Classical Concerts, Big Tickets, Dance, Pop&Jazz, Plays&Musicals

Classical Concert

Beethoven Virus Live

Sejong Center for the Performing Arts

Jan. 11

Conductor Seo Hee-tae is to perform "Beethoven Virus in Live," based on the hit TV drama "Beethoven Virus." World-renowned pianist Seo Hye-kyung and mezzo-soprano Lee A-kyung join as special guests. Tickets range from 33,000 won to 77,000 won. For more information, call 02-548-8690. Located near exit 3 of City Hall Station on subway line 1 and 2, or exit 1 and 8 of Gwanghwamun Station on subway line 5.

Opera 'Le Nozze di Figaro'

Art Theater, Korea National University of Arts

Dec. 25- 30

The National Opera of Korea has prepared Mozart's Le Nozze di Figaro. This is the first of the University Tour Opera Series. Tickets cost from 30,000 won to 90,000 won. For more information, call 1544-1555. Located near exits 1 of Sinimun on subway line 1.

New Year's Eve Concert 2008

Seoul Arts Center

Dec. 31

The Gangnam Symphony Orchestra, led by Laurent Petitgirard, will present New Year's Eve Concert 2008. Join pianist Lee Yong-gyu, cellist Yang Sung-won and popera singer Rose Jang and listen to their beautiful harmonies. Tickets cost from 40,000 won to 70,000 won. For more information, call (02) 580-1300. Located near exits 4 and 5 of Nambu Bus Terminal on subway line 3.

Lim Hyung-joo Christmas Recital

Dec. 30

Popera tenor Lim Hyung-joo hosts this special Christmas recital. With the Korean Post Chamber Orchestra, Lim will present spiritual songs as well as his new songs. Tickets cost from 50,000 won to 130,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call 1544-1887. Located near exit 3 of City Hall Station on subway line 1 and 2, or exit 1 and 8 of Gwanghwamun Station on subway line 5.

White Christmas with Kim Nam-yun &150 Violinists

Dec. 23

Violinist Kim Nam-yun and her 150 students deliver Christmas carols, pop songs and theatrical scores including Ennio Morricone's Gabriel's Oboes. Spend a romantic evening with their violin melodies. Tickets cost from 20,000 won to 80,000 won. For more information, call (02) 580-1300. Located near exits 4 and 5 of Nambu Bus Terminal on subway line 3.

Yiruma Grand Tour Concert "Ribbonized"

Dec. 28

New Age pianist Yiruma hosts this grand tour concert after returning from military service. The program includes rearranged numbers and an ensemble. Tickets cost from 55,000 won to 88,000 won. For more information, visit www.stompmusic.com or call (02) 2658-3546. Located near exits 4 and 5 of Nambu Bus Terminal on subway line 3.

Hello Mr. Dulcamara

YE-Hall Apgujeong

Through Dec. 25

The opera "L' Elisir d' Amore" is adapted to modern Apgujeong, one of Seoul's most trendy neighborhoods. It distinguishes itself from many other existing remakes, especially by focusing on Dulcamara, a traveling quack. It also adopts pantomime and graphic techniques. Tickets cost 25,000 won. For more information, visit yehall.com or call (02) 541-8367, 8380. Located near exit 2 of Apgujeong Station on subway line 3.

Son Yeol-eum With Daejeon Philharmonic Orchestra

Daejeon Culture and Arts Center

Dec. 19

The Daejeon Philharmnomic Orchestra will give a year-end concert., led by conductor Edmon Colomer. Young talented pianist Son Yeol-eum will perform with the orchestra such numbers as Gershwin뭩 Rhapsody in Blue.For more information, call (042)610-2222.

Big Tickets

X Japan World Tour in Seoul

Gymnastic Stadium, Olympic Park

March 21- 22

The Japanese band X Japan comes to Korea with their constantly astounding music. Tickets cost from 66,000won to 165,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call 1544-1555. Located near exit 3 of Olympic Park Station in subway line 5.

Placido Domingo Recital

Jan. 13

World-renowned tenor Placido Domingo will bring some of his favorite songs, including numbers from operas, musicals and even Korean traditional songs. Tickets cost from 120,000 won to 250,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 751-9606-10. Located near exits 4 and 5 of Nambu Bus Terminal on subway line 3.

Ne-Yo Concert

Olympic Hall, Olympic Park

American pop and R&B singer Ne-Yo is coming back to Korea. The singer included Korea in his tour after the warm and passionate welcome he received during his performance back in April this year. This will be another great chance to watch the 31-year-old perform with his dancers and backup singers. Tickets cost from 77,000 won to 110,000 won. For more information, visit www.interpark.com or call 1544-1555. Located near exit 3 of Olympic Park Station in subway line 5.

Lang Lang Piano Recital

Dec. 22

Chinese pianist Lang Lang, who performed at the Grammy Awards with Herbert Jeffrey Hancock, and also at the Beijing Olympic Games, will perform for Korean fans once again. The program includes traditional repertoires such as those of Mozart and Schumann, and Chinese traditional collections. Tickets cost from 40,000 won to 100,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 541-3150. Located near exits 4 and 5 of Nambu Bus Terminal on subway line 3.

Alegria

Jamsil Sports Complex

Open run

Canadian circus group Cirque du Soleil is staging Alegria to Korean fans. Meaning Joy in Spanish, Alegria is a more upbeat show than the troupe's previous performance, Quidam. For more information, visit www.cirquedusoleil.co.kr or call (02) 541-3150. Located near exits 6 and 7 of Sports Complex Station on subway line 2.

Museums

The Time of Seoul

The National Palace Museum of Korea

Through Feb. 1

To mark the 60th anniversary of the founding of the nation, the museum presents a collection of rare items that express Korean modern history. This exhibition displays 50 photographs by Lim In-sik (1920-98), a photographer and Korean War veteran. Located near exit 5 of Gyeongbokgung Station on subway line 3.

The Royal Ceramics of the Goryeo Dynasty

The National Museum of Korea

Through Feb. 15

The collection of royal ceramics from the Goryeo Kingdom (918-1392) unearthed from royal tombs includes 290 highly valuable Goryeo celadon pieces, including four national treasures. Many other royal celadon pieces from Goryeo dating back to the 12th and early 13th centuries are also on display. Located near exit 2 of Ichon Station on subway line 4.

Alive Gallery

Sports Complex

Enjoy some of the best-known frescos, paintings and sculptures at Alive Gallery. The gallery offers a memorable experience in which pieces move and describe themselves as if they were alive. Tickets cost 17,000 won. Located near exits 6 and 8 of Sports Complex Station on subway line 2.

Dance

Nutcracker by Korea National Ballet

Goyang Aram Nuri Theater

Dec. 19-24

The Korea National Ballet brings Yury Grigorovich's version of Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker. In addition to dynamic dance moves, the Prime Philharmonic Orchestra will provide harmonic tunes, and the original crew from Russia will present a Bolshoi-like stage setting. Tickets cost from 10,000 won to 60,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call 1577-7766. Located near exit Aramnuri of Jeongbalsan Station on subway line 3.

Sachoom

Sachoom Theater

Open Run

Sachoom is a Korean abbreviation of Dance When You Are in Love. Experience various dance moves, ranging from hip-hop and modern to traditional. Tickets cost from 25,000 won to 50,000 won. For more information, 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 Hong-ik University. Tickets cost from 30,000 won to 50,000 won. For more information, 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. For more information, 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 and Jazz

The Swell Season Live in Seoul

Jan. 17- 18

The stars of the hit film Once, Glen Hansard and Markleta Irglova,are having a concert in Seoul. They will perform their signature acoustic songs from the film, such as If you want me and Falling Slowly. Tickets cost from 33,000 won to 99,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 563-0595. Located near exit 3 of City Hall Station on subway line 1 and 2, or exit 1 and 8 of Gwanghwamun Station on subway line 5.

Shin Seung-hun's A White Night

Fencing Stadium, Olympic Park

Dec. 19- 21

The King of ballads Shin Seung-hun will hold a concert titled White Night. Tickets cost from 44,000 won to 110,000 won. For more information, visit www.interpark.com or call 1544-1555. Located near exit 3 of Olympic Park Station on subway line 5.

Scream World Tour Travis Live in Seoul

Mar. 1

Alternative rock band Travis returns to Korea for a concert. With new songs like Smith and Something Anything, the band will entertain fans with their distinctive and stylish sounds. Tickets cost from 66,000 won to 88,000 won. For more information, visit www.interpark.com or call (02) 3444-9969. Located near exit 3 of Olympic Park Station on subway line 5.

Lee Seung-chul Christmas Concert Crazy Night

Jamsil Indoor Stadium

Dec. 24-27

Korean pop star Lee Seung-chul will hold a Crazy Night concert for Christmas season. The concert will feature his best songs, including those appearing on soundtracks of famous dramas such as The Phoenix and carols with a rock n' roll twist. Tickets cost from 55,000 won to 120,000 won. For more information, visit www.interpark.com or call 1588-4992.

Lena Park and Alex's Sweet December Concert

Dec. 30-31

R&B singers Lena Park and Alex are holding a concert titled Sweet December. The two will become love messengers by offering a romantic evening full of beautiful love songs. Tickets cost from 40,000 won to 99,000 won. For more information, visit www.interpark.com or call 1544-1555. Located near exit 3 of Olympic Park Station in subway line 5.

To 2009 ... From 2008 Hwayobi

Peace Hall, Kyung Hee University

Dec. 27

Korean R&B singer Hwayobi is to bid farewell to 2008 and welcome the New Year. Her concert will be a good chance to listen to songs from her first album to her latest. Tickets cost from 55,000 won to 77,000 won. For more information, visit www.interpark.com or call 1544-2026. Located near Hoegi Station on subway line 1.

Lee Seung-hwan's Christmas Concert Original

Dec. 24-26

Singer Lee Seung-hwan is to present his first ballad only concert. Lee, who next year will mark his 20th year as a singer, will grace fans with his delicate and soft ballad numbers at this special event. Tickets cost from 55,000 won to 132,000 won. For more information, visit www.interpark.com or call (02) 563-0595. Located near exit 3 of Olympic Park Station on subway line 5.

The Soul Concert

Dec. 20-24

Korea's top R&B singers, Whee Sung, Gummy, Park Hyo-shin and Jung Yeop will hold a joint concert titled The Soul Concert. Tickets cost from 44,000 won to 110,000 won. For more information, visit www.interpark.com or call (02) 3446-3225. Located near exit 3 of Olympic Park Station in subway line 5.

Plays & Musicals

Encore The Old Thieves' Story

Wonder Space

Through Jan. 4

One of Daehangno's best-selling plays is returning to the stage. After spending many years in prison, two old thieves decide to rob an art gallery. However, the clumsy thieves get caught and go through strict, yet strange tests aimed at finding the true mastermind behind the burglary. Tickets cost 35,000 won. For more information, visit www.idsartcenter.co.kr or call (02) 766-6007, 741-3391. Located near exit 1 of Hyehwa Station on subway line 4.

Our Joyful Young Days

Doosan Arts Center

Through Dec. 31

The life of Lee Sang, a great poet from 1930s Gyeongseong (Seoul's name during the Japanese colonial period), comes to the stage via the play Our Joyful Young Days. Tickets cost 25,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 708-5001. Located near exit 1 of Jongno 5-ga Station on subway line 5.

Doctor Irabus Episode 1

Star City Theater

Through March 1

Dr. Irabu is a character from the Japanese best selling novel by Okuda Hideo. Winner of the Naoki Literature Prize, the play offers several obsessive-compulsives on the stage, satirizing modern society. Tickets cost 25,000 won. For more information, visit club.cyworld.com/tobe2005 or call (02) 744-7304. Located near exit 3 of Hyehwa Station on subway line 4.

Hamlet

Theater S

The classic musical Hamlet, based on the play by William Shakespeare, has returned. The Korean version added powerful and dynamic movements to the performance, and recently gained its own license. Tickets cost from 44,000 won to 66,000 won. For more information, visit www.musicalhamlet.com or call (02) 556-9885. Located near exit 2 of Hyochang Park Station on subway line 6.

Cats

Charlotte Theater

Through Dec. 28

Ever since it was written by Andrew Lloyd Webber and produced by Cameron Mackintosh, more than six million people from all over the world have seen this exciting work. Shin Yeong-suk and Ock Ju-hyeon play Grizabella, while Kim Jin-su and Dae-sung play Rum Tum Tugger. Tickets cost from 40,000 won to 120,000 won. For more information, visit www.musicalcats.co.kr or call (02) 501-7888. Located near exit 3 of Jamsil Station on subway lines 2 and 8.

Shear Madness

Daehangno Art Madang

Shear Madness follows a murder case that happens in a beauty salon of the same name. What is unique is that every episode ends with a different ending, as the play lets the audience figure out who the murderer is. Tickets cost 20,000 won. For more information, visit shearmadness.co.kr or call (02-501-7888. Located near exit 2 of Hyehwa Station on subway line 4.

Dandelion That Becomes the Wind

Dongsoong Art Center

Actor Cho Jae-hyun comes back to the stage as an old man who lives in his memories after losing his wife. Directed by Kim Nak-hyeong, winner of the Artist of the Year in 2006 by the Arts Council Korea. Tickets cost from 25,000 won to 35,000 won. For more information, visit www.idsartcenter.co.kr or call (02) 766-6007. Located near exit 1 of Hyehwa Station on subway line 4.

Musical 200-Pound Beauty

Chungmu Art Hall

The movie 200-Pound Beauty's (2006) comes to the stage as a romantic-comedy musical with renowned Broadway music director Tim Acito and stage director Brian Prather. Tickets cost from 40,000 won to 90,000 won. For more information, visit www.musicalbeautifulgirl.com or call (02) 3485-8700. Located near exit 2 of Dongdaemun Stadium on subway lines 2, 4, and 5.

Love and Blood

Daehangno Open Theater

This is the first musical to portray the personalities of people with different blood types. Try guessing the blood type of the four characters, each possessing vastly different personalities. Tickets cost from 40,000 won to 120,000 won. For more information, visit www.ticketlink.co.kr or call 1577-5878. Located near exit 4 of Hyehwa Station on subway line 4.