Located at Ichon Station on subway line 4, exit 2.
Sachoom
Sachoom Theater
Open Run
Sachoom is an abbreviation of "Dance When You Are in Love" in Korean. Experience impressive and various dance moves that range from hip-hop and modern to traditional. Tickets cost from 25,000 won to 50,000 won. Visit www.lovedance.co.kr or call (02) 3676-7617. Located near exit 5 of Anguk Station on subway line 3.
Ballerina Who Loved a B-Boy
B-Boy Theater, Hongik University
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 University. 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 Festival Fringe last year, Break Out features 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.
Bolshoi on Ice
Mok-dong Ice Rink
Aug. 20-Sept. 15
Comprised of some of the best former figure skaters, the Bolshoi on Ice is coming to Seoul to wow fans with their refreshing and heart thumping moves. Tickets cost from 44,000 won to 77,000 won. Visit www.ice-show.com or call 1644-0109. Located near exit 3 of Omokgyo Station on subway line 5.
Pop & Jazz
Jam Project World Tour
Dom Art Hall, Children's Grand Park
Japanese group Jam Project is coming to Seoul as part of their world tour "No Border." Comprised of five successful and popular animation original soundtrack (OST) singers, the group is visiting Korea for the first time. The five singers have worked separately and together on the OSTs of famed animations including Dragon Ball, Yu-Gi Oh! and Mazinger Z. Tickets cost from 44,000 won to 99,000 won. Visit www.squarepig.co.kr or call (02) 324-3814. Located near exit 4 of Achasan Station on subway line 5.
Avril Lavigne Live in Korea
Melon-AX
Sept. 1
Canadian rocker Avril Lavigne is returning to Seoul for the fourth time as part of her "The Best Damn Tour." The 24-year-old rocker, and also the wife of fellow musician Deryck Whibley of the punk rock band Sum41, will offer songs from her latest album "The Best Damn Thing," among others. All tickets cost 88,000 won. Visit www.yellownine.co.kr or call (02) 3444-9969. Located near exist 2 of Gwangnaru Station on subway line 5.
Woongsan's Autumn in Jazz
Munhwailbo Hall
Sept. 19-21
Korean jazz vocalist Woongsan is holding a concert to celebrate the release of her new album and also the coming of fall. Join Woongsan and be swept away with delightful jazz melodies. All tickets cost 44,000 won. Visit www.ticketlink.co.kr or call 1588-4567. Located near exit 5 of Seodaemun Station on subway line 5.
Rockapella
Aug. 29
American a capella group Rockapella are back. Last year's performance was a big hit because of the group's unique vocal techniques, and the five member band will once again wow fans with their distinctive vocals and harmony. Tickets cost from 20,000 won to 100,000 won. Visit www.ticketlink.co.kr or call (02) 2068-8000. Located near exits 4 and 5 of Nambu Bus Terminal on subway line 3.
Ronn Branton's Summer Night Jazz
Sejong Center for the Performing Arts
American jazz pianist Ronn Branton has been working with various Korean musicians from 2001. At this performance, guests will be able to listen to famous Korean songs from the 70s and 80s with a jazzy twist. Tickets cost from 30,000 won to 40,000 won. Visit www.ticketlink.co.kr or call (02) 888-2698. Located near exits 8 and 1 of Gwanghwamun Station on subway line 5.
Alex's My Favorite Song Concert
Welch-Ryang Auditorium, Ewha Womans University
Sept. 6
Pop group Clazziquai's male vocalist Alex is holding his first solo concert. He will sing remakes of some of his favorite songs for his fans. Tickets cost from 44,000 won to 77,000 won. Visit https://ticket.interpark.com or call 1544-1555. Located near exit 3 of Ewha Womans University Station on subway line 2.
Judas Priest Live in Korea
Gymnastic Stadium, Olympic Park
Sept. 21
The original lineup of heavy-metal band Judas Priest is coming to Korea to rock the night away. The group will offer songs from their latest album "Nostradamus" and also other famous numbers such as "Before the Dawn." Tickets cost from 50,000 won to 120,000 won. Visit www.ticketlink.co.kr or call (02) 3444-9969. Located near exit 3 of Olympic Park Station on subway line 5.
M's Solo Concert
Fencing Stadium, Olympic Park
Shinhwa member M, also known as Lee Min-woo, will hold a concert to promote his new album. The 28-year old singer is releasing his fourth solo album next month. Tickets cost from 55,000 won to 77,000 won. For more visit www.ticketlink.co.kr or call (02) 3446-4967. Located near exit 3 of Olympic Park Station on subway line 5.
Plays & Musicals
The 39 Steps
Dongsoong Art Center
Aug. 19-Oct. 12
Initially written by John Buchan and also remade as a movie by Alfred Hitchcock, The 39 Steps won various awards including the Olivier Award for Best New Comedy. Richard Hannay meets a woman who claims that she is a spy. The story takes a turn when she is murdered and Hannay becomes the prime suspect. Tickets cost from 15,000 won to 35,000 won. Visit https://ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 2250-5900. Located near exit 1 of Hyehwa Station on subway line 4.
The Killing Story
Star City, Daehangno
A man who uses an online screen name "Euthanasia" helps people to commit suicide through his Web site. He feels guilty but still continues his dark deeds until he meets a mysterious couple. Curious, the man offers his advice and their eerie relationship starts from there. Tickets cost from 12,000 won to 15,000 won. Visit www.ticketlink.co.kr or call (02) 6326-1333. Located near exit 3 of Hyehwa Station on subway line 4.
Love and Blood
Daehangno Open Theater
Open run
The first musical to portray the personalities of people with different blood types, "Love and Blood" offers the story of two couples. Try guessing the blood types of the four characters who all hold vastly different characteristics. Tickets cost from 40,000 won to 120,000 won. Visit www.ticketlink.co.kr or call 1577-5878. Located near exit 4 of Hyehwa Station on subway line 4.
My Fair Lady
Aug. 22-Sept. 14
Korea's famed musical actors present the charming story of Eliza Doolittle. The winner of the reality program "Singing in the Sky" will also perform as the leading character Eliza. Tickets cost from 20,000 won to 120,000 won. Visit https://ticket.interpark.com or call 1544-1555. Located near exits 8 and 1 of Gwanghwamun Station on subway line 5.
Cats
Charlotte Theater
Through Aug. 28
The original cast of "Cats" is performing in Korea as part of a world tour. Tickets cost from 40,000 won to 130,000 won on weekdays, 40,000 won to 140,000 won on weekends. Visit https://ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 411-5011. Located near exit 3 of Jamsil Station on subway lines 2 and 8.
See What I Wanna See
A man is found murdered in Central Park, and police have gathered some witnesses to find the killer. A security guard, a thief, the wife of the dead man and a fortuneteller tell different stories and it's up to the audience to figure out the truth. All tickets cost 50,000 won. Visit www.seewhatiwannasee.co.kr or call (02) 501-7888. Located near exits 4 and 5 of Nambu Bus Terminal on subway line 3.
Proof
Doore Hall
Through Sept.7
Robert is a genius mathematician but suffers from mental illness. After his death, his daughter Catherine is confronted with her father's student who wants to take a look at his research notes. All tickets cost 35,000 won. Visit https://ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 764-8760. Located near exit 1 of Hyehwa Station on subway line 4.
Company
Doosan Art Center
Through Aug. 17
Another Stephen Sondheim musical, "Company" is introduced to Korea. This show revolves around Bobby, a 35-year-old single man, five married couples and his three girlfriends. Tickets cost from 35,000 won to 50,000 won. Visit www.musicalcompany.co.kr or call (02) 501-7888. Located near exit 1 of Jongno Station on subway line 1.
A Dwarf Who Loved Snow White
Myeongdong Art Center
A twisted version of the classic fairy tale "Snow White," this play depicts the sad love story of the seventh dwarf. It was originally a children's play, but adults can enjoy it just as much. All tickets cost 33,000 won. Visit www.bagsanan.co.kr or call 1544-1555. Located near exit 6 of Myeongdong Station on subway line 4.