Concerts, Museums & Theater

Classical Concerts

Bucheon Philharmonic Orchestra's New Year Concert

Bucheon Civic Center

Jan. 30

The Bucheon Philharmonic Orchestra celebrates lunar New Year's Day and conductor Lim Hun-joung's 20th anniversary of tenure. The program features Mendelssohn's Symphony No. 4 ``Italian'' in time for the late conductor's 200th birthday. Rising star Son Yeol-eum will join the ensemble for Ravel's Piano Concerto in G Major. Tickets cost from 10,000 won to 15,000 won. Located near exit 2 of Jungdong Station on subway line 1.

New Year's Concert With Chung Myung-wha

Uijeongbu Arts Center

Jan. 31

Renowned cellist Chung Myung-wha gives a New Year's concert with the Prime Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Kim Duk-gi. The program features Bruch's immortal cello piece ``Kolnidrei'' and Haydn's Trumpet Concerto in E-flat Major with trumpeter Ahn Hee-chan. Tickets cost from 20,000 won to 50,000 won. For more information, visit www.uac.or.kr. Located near exit 7 of Uijeongbu Station on subway line 1.

The Berlin Broadcasting Orchestra Concert

Seoul Arts Center

Led by conductor Marek Janowski, the orchestra, which held its first performance in 1923, will be accompanied by Korean pianist Kim Sun-wook. They will offer the works of Beethoven and Schubert. Tickets cost from 50,000 won to 180,000 won. For more information, visit www.sac.or.kr. Located near exits 4 and 5 of Nambu Bus Terminal on subway line 3.

Seongnam Philharmonic Orchestra's `For Dream'

Seongnam Arts Center

Feb. 4

The Seongnam Philharmonic Orchestra hopes to inspire those depressed by the staggering economy. For only 1,000 won, concertgoers can enjoy an evening of music, from classical works like Saint-Saen's ``Danse Macabre'' to popular jazz songs by star singer Woong San. Call (031) 705-8177. Located near exit 1 of Imae Station on the Bundang subway line.

2009 Valentine Serenade: The 1st Love Story

Feb. 14

Pianists No Young-shim, Isao Sasaki, and Park Joong-hoon get together to celebrate Valentines Day. Crossover tenor Im Tae-kyung joins as a special guest. Tickets cost from 33,000 won to 99,000 won. For more information, visit www.liveplus.co.kr or call (02) 522-9933. Located near exits 4 and 5 of Nambu Bus Terminal on subway line 3.

11 O'clock Classical Concert

March 12

Gangnam Synphony Orchestra, led by Keum No-sang, will perform works of Rachmaninoff and Saint-Saens, with pianist Hyun Young-joo and trombonist Yu Jeon-sik as special guests. All tickets cost 20,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 580-1300. Located near exits 4 and 5 of Nambu Bus Terminal on subway line 3.

Richard Yongjae O'Neill Baroque Concert With AMK `Mysterioso'

Feb. 27

Violist Richard Yongjae O'Neill will hold a Baroque concert with internationally renowned ensemble Alte Musik Koln. O'Neill will switch his original instrument for a traditional baroque viola. Tickets cost from 30,000 won to 100,000 won. For more information, visit www.credia.co.kr or call (02) 751-9606~10. Located near exits 4 and 5 of Nambu Bus Terminal on subway line 3.

Kim Won Piano Recital

Feb. 21

Pianist Kim Won will offer various classic works including Symphonic Etudes Op.13, and the Three Movements from Petrouchka, considered as being among the most difficult pieces. Tickets cost from 30,000 won to 70,000 won. For more information, visit www.sac.or.kr or call (02) 541-6235. Located near exits 4 and 5 of Nambu Bus Terminal on subway line 3.

1st Naantali Music Festival in Seoul

Feb. 1

Cellists Arto Noras and Hyun Min-ja bring the Finnish festival to Seoul through Feb. 7. In the Seoul Arts Center performance, Ralf Gothoni, conductor of the English Chamber Orchestra, will lead the Seoul Chamber Orchestra for works of Haydn, Sallinen and Rossini. Tickets cost 10,000 won to 90,000 won. For more information about the festival, call (02) 592-5728. Located near exits 4 and 5 of Nambu Bus Terminal on subway line 3.

Yundi Li Piano Recital

Feb. 18

Chinese pianist Yundi Li hosts a recital after a six-year absence. He is best known as the youngest winner of the International Frederick Chopin Piano Competition, a feat he accomplished at the age of 18 in 2000. Tickets cost from 40,000 won to 100,000 won. For more information, visit www.sac.or.kr or call (02) 318-4301. Located near exits 4 and 5 of Nambu Bus Terminal on subway line 3.

Suh Hai-kyung's `Night and Dream'

World-renowned pianist Suh Hai-kyung hosts her recital ``Night and Dream.'' She will offer various classic works including Barcarolle, Wiegenlied and Nocturne. Tickets cost from 20,000 won to 80,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 3461-0976. Located near exits 4 and 5 of Nambu Bus Terminal on subway line 3.

Song Young-hoon & Andrius Zlabys Concert

March 15

Cellist Song Young-hoon and pianist Andrius Zlabys will offer classic pieces of Rachmaninoff and Shostakovich. It's the first time for the two artists to be performing together for local fans. Tickets cost from 22,000 won to 66,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 2658-3546. Located near exit 1 of Imae Station on the Bundang subway line.

Big Tickets

Evegeny Kissin Piano Recital

April 2

Pianist Evegeny Kissin, the youngest winner of the Prestigious Triumph in 1996 and the winner of the Shostakovich Award in 2001, revisits Korea to host a recital for Korean fans. Tickets cost from 60,000 won to 170,000 won. For more information, visit www.credia.co.kr or call (02) 751-9606~10. Located near exits 4 and 5 of Nambu Bus Terminal on subway line 3.

Tokyo Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra

Sejong Center for the Performing Arts

April 16

The top Japanese orchestra will offer Tchaikovsky's 5th Symphony and Violin Concerto with young virtuoso Kwun Hyuk-joo as soloist. Call 6303-7700 for more information. Located near exits 1 and 8 of Gwanghwamun Station on subway line 5.

National Symphony Orchestra of Washington D.C.

June 18

The National Symphony Orchestra of Washington D.C., led by Ivan Fischer, will offer classic pieces by Tchaikovsky. Violinist Leonidas Kavakos will join as a special guest. Tickets cost from 50,000 won to 180,000 won. For more information, visit www.vincero.co.kr or call (02) 599-5743. Located near exits 4 and 5 of Nambu Bus Terminal on subway line 3.

Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra

Oct. 23

The Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra led by maestro Paavo Jarvi will tour Korea in October with a program featuring Rachmaninoff. The orchestra is the fifth oldest orchestra in the United States. Tickets cost from 50,000 won to 180,000 won. For more information, visit www.vincero.co.kr or call (02) 599-5743. 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 for 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.

Ton Koopman & Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra

March 6

World-renowned conductor Ton Koopman will perform for his Korean fans with the Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra & Choir. Tickets cost from 40,000 won to 120,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call (031) 783-8000. Located near exit 1 of Imae Station on the Bundang subway line.

X Japan World Tour in Seoul

Gymnastics Stadium, Olympic Park

March 21- 22

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

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 representative of modern Korean 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

This collection of royal ceramics from the Goryeo Kingdom (918-1392), unearthed from royal tombs, presents 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

Lee Won-guk's Ballet Concert

Changjo Art Center

Through Feb. 23

Every Monday, Lee Won-guk's Ballet Company will offer a special chance to enjoy romantic ballet moves. This concert offers Love Serenade, Spartacus, Tchaikovsky pas de deux, and Zorba. All tickets cost 30,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 764-4444. Located near exit 4 of Hyehwa Station on subway line 4.

Sachoom

Sachoom Theater

Open Run

Sachoom is the 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

2009 Jazz and the City

KT Art Hall

Various Jazz artists will get together to perform a concert featuring a special event for love proposals. All tickets are 1,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call 1577-5599. Located near exit 2 of Gwanghwamun Station on subway line 5.

Zamstick's Rhythm Holic Concert

Naru Art Center

Feb. 13-14

Zamstick, a Korean percussion band, is holding a ``Rhythm Holic'' concert, entertaining fans with their rhythmic and stylish sounds. Tickets cost from 10,000 won to 20,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 2285-5092. Located near exit 5 of Konkuk Univ. Station on subway line 2.

Live ICON: Sister's Barbershop, Lucid Paul and Lee Ji-hyung

Baekam Hall

Feb. 13-15

Well known as modern music artists in Korea, musicians Sister's Barbershop, Lucid Paul and Lee Ji-hyung will hold a joint concert titled ``Live ICON'' for Valentines Day. All Tickets cost 55,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 322-0014. Located near exit 8 of Samsung Station on subway line 2.

My Aunt Mary's Another Circle

Feb. 21-22

Korean band My Aunt Mary will hold a concert titled ``Another Circle.'' Singer Jo Won-seon and Ji Seon will join as special guests. Tickets cost from 44,000 won to 55,000 won. For more information, visit www.fluxusmusic.com or call (02) 545-9174. Located near exit 8 of Samsung Station on subway line 2.

LM.C Tour '09 in Korea

Live Hall, Sangsang Madang

Feb.15

Japanese Electronic band LM.C will hold a concert in Korea, the finale of the group's world tour. All tickets cost 44,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 782-5573. Located near exit 5 of Hongik Univ. Station on subway line 2.

Chick Corea & John Mclaughlin: Five Peace Band Concert

Grand Hall, Ewha Womans University

World-renowned jazz musicians Chick Corea, John Mclaughlin, Christian Mcbride, Kenny Garrett and Brian Blade will hold a joint concert titled ``Five Peace Band Concert.'' For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 2644-9604. Located near exit 2 or 3 Ewha Womans Univ. Station on subway line 2

Jason Mraz Live in Seoul

Olympic Hall, Olympic Park

American singer-songwriter Jason Mraz is holding a series of concerts to celebrate his Grammy Awards nomination. The Seoul performance will be the start of his world tour. Tickets cost from 66,000 won to 88,000 won. For more information, visit www.musicalpark.com or call 1544-1555. Located near exit 4 of Apgujeong Station on subway line 3.

Ronn Branton Valentine Concert

Jang Cheon Art Hall

American jazz musician Ronn Branton will hold a romantic concert for Valentine's Day. Saxophonist Kenji Omae will join as a special guest. Tickets cost from 20,000 won to 50,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call 010-3817-7214. Located near exit 3 of Olympic Park Station on subway line 5.

Travis Live in Seoul

March 1

Alternative rock band Travis returns to Korea. 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.

Plays & Musicals

Liar

Artistan Hall

John Smith, a taxi driver, has two wives. No one knows this secret, but a tiny accident reveals the truth, bringing incident after incident along the way. Tickets cost from 15,000 won to 25,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call 1544-1555. Located near exit 1 of Daehangno Station on subway line 4.

Romeo & Juliette

Jan. 29 - Feb. 27

The original French version of Romeo & Juliette has returned. The French cast will visit Korea to perform the sad yet beautiful story of the two famous lovers. Tickets cost from 60,000 won to 200,000 won. For more information, visit www.romeonjuliette.com or call 1544-1555. 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.

Jekyll and Hyde

LG Arts Center

Through Feb. 22

Jekyll and Hyde is a musical based on the novella ``The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde'' by Robert Louis Stevenson. It will return to the stage after a two-year absence. Tickets cost from 40,000 won to 120,000 won. For more information, visit www.jekyllnhyde.co.kr or call 1544-1555. Located near exit 7 of Yeoksam Station on subway line 2.

Doctor Irabu 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 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.

Zanna, Don't

Theater M, Sejong Arts Center

Feb. 7~ March 1

Musical ``Zanna, Don't'' delivers a serious message about sexual minorities and true love. It will also bring hearty laughs to the audience. Tickets cost from 40,000 won to 60,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call 1544-1555. 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.

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.

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.

200-Pound Beauty the Musical

Chungmu Art Hall

The movie "200-Pound Beauty" (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.