Concerts, Museums and Theater
Classical Concerts
L'Elisir d'Amore
Opera Theater, Seoul Arts Center
Sept. 26-30
The Korea National Opera will stage Donizetti's "L'Elisir d'Amore," but the 18th-century Italian romance will be staged in a more abstract, space-inspired set. Tickets cost from 10,000 to 100,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 586-5282. Located near exits 4 and 5 of Nambu Bus Terminal on subway line 3.
Isao Sasaki's With You' Concert
Concert Hall, Seoul Arts Center
Oct. 11
One of the most loved New Age pianists in Korea, Isao Sasaki will give another highly anticipated concert. Popular actress Ku Hye-sun will star as a special guest. Tickets cost from 33,000 to 99,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.co.kr or call (02) 3546-3546. Located near exits 4 and 5 of Nambu Bus Terminal on subway line 3.
Yiruma's Concert
Uijeongbu Arts Center
Nov. 21
Popular new age pianist Yiruma will hold a concert in Uijeongbu titled "Movement, on a Theme by Yiruma," as part of his nationwide tour between Nov. 1 and Dec. 26. Tickets cost from 33,000 to 66,000 won. Visit ticket.interpark.co.kr or call (02) 2658-3546. Located near Uijeongbu Station on subway line 1.
KBS Symphony Orchestra
Sept. 25
Conductor James Judd will lead the KBS Symphony Orchestra for Beethoven's Violin Concerto in D major, Op. 61, Debussy's "Prelude a L'Apres-Midi d'un Faune, L. 86" and "La mer - Trois Exquisses Symphoniques L. 109." Violinist Yang Ko-woon will appear as soloist. Tickets cost from 20,000 to 60,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.co.kr or call (02) 781-2252~5. Located near exits 4 and 5 of Nambu Bus Terminal on subway line 3.
Maksim Mrvica
Maksim Mrvica will revisit Korean fans, bringing his eclectic mix of classical and electronica music. He will perform classical pieces as well as tracks from his crossover albums arranged for the solo piano. Tickets cost from 33,000 to 110,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.co.kr or call (02) 547-8690. Located near exits 4 and 5 of Nambu Bus Terminal on subway line 3.
Seoul Metropolitan Youth Orchestra's 'Beethoven Symphony No.6'
Sejong M Theater, Sejong Center for the Performing Arts
Sept. 26
Seoul Metropolitan Youth Orchestra will hold the eighth of its concert series titled "Beethoven Stories," leaving only Symphony No. 9 for next year. Ticket prices range from 10,000 to 20,000 won. Visit www.sejongpac.or.kr or call (02) 399-1789. Located near exit 8 of Gwanghwamun Station on subway line 5.
Opera 'Werther'
Oct. 22-24
The art centers of Uijeongbu, Hanam and Nowon will stage a relay performance of their co-production of Jules Massenet's opera "Werther," which is based on Goethe's novel, beginning with Uijeongbu. It will be a rare chance for local opera fans to enjoy the piece. Tickets cost from 20,000 to 70,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call (031) 828-5841~2. Located near Uijeongbu Station on subway line 1.
Lim Hyung-joo's Autumn Concert
Sejong Center for the Performing Arts
Oct. 17
Korea's favorite "popera" (operatic pop) tenor Lim Hyung-joo offers an autumn-themed concert with the Korean Post Chamber Orchestra. Tickets cost from 30,000 to 110,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com. Located near exits 8 and 1 of Gwanghwamun Station on subway line 5.
Opera 'Carmen'
Seoul Arts Center
Nov. 5-8
One of Russia's best national theaters, Novosibirsk State Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre will perform for Korean fans to celebrate the 55th anniversary of CBS. The Korean Symphony Orchestra and the CBS Children's Chorus will appear. Tickets cost from 50,000 to 250,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call 2650-7481. Located near exits 4 and 5 of Nambu Bus Terminal on subway line 3.
Chang Han-na's Cello Recital
Goyang Aram Nuri Arts Complex, Seoul Arts Center
Nov. 20-21
Cellist Chang Han-na will hold a recital Nov. 20 in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province and the following day in Seoul. The program features Brahms and Jacqueline with pianist Finghin Collins. Tickets cost from 20,000 to 110,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call 1577-7766 and (02) 749-1300. Goyang Aram Nuri Arts Complex, located near exit 3 of Jeongbalsan Station on subway line 3, and Seoul Arts Center, located near exits 4 and 5 of Nambu Bus Terminal on subway line 3.
Steve Barakatt's 'Sweet November'
Nov. 28
Canadian composer and pianist Steve Barakatt will give the Asian premiere of his symphony concert in Seoul this coming November. Tickets cost from 30,000 to 100,000 won. Visit www.clubbalcony.com or call 1577-5266. Located near exits 8 and 1 of Gwanghwamun Station on subway line 5.
Cellist Yang Sung-won's 'Schubert Project'
LG Art Center
Sept. 27
Teamed up with French violinist Olivier Charlier and pianist Emmanuel Strosser, cellist Yang Sung-won will present Schubert's two great piano trios, D. 898 & D. 929, Sonata "Arpeggione," and violin sonata "Grand Duo." Tickets cost from 30,000 to 60,000 won. Visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 2005-0114. Located near exit 7 of Yeoksam Station on subway line 2.
Opera Gala Concert 'Turandot'
National Theater of Korea
Sept. 25-26
One of Puccini's classics, "Turandot," will be staged by the internationally renowned opera house, the St. Carlos Theatre in Napoli. Tickets cost from 30,000 to 200,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call 1544-9373. Located near Dongguk Univ. Station on subway line 3.
Martin Stadtfeld's Piano Recital
Young German pianist Martin Stadtfeld, a rising interpreter of J.S. Bach, will hold his first recital in Korea. The top prizewinner of the Busoni and Rubinstein competitions will perform a rendition of "The Goldberg Variations," among others. Tickets cost from 30,000 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.
Big Tickets
Ballet 'Esmeralda'
Oct. 8-10
The Russian Kremlin Palace Ballet Theatre will perform for the first time in Korea as part of the World Festival of National Theaters. Based on Victor Hugo's "Hunchback of Notre Dame," the ballet tells the story of the beautiful gypsy Esmeralda and the hunchback Quasimodo in 15th-century Paris. Tickets cost from 40,000 to 200,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 2280-4114. Located near Dongguk Univ. Station on subway line 3.
New York Phil: Asian Horizons
Oct. 12-13
The New York Philharmonic will introduce fans to its new music director and conductor, Alan Gilbert. Violinists Choi Ye-eun and Frank Peter Zimmerman will play together in each performance. Tickets cost from 40,000 to 280,000 won. Visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 6303-7700. Located near exits 4 and 5 of Nambu Bus Terminal on subway line 3.
Sumi Jo, Zubin Mehta & Vienna Philharmonic
Sept. 29
The Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, soprano Sumi Jo and maestro conductor Zubin Mehta will perform together in Seoul. Tickets cost from 70,000 to 350,000 won. Visit privia.hyundaicard.com. Located near exits 4 and 5 of Nambu Bus Terminal on subway line 3.
Museums
Western-Style Paintings in Modern Japan
National Museum of Korea
Through Oct. 11
The National Museum of Korea will show 40 Western-style paintings by modern Japanese artists that were collected and displayed in the Yi Royal Museum between 1933 and 1943. The pieces include 33 oil paintings, two drawings, four prints, and one pastel drawing. For more information, visit www.museum.go.kr or call (02) 2077-9555. Located near exit 2 of Ichon Station on subway line 4.
Travelling With the Soul: Chinese Pottery Figures
Through Nov. 22
The National Museum of Korea is holding an exhibition featuring 40 painted pottery figurines from the ancient Chinese dynasties including up to the Song dynasty of China. The exhibits include tomb statues of animals and three of the twelve guardian zodiac deities of the Tang Dynasty. For more information, visit www.museum.go.kr or call (02) 2077-9555. Located near near exit 2 of Ichon Station on subway line 4.
Dance
Tango Seduction
Chungmu Art Hall
Nov. 10-15
Gustavo Russo, a legend of tango, will visit Korea for the first time. He is ready to show everything about the dance of temptation. For ages 19 and over. Tickets range from 44,000 to 88,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call 1577-5266. Located near exit 9 of Sindang Station on subway lines 2 and 6.
Sasha Waltz & Guests: 'Gezeiten'
Sasha Waltz, a leading light in German tanztheater, will make her long-awaited return to Seoul. In "Gezeiten," Sasha Waltz and her 16 dancers take a look at how people handle threatening situations. Tickets cost from 30,000 to 70,000 won. Visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 2005-0114. Located near exit 7 of Yeoksam Station on subway line 2.
Todes
The Walkerhill Theater
Open Run
Russian dance group Todes is bringing their energetic performance - from ballet to break dancing to flamenco - complete with colorful costumes, stage settings and music. Tickets cost from 70,000 to 300,000 won. For more information, visit www.sheraton-walkerhill.com or call (02) 455-5000. Located at the Sheraton Grande Walkerhill. Shuttle buses are available from Gangbyeon and Gwanghwamun Stations on subways line 2 and 5.
Pop & Jazz
Kim Hyun-chul's 'Happy Hour'
Ensemble Theater, Seongnam Arts Center
Kim Hyun-chul meets fans through a concert featuring a glass of wine and friendly conversation. Tickets cost from 30,000 to 40,000 won. For more information, visit www.snart.or.kr call (031) 783-8000. Located near exit 1 of Imae Station on the Bundang line.
M's 'Acoustic & Unplugged'
Oct. 15-25
Pop singer Lee Min-woo, a member of the idol group Shinhwa and also known as M, will hold a concert titled "Acoustic & Unplugged." Tickets cost from 55,000 to 66,000 won. Visit ticket.interpark.co.kr or call (02) 2230-6601. Located near exit 9 of Sindang Station on subway line 6.
Park Hyo-shin's 'Gift'
Fencing Gymnasium, Olympic Park
Oct. 17-18
Singer Park Hyo-shin will hold a concert titled "Gift," celebrating the 10th anniversary of his debut. Tickets cost from 55,000 to 99,000 won. Visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 2261-1393~4. Located near exit 3 of Olympic Park Station on subway line 5.
Steel Heart's Korea Tour 2009
Millennium Hall, Central City Seoul
Rock band Steel Heart, famous for their song "She's Gone," is scheduled to play for Korean fans for the first time in 11 years since their last performance in 1998. Standing tickets only at 88,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 543-4728. Located near exits 2 and 3 of Express Bus Terminal Station on subway lines 3 and 7.
Rain Concert
Gymnasium, Olympic Park
Oct. 9-10
Singer and actor Rain will put on a show for Korean fans in a concert titled "Legend of Rainism" during his Asian tour. Tickets cost from 40,000 to 150,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com. Located near exit 3 of Olympic Park Station on subway line 5.
Yun Hee-jung & Friends
Munhwa Ilbo Hall
Sept. 29-30
Jazz singer Yun Hee-jung will show what Korean jazz is all about on stage with local celebrities. All tickets cost 50,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 3701-5754. Located near exit 5 of Seodamun Station on subway line 5.
8Eight Concert
KT & G Sang Sang Art Hall
Oct. 9-11
8Eight is the first group to play in the Sang Sang Relay Concert at KT&G Sang Sang Art Hall, featuring their third album "Golden Age." All tickets cost 66,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 3404-4314. Located near exit 2 of Samseong Station on subway line 2.
2009 Let's Rock Festival
War Memorial of Korea
Over 20 of the most famous Korean rock groups are lined up to perform in the "2009 Let's Rock Festival." Standing tickets only at 20,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com. Located near exit 12 of Samgakji Station on subway lines 4 and 6.
YB Concert
Hwajeong Stadium, Korea University
Korea's famous rock band YB (Yoon Do-hyun Band) is holding a concert titled "Fly YB." The band will play previously unreleased songs. Tickets cost from 44,000 to 77,000 won. Visit ticket.interpark.com or call 1544-1555. Located near exit 2 of Anam Station on subway line 6.
Shim Hyun-bo's 'Romantic Thursday'
Rolling Hall
Through Nov. 19
Singer-songwriter and producer Shim Hyun-bo will offer a concert featuring songs from his new album, "Where the Dream Goes." All tickets cost 33,000 won. Visit www.rollinghall.co.kr or call (02) 325-6071. Located near Hongik Station on subway line 2.
Plays & Musicals
The Phantom of the Opera
Charlotte Theater
Through Oct. 31
This Andrew Lloyd Webber musical is one of the world's best-selling Broadway hits and a landmark that prompted huge growth in the Korean musical industry. The show will return to Seoul for the first time in eight years. Tickets cost from 40,000 to 130,000 won. Visit theater.ticketlink.co.kr or call (02) 501-7888. Located near exit 3 of Jamsil Station on subway lines 2 and 8.
Legally Blonde
COEX Artium
Nov. 14-Feb. 28
The Amanda Brown novel that inspired the hit film of the same name will come to life as a musical. After a pre-Broadway trial run in San Francisco, the musical opened on Broadway to positive reviews. Korean fans can enjoy the Asian premiere of the show. Tickets cost from 35,000 to 70,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 738-8289. Located near exit 6 of Samsung Station on subway line 2.
Assassins
The Stage
Sept. 26 - Nov. 8
The musical "Assassins" will give a revival performance, appearing for the first time in four years. It creates imaginary and transcendental scenes by mixing history and fantasy, and focuses on dramatizing stories of presidential killers. All tickets are 50,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call 1588-5212. Located near exit 3 of Sinchon Station on subway line 2.
Liar
Goyang Aram Nuri Arts Complex
Through Sept. 30
"Liar," based on a story by Ray Cooney, "Run For Your Wife" is a well-made comedy play about a man living a double life. All tickets cost 20,000 won. Visit ticket.interpark.com or call 1577-7766. Located near exit 3 of Jeongbalsan Station on subway line 3.
France Musical Original Cast Concert
Three French masterpiece musicals that have touched the entire world will find Korean fans. The original cast will perform. Tickets cost from 30,000 to 110,000 won. For more information, visit www.sejongpac.or.kr or call (02) 399-1114~6. Located near exits 1 and 8 of Gwanghwamun Station on subway line 5.
All Shook Up
Through Nov. 1
A Korean version of the Broadway musical "All Shook Up" will be staged. Based on the book by Joe DiPietro, "All Shook Up" is a rocking version of William Shakespeare's classic play "Twelfth Night" that was inspired by the hit songs of Elvis Presley. Tickets cost from 50,000 to 120,000 won. Visit www.allshookup.co.kr or call 1588-5212. Located near exit 9 of Sindang Station on subway line 6.
Spring Awakening
Doosan Art Center
Through Jan. 10
Based on the controversial 1891 work by German playwright Frank Wedekind, the musical focuses on a group of teenagers' coming of age and their questions and curiosity. Tickets cost from 40,000 to 80,000 won. Visit www.springawakening.co.kr or call (02) 744-4011. Located near exit 1 of Jongno Station on subway line 1.
Grease
Dongsoong Art Center
The rock 'n' roll musical tells the love story of high school students Danny and Sandy. Tickets cost from 40,000 to 60,000 won. Visit ticket.interpark.com or call 1544-1555. Located near exit 1 of Hyehwa Station on subway line 4.