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

Classical Concerts

Popera Countertenor Jung Se-hun's Christmas Concert

Korea Cultural House

Dec. 25

Popera countertenor Jung Se-hun returns to Korea after a successful stint in Japan. He will present popular seasonal melodies, including "White Christmas" and "Silent Night," as well as classical scores such as Schubert's "Ave Maria" and Handel's "Lascia Ch io Pianga." All tickets cost 40,000 won. For more information, visit www.gmarket.co.kr or call (070) 8639-2123. Located near exit 4 of Samsung Station on subway line 2.

The Grand Piano Concert

Concert Hall, Seoul Arts Center

Dec. 27

This concert is supersizing the conventional classical piano performance by bringing together 90 pianists, with up to 12 performers simultaneously taking the stage. The pianists will perform 11 pieces, including Bach's "Brandenburg Concerto" and Beethoven"Chorale," arranged for the keyboard. Tickets cost from 10,000 to 50,000 won. For more information, visit www.sac.or.kr or call (02) 3272-2121. Located near exits 4 and 5 of Nambu Bus Terminal on subway line 3.

Korea National Opera's Gala Concerts

Opera Theater, Seoul Arts Center

Dec. 29-31

The Korea National Opera presents a series of gala concerts featuring top Korean opera singers from near and far. The opening event features Kim Young-mi, the country's top dramatic soprano, who also performed with the late Luciano Pavarotti. The following evening, David Dong-qyu Lee, an emerging countertenor in Europe, will take the stage. Soprano Im Sun-hae, from Germany, and bass-baritone Samuel Youn, will be the closing act of the gala. Tickets cost from 30,000 to 100,000 won. Call (02)586-5282. Located near exits 4 and 5 of Nambu Bus Terminal on subway line 3.

Kim Sun-wook's Piano Recital

Kumho Art Hall

Jan. 7

Star pianist Kim Sun-wook will hold a recital featuring Schubert's "Fantasia for Piano in C major, D. 760, Op.15 ('Wanderer')" and "Four Impromptus, D.899, Op. 90," the Asia premiere of Dai Fujikura's "Joule" and Mussorgsky's "Pictures at an Exhibition." All tickets cost 30,000 won. For more information, visit www.kumhoarthall.com or call (02) 6303-7700. Located near exit 7 of Gwanghwamun Station on subway line 5.

Seoul Arts Center's New Year's Eve Concert

Dec. 31

Seoul Arts Center offers an eclectic year-end celebration with timeless classical scores by Strauss and Ravel as well as popular musical numbers by Andrew Lloyd Webber. Kim Min will conduct the Korean Chamber Ensemble, and soloists include violinist Zakhar Bron, harpist Yoon Ji-yoon, baritone Seo Jung-hak and musical singer Kim So-hyeon. After the performances, concertgoers can enjoy a beautiful firework display outside. Tickets cost from 40,000 to 70,000 won. Call (02) 580-1300. Located near exits 4 and 5 of Nambu Bus Terminal on subway line 3.

Sejong Center's New Year's Eve Concert

Grand Hall, Sejong Center for the Performing Arts

Featuring the Seoul Metropolitan Youth Orchestra, top opera and musical singers, and traditional Korean vocalist Jang Sa-ik, the event offers concertgoers the chance to write postcards to their "future selves." The Sejong Center will deliver the messages a year later, in December 2010. The countdown for 2010 will be accompanied by a live broadcast of the annual Bosingak bell-ringing event in Jonggak. Tickets cost from 20,000 to 50,000 won. Call 1544-1887. Located near exits 1 and 8 of Gwanghwamun Station on subway line 5.

Seongnam Arts Center's New Year's Eve Concert

Seongnam Arts Center

The concert will present an evening with the 60-member male ensemble Mostly Voices. They will sing a batch of beloved tunes, including choral music and arias from operas. Special guests will join them, including soprano Park Mi-hye and celebrated jazz singer Nah Youn-sun. Afterward, concertgoers can go outside to groove to music by DJ Dust and release helium balloons at the stroke of midnight. Tickets cost from 12,000 to 50,000 won. Call 1544-8117. Located near exit 1 of Imae Station on the Bundang line.

Korean Chamber Orchestra's 45th Anniversary Concert

March 16

The Korean Chamber Orchestra, which specializes in Baroque music, will offer a concert celebrating its 45th anniversary. Conductor Piotr Borkowski, violinist Kim So-Ock, saxophonist Greg Banaszak, oboist Satoki Aoyama, clarinetist Hidemi Mikai, hornist Makoto Kanaboshi and bassoonist Motoko Kawamura will take the stage. Tickets cost from 20,000 to 150,000 won. For more information, visit www.kco.or.kr or call (02) 592-5728. Located near exits 4 and 5 of Nambu Bus Terminal on subway line 3.

Overture to 2010

Jan. 17

Conductor Yun Gi-yeon will stage timeless overtures featured in school music textbooks such as Suppe's "Overture to Die Leichte Kavallerie," Bizet's "Overture to Carmen," Beethoven's "Overture to Egmont" and Brahms' "Academic Festival Overture." Tickets cost from 15,000 to 25,000 won. For more information, visit www.educoncert.co.kr or call (02) 3141-0651. Located near exits 4 and 5 of Nambu Bus Terminal on subway line 3.

Yiruma Concert

Dec. 26

Popular New Age pianist Yiruma will hold a concert, "Movement, on a Theme by Yiruma," as part of his nationwide tour. Tickets cost from 44,000 to 99,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 2658-3546. Located near exits 4 and 5 of Nambu Bus Terminal on subway line 3.

Seoul Namsan Gugakdang's New Year's Eve Concert

Seoul Namsan Gugakdang, Namsan Hanok Village

Through Dec. 27

Celebrated traditional singer Ahn Sook-sun will be on stage with Seoul Namsan Gugakdang featuring the story of "Heo Saeng." Tickets cost from 30,000 to 40,000 won. For more information, visit www.sejongpac.or.kr/sngad or call (02) 2261-0513~5. Located near exits 3 and 4 of Chungmuro Station on subway lines 3 and 4.

Aram Nuri's New Year's Eve Concert

Aram Concert Hall, Goyang Aram Nuri Arts Center

Goyang Aram Nuri Art Center in Gyeonggi Province will celebrate New Year's Eve with a concert featuring conductor Choi Sun-yong, musical troupe Musical TOP, soprano Lee Hwa-young, tenor Kim Nam-doo, baritone Kim Dong-kyu and popera tenor Park Wan. Tickets cost from 10,000 to 70,000 won. Visit ticket.interpark.com or call 1577-7766. Located near exit 3 of Jeongbalsan Station on subway line 3.

Big Tickets

Etoile Ballet Gala

Jan. 12-13, 2010

The Etoile Ballet will stage a gala show featuring beloved ballet works, including "Don Quixote" and "The Dying Swan," with piano prodigy Kim Sun-wook. Tickets cost from 30,000 to 150,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 599-5743. Located near exits 4 and 5 of Nambu Bus Terminal on subway line 3.

Sarah Chang's Violin Recital

Dec. 28

Sarah Chang, one of the most talented violinists of her generation, will hold a recital featuring Brahms' "Violin Sonata No. 3 in D minor, Op.108," Christopher Theofanidis' "Fantasy" and Cesar Auguste Frank's "Violin Sonata in A major," with pianist Andrew Von Oeyen. Tickets cost from 60,000 to 160,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 541-6235. Located near exits 4 and 5 of Nambu Bus Terminal on subway line 3.

Museums

The Great Myth and Mystery of Peruvian Civilization, Inca

National Museum of Korea

Through Mar. 28, 2010

Visitors are invited to explore the ancient Peruvian civilization, from the Chavin culture to the Inca Empire, and become immersed in an exotic and mysterious, yet strikingly scientific, world. All tickets cost 10,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call 1588-7862. Located near exit 2 of Ichon Station on subway line 4.

Masterpieces of Italian Renaissance: Frescoes

Hangaram Art Museum

Through Feb. 21

Hangaram Art Museum will offer an exhibition showcasing masterpiece frescoes of the Italian Renaissance, including works of Leonardo, Michelangelo and Raffaello. Tickets cost from 8,000 to 13,000 won. For more information, visit www.sac.or.kr or call (02) 580-1300. Located near exits 4 and 5 of Nambu Bus Terminal on subway line 3.

Exhibition 'Ahn Jung-geun'

Seoul Calligraphy Art Museum

Through Jan. 24

The Seoul Calligraphy Art Museum is offering an exhibition commemorating the 100th anniversary of Korean independence activist Ahn Jung-geun's death. He was best known for his assassination of the Japanese resident-general of Korea, Ito Hirobumi, following the signing of the Eulsa Treaty, with Korea on the verge of annexation by Japan. Tickets cost from 5,000 to 7,000 won. For more information, visit www.sac.or.kr or call (02) 580-1300. Located near exits 4 and 5 of Nambu Bus Terminal on subway line 3.

Dance

The Nutcracker

Universal Arts Center

Through Dec. 31

The Universal Ballet Company will stage "The Nutcracker," a seasonal ballet by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. Tickets cost from 10,000 to 100,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call (070) 7124-1736. Located near exit 4 of Achasan Station on subway line 5.

Todes

Walkerhill Theater, The Walkerhill Hotel

Open Run

Russian dance group Todes is bringing its 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. 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

Youn-ha

AX-Hall, Melon-Ax

Singer-songwriter Youn-ha will hold her first concert. The 21-year-old will offer her hit numbers, including "1,2,3" and "Secret Number 486," along with carols such as "Christmas Christmas Christmas." Tickets cost from 55,000 to 66,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 457-5114. Located near exit 2 of Gwangnaru Station on subway line 5.

Cultwo Show 'Crazy Christmas'

Hall C, Coex

Comprised of two talented comedians, Chung Chan-woo and Kim Tae-gyun, Cultwo has changed the local comedy scene with its "concert-style" gag shows. The duo will host a "Crazy Christmas" concert. Tickets range from 44,000 to 99,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call 3485-4454. Located near exit 6 of Samsung Station on subway line 2.

DJ DOC

Olympic Hall, Olympic Park

Dec. 30-31

Hip-hop group DJ DOC will celebrate the end of the year with two concerts. Tickets cost from 60,000 to 90,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call 1544-1555. Located near exit 3 of Olympic Park Station on subway line 5.

Lee Seung-chul's Christmas Concert 'Romantica'

Jamsil Indoor Stadium

Korean pop star Lee Seung-chul will hold a concert to celebrate the Christmas season. The concert will feature his best songs, including those appearing on soundtracks of famous dramas and carols with a rock 'n' roll twist. Tickets cost from 55,000 to 132,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call 1588-4992. Located near exits 6 or 7 of Sports Complex Station on subway line 2.

Park Hyo-shin's '2009 Gift Live Tour+'

Singer Park Hyo-shin will hold a concert celebrating the 10th anniversary of his debut. He will be accompanied by more than 100 musicians and artists, including a full orchestra and a session band. The concert will also feature a special lingerie fashion show, and acrobatic and media art performances. Tickets cost from 44,000 to 121,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call 1544-1555. Located near exits 6 or 7 of Sports Complex Station on subway line 2.

'The Vocalist'

Fencing Gymnasium, Olympic Park

Dec. 25-26

Veteran male singers Bobby Kim, Wheesung and Kim Bum-soo will hold a joint Christmas concert titled "The Vocalist." Tickets cost from 44,000 to 121,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call 1644-8363. Located near exit 3 of Olympic Park Station on subway line 5.

Park Jin-young's 'Bad Party'

Through Dec. 26

Park Jin-young, or JYP, the producer of pop group the Wonder Girls, will hold a concert titled "Bad Party: Heartless." Famous for his provocative concepts, he will take center stage as a sexy singer and dancer. Tickets cost from 55,000 to 88,000 won. Visit ticket.interpark.com or call 1544-1555. Located near exit 3 of Olympic Park Station on subway line 5.

Lee Moon-se's Christmas Concert

Grand Hall, Ewha Womans University

Famous singer Lee Moon-se will give a Christmas concert featuring his hit songs, ranging from classic to acoustic music. Tickets cost from 44,000 to 110,000 won. Visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 747-1252. Located near Ewha Womans University Station on subway line 2.

Lee Seung-hwan's 20th Anniversary

Singer Lee Seung-hwan will hold a concert celebrating the 20th anniversary of his debut. Tickets cost from 55,000 to 132,000 won. Visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 2261-1393~4. Located near exit 3 of Olympic Park Station on subway line 5.

Plays & Musicals

A Christmas Carol

Woori Art Hall, Olympic Park

The musical, based on the story by Charles Dickens and staged annually by Seoul Performing Arts Company, returns for the holiday season. Tickets cost from 20,000 to 100,000 won. Visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 722-8885. Located near exit 3 of Olympic Park Station on subway line 5.

Spring Awakening

Doosan Art Center

Through Jan. 10

The Korean version of the Tony Award-winning musical is on stage for the first time with a Korean cast of stars, including Kim Mu-yeol, Cho Jung-seok and Kim Yu-young. Tickets range from 30,000 to 80,000 won. Visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 744-4011. Located near exit 1 of Jongno 5ga Station on subway line 1.

Hairspray

KEPCO Art Center

Through Feb. 7

A big hit on Broadway, the musical "Hairspray" is now on the Korean stage. Tickets range from 40,000 won to 80,000 won. Visit ticket.interpark.com or call 1544-1555. Located near exit 1 of Yangjae Station on subway line 3.

Hedwig

KT & G Sang Sang Art Hall

Through Feb. 28

The musical revolves around Hedwig, an East German transgendered rock musician, who chases after an ex-lover who plagiarized her songs. Tickets cost from 45,000 to 60,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 3485-8700. Located near exit 2 of Samseong Station on subway line 2.

Hero

LG Arts Center

The musical "Hero" commemorates the 100th anniversary of Korean independence activist Ahn Jung-geun's assassination of Japan's first resident-general of Korea, Ito Hirobumi, on a railway platform in Harbin, Manchuria. Tickets cost from 40,000 to 120,000 won. Visit www.ticketlink.co.kr or call (02) 2250-5900. Located near exit 7 of Yeoksam Station on subway line 2.

Wedding Singer

Grand Hall, Chungmu Art Hall

Through Jan. 31

This is the Korean rendition of "The Wedding Singer," the Broadway musical based on the 1998 film by the same name starring Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore. The local premiere stars popular actors Hwang Jung-min and Park Gun-hyung. Tickets cost from 40,000 to 100,000 won. Visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 501-7888. Located near exit 9 of Sindang Station on subway line 6.

My Sweet Seoul

Theater Yong, National Museum of Korea

"My Sweet Seoul," a musical based on Jung I-hyun's bestselling novel of the same name is on stage until Dec. 31. It depicts the lives of 30-something urbanites in the 21st century. Tickets cost from 50,000 to 90,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 1544-5955. Located near exit 2 of Ichon Station on subway line 4.

Jack the Ripper

The musical is based on a story about "Jack the Ripper," the serial killer that terrified late 19th-century London. Tickets cost from 60,000 to 120,000 won. Visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 501-7888. Located near exit 4 of Achasan Station on subway line 5.

The Phantom of the Opera

Charlotte Theater

Through Aug. 8

This Andrew Lloyd Webber musical is one of the world's best-selling Broadway hits and has prompted huge growth in the Korean musical industry. The show has come back to Seoul after 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

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 in New York 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.