Concerts, Museums & Theater

Classical Concerts

2010 SAC Artist Series

Recital Hall, Seoul Arts Center

May 28

Winning artists from the Seoul Arts Center Audition, including pianist Park So-hyun, will hold a concert. The program includes Haydn’s “Piano Sonata No. 60 in C major, Hob.XVI:50" and Liszt’s “Ballade No. 2 in B minor,” among others. Tickets cost 10,000 to 15,000 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.

Korean Symphony Orchestra

Concert Hall, Seoul Arts Center

May 27

The Korean Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Park Eun-sung, will hold a concert featuring works by Brahms and Rachmaninov. Tickets cost 10,000 to 50,000 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.

Hwaum Chamber Orchestra’s Picture Book Concert

Mapo Arts Center

May 22

Music falls in love with delightful visuals in Hwaum Chamber Orchestra’s special concert featuring picture book images to "Spring" and "Summer" from Vivaldi's "'The Four Seasons' Violin Concerto series. Tickets cost from 20,000 won to 30,000 won. For more information, visit www.mapoartcenter.or.kr or call (02) 3274-8600. Located near exit 2 of Daeheung Station on subway line 6.

Uterine Cervical Cancer Prevention Concert

Grand Theater, Sejong Center for the Performing Arts

May 31

The Korean Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology is holding a concert for cervical cancer prevention. Under the musical direction of Cho Yong-chang, the concert will offer the overture of Smetana's opera ``The Bartered Bride,’’ Beethoven's "Triple Concerto in C major, Op. 56" and Britten's "Simple Symphony Op. 4," etc. Tickets cost from 10,000 to 70,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call 1588-5212. Located near exits 1 and 8 of Gwanghwamun Station on subway line 5.

4&4 Saxophone Quartet Concert

Sejong Chamber Hall, Sejong Center for the Performing Arts

Tune into a chamber concert featuring classic tango tunes by Argentine master composer Astor Piazzolla including “Histoire du Tango,” “Le Grand Tango” and more. Tickets cost from 20,000 won. For more information, visit ticket,interpark.com or call 1588-5212. Located near exits 1 and 8 of Gwanghwamun Station on subway line 5.

Opera ‘Don Pasquale’

M Theater, Sejong Center for the Performing Arts

June 23-27

The Seoul Metropolitan Opera will bring Donizetti’s comic opera “Don Pasquale” to the stage this June. The opera tells the story of an old bachelor Don Pasquale, who wants to marry in order to disinherit his rebellious nephew Ernesto. Tickets cost 10,000 to 70,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call 1544-1555. Located near exits 1 and 8 of Gwanghwamun Station on subway line 5.

Latin American Journey

May 23

Popular cellist Young Song (Song Young-hoon) will play famous pieces by the Argentine tango composer Astor Piazzolla with Uruguayan-born conductor and pianist Pablo Zinger and Spanish clarinetist Jose Franch-Ballester. Tickets cost from 33,000 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.

Emmanuel Pahud, Trevor Pinnock & Jonathan Manson Trio Recital

World-renowned flutist Emmanuel Pahud, harpsichordist Trevor Pinnock and cellist Jonathan Manson will hold a joint concert. The concert will feature the works of Bach, Purcell, and Telemann. Tickets cost from 30,000 to 100,000 won. Visit ticket.interpark.com or call 1577-5266. Located near exits 4 and 5 of Nambu Bus Terminal on subway line 3.

Sweet Yawning

Sowol Art Hall

Through June 28

The Sookmyung Gayageum Orchestra presents a concert specially designed to facilitate prenatal education. The concert will feature modern versions of traditional music used for prenatal education in the Joseon Kingdom (1392-1910). All tickets cost 15,000 won. Visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 701-4879. Located near exit 9 of Wangsimni Station on subway lines 2 and 5.

Song for Victory With Geum Nan-sae

May 30

The Sejong Center for the Performing Arts presents a concert to celebrate the upcoming 2010 World Cup. Geum Nan-sae will conduct the Eurasian Philharmonic Orchestra, joined by tenor Na Seung-seo, soprano Seo Hwal-ran, baritone Kim Dong-gyu and pop singer Insooni. Tickets cost from 30,000 to 100,000 won. Visit ticket.interpark.com or call 2650-7481. Located near exits 1 and 8 of Gwanghwamun Station on subway line 5.

Big Tickets

Frankfurt Radio Symphony

May 29

The Frankfurt Radio Symphony will make its Korea concert debut. Paavo Jarvi, the ensemble’s newly appointed music director, will conduct Dvorak’s ``New World’’ Symphony No. 9, and maestro pianist Paik Kun-woo will appear as soloist for Brahms’ ``Piano Concerto No. 1.’’ Tickets cost from 50,000 to 200,000 won. Call (02) 599-5743.

Chang Han-na’s ‘Absolute Classic’

Seongnam Arts Center

Aug 14-28

Cello virtuoso and debutant conductor Chang Han-na will hold the 2010 season of ``Absolute Classic,’’ an international music festival for youths. This year, her teacher, world famous maestro Lorin Maazel, will participate in the event. Tickets cost from 30,000 to 70,000 won. Visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 2232-1148. Located near exit 1 of Imae Station on the Bundang line

Joshua Bell & St. Martin in the Fields

June 22

American Grammy Award-winning violinist Joshua Bell and English chamber orchestra The Academy of St. Martin in the Fields will hold a concert together this June, marking the beginning of “2010 Ditto Festival.” Tickets cost from 40,000 to 160,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call 1577-5266. Located near exits 4 and 5 of Nambu Bus Terminal on subway line 3.

Moscow Philharmonic Orchestra

The world-renowned Moscow Philharmonic Orchestra will perform with conductor Yuri Simonov and pianist Konstantin Scherbakov. The concert will feature M.I. Glinka’s “Ruslan and Ludmilla Overture,” Rachmaninov’s “Piano Concerto No.3 in D minor, Op.30,” and R. Korsakov’s “Capriccio Espagnol, Op. 34.” Tickets cost from 50,000 to 200,000 won. Visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 3463-2466. Located near exits 1 and 8 of Gwanghwamun Station on subway line 5.

Opera 'Aida'

Opera Theater, Seoul Arts Center

June 16-19

The 1st Korea Opera Festival presents ``Aida’’ by the Sol’Opera next month. The show is directed by Paolo Bosisio and Antonio de Lucia and features a cast of top Italian and Korean singers including tenors Mario Malagnini and Lee Jeong-won. Tickets cost from 30,000 to 250,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call 1577-5266. Located near exits 4 and 5 of Nambu Bus Terminal on subway line 3.

Museums

Rodin: Retrospective

Seoul Museum of Art

Through Aug. 22

Korea’s largest ever Auguste Rodin exhibition is being held in central Seoul through the summer. More than 180 sculptures and watercolor sketches will be on show at the Seoul Museum of Art, with several pieces being displayed for the first time outside of France. Admission is 12,000 won, for more information visit www.rodinseoul.com. Located behind Deoksugung Palace near City Hall Station on subway lines 1, 2 and 5.

Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty

Aram Theater, Goyang Aram Nuri Arts Complex

Through June 13

Goyang Aram Nuri Arts Complex holds an exhibition where contemporary artists present artworks under the theme of the Royal Tombs of the Joseon Kingdom (1392-1910). Tickets cost 2,000 won for students and 3,000 won for adults. Visit www.artgy.or.kr or call 1577-7766. Located near exit 3 of Jeongbalsan Station on subway line 3.

Dialogue in the Dark

Vertigo

Open Run

The exhibition offers the public a world without sight. It recreates the everyday life of the visually impaired as visitors have only a guiding voice and walking stick to carry out different activities in pitch darkness. Tickets cost 30,000 won for adults and 20,000 won for children. Call 1544-1555. Located near exit 3 of Sinchon Station on subway line 2.

Dance

UBC’s Ballet Highlights ‘Shim Chung’

May 24-30

The Universal Ballet Company (UBC) will stage the Korean traditional story of Shim Chung, a girl who cares for her blind father. One of the company’s staple repertory, the ballet is being staged here for the first in four years after being showcased to critical acclaim overseas. Tickets cost from 10,000 to 80,000 won. Visit ticket.interpark.com or call 1544-1555. Located near exits 4 and 5 of Nambu Bus Terminal on subway line 3.

Goyang Artists in Festival

Goyang Aram Nuri Arts Complex

May 26-27

Kang Yoon-seon’s dance troupe will perform Korean traditional dances at Goyang Aram Nuri Arts Complex this month. All tickets cost 10,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call 1577-7766. Located near exit 3 of Jeongbalsan Station on subway line 3.

Hofesh Shechter Company from UK ‘Political Mother’

LG Arts Center

June 12-13

Popular British dance ensembles, led by Hofesh Shechter, will give their first full-length dance performance “Political Mother” in Korea this June. Tickets cost from 30,000 to 70,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 2005-0114. Located near exit 7 of Yeoksam Station on subway line 2.

Legend of Flower

Sheraton Grande Walkerhill, Walkerhill Theatre

Experience traditional and modern music and movements through Walkerhill Theatre’s new dance production, “Legend of Flower.” Featuring four acts under the themes “Flower,” “Water and Fire,” “Wind” and ‘’Golden Earth,” the performance will be a great chance to spend a lovely evening with friends and family. Tickets cost from 60,000 to 300,000 won, including dinner. Visit www.legendofflower.com. To get there, take the free shuttle bus at Gangbyeon Station, line 2, or Gwangnaru Station, line 5.

Pop & Jazz

Usher live in Seoul

Gymnastics Stadium, Olympic Park

July 3

R&B superstar Usher is performing in Seoul for the first time. The singer released his latest album ``Raymond V. Raymond’’ last March, and local fans will get a live performance of tracks from the new album as well as other hits. Tickets cost from 80,000 won to 146,00o. For more information, visit www.interpark.com. Located near exit 3 of Olympic Park Station on subway line 5.

Lee Seung-hwan

Melon AX

Singer and songwriter Lee Seung-hwan is preparing an exciting show for his fans to celebrate the release of his upcoming album. It will be his first album in four years, and he is expected to wow fans with both his old hits and new songs. All tickets cost 55,000 won. For more information, visit www.interpark.com. Located near exit 2 of Gwangnaru Station on subway line 5.

Cho Yong-pil

Jamsil Olympic Stadium

May 28-29

Veteran singer Cho Yong-pil will hold a special charity concert titled “Love In Love” to support children with cancer. Tickets cost from 90,000 to 150,000 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.

Lee Seung-chul

June 5

Korean pop star Lee Seung-chul will hold his 25th anniversary concert. The concert will feature his best songs, including those appearing on soundtracks of famous dramas, reinterpreted into new classic and rock styles. Tickets cost from 25,000 to 250,000 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.

Brown Eyed Soul

Gymnastic Stadium, Olympic Park

May 21-22

Popular R&B group Brown Eyed Soul will hold a concert titled “Soul Breeze” this May. Tickets cost from 55,000 to 110,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call 1544-1555. Located near exit 3 of Olympic Park Station on subway line 5.

Mika in Seoul

Olympic Hall, Olympic Park

June 12

Pop sensation Mika will perform this June for the second time in Korea. Tickets range from 77,000 to 99,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 3443-9669. Located near exit 3 of Olympic Park Station on subway line 5.

Plays & Musicals

Brothers Were Brave

Coex Artium

Through June 20

The Korean musical “Brothers Were Brave” will be performed this April with a brand-new cast of stars, including Hong Rok-gi, Lee Ji-hoon, Kim Jae-man, and Onew from SHINee. The musical is about two brothers Suk-bong and Ju-bong trying to receive their deceased father’s inheritance. Tickets cost from 40,000 to 80,000 won. Visit ticket.intepark.com or call (02) 738-8289. Located near exit 6 of Samseong Station on subway line 2.

Midnight Sun

M Theater, Sejong Center for Performing Arts

Through May 29

Based on the Japanese drama and movie of the same title, “Midnight Sun” is about a girl named Kaoru, who can’t be exposed to sunlight because of a disease, and a boy named Koji, who is always out in the sun, surfing. Tickets cost from 30,000 to 50,000 won. Visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 399-1772. Located near exit 3 of City Hall Station on subway line 1 and 2, or exits 1 and 8 of Gwanghwamun Station on subway line 5.

Jang-geum, the Great

Gyeonghui Palace

Through May 23

The musical “Jang-geum, the Great” tells the story of Jang Geum, the first female physician of Joseon Kingdom (1392-1910). Tickets cost from 10,000 to 40,000 won. Visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 368-1515. Located near exit 4 of Seodaemun 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. For more information, call (02) 501-7888. Located near exit 3 of Jamsil Station on subway lines 2 and 8.

My Mother

Woori Financial Art Hall, Olympic Park

Through May 30

This musical tells the story of a mother and daughter and shows how their relationship changes as the daughter gets married. Veteran actresses Kim Su-mi and Seon Woo Yong-nyeo will play the role of mother. Tickets cost from 66,000 to 99,000 won. Visit ticketlink.co.kr or call 1588-1407. Located near exit 3 of Olympic Park Station on subway line 5.

Miss Saigon

Grand Theater, Chungmu Art Hall

May 14-Sept. 12

One of the world’s most beloved musicals, Miss Saigon, is on stage in Korea. Set in the 1970s Saigon during the Vietnam War, “Miss Saigon” is a tragic tale of a woman abandoned by her American lover. Tickets range from 22,000 to 110,000 won for weekdays and 33,000 to 121,000 won for weekends. Visit ticket.interpark.com or call 1544-1555. Located near exit 9 of Sindang Station on subway line 6.

Billy Elliot

Aug. 13- Open Run

One of the decade’s top-class sensational musicals, “Billy Elliot,” will be staged in Korea as the first non-English production in Asia and the fourth in the world. In England during the historic 1984-85 miners’ strike, Billy pursues his dream to become a ballerino in secret. Tickets cost from 50,000 to 130,000 won. Visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 3446-9630. Located near exit 7 of Yeoksam Station on subway line 2.

All Shook Up

Hanjeon Art Center

The Korean version of the Broadway musical “All Shook Up,” which was inspired by the hit songs of Elvis Presley, is on stage at Hanjeon Art Center. Tickets cost from 50,000 to 90,000 won. Visit ticket.interpark.com or call 1588-5212. Located near exit 1 of Yangjae Station on subway line 3.

The Mission

June 13- July 6

Based on the original screenplay by Robert Bolt and music by Andrea and Ennio Morricone, “The Mission” is set in South America and depicts the journey of Catholic Jesuit priests in converting the indigenous Guarani population in Paraguay. Tickets cost from 60,000 to 200,000 won. Visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 525-1621. Located near exits 1 and 8 of Gwanghwamun Station on subway line 5.