Concerts, Museums & Theater
Classical Concerts
Ji Yong Piano Recital ‘Lisztomania’
Concert Hall, Seoul Arts Center* (See venues on right for more information)
Nov. 28
Pianist Ji Yong, known as a member of Ditto and for pursuing collaborative projects with prima ballerina Kang Sue-jin, will hold recital for his debut album “Lisztomania.” The program features Schumann’s “Mythen, Op. 25, No. 1 ‘Widmung,’” “Erlkonig” and other transcriptions and masterpieces by Liszt. Tickets cost 30,000 to 50,000 won. Visit www.clubbalcony.com.
Young Song Cello Recital
Concert Hall, Seoul Arts Center*
Dec. 5
Popular young cellist Young Song (Song Young-hoon) brings his most ambitious project, a recital tour showcasing hallmarks in the cello repertoire including “Elegie in C minor, Op. 24” by Faure, “Cello Sonata Nos. 1 and 2” by Brahms and “Vocalise, Op. 34, No. 14” by Rachmaninov. Pianist Aviram Reichert will accompany the artist. Tickets cost 30,000 to 70,000 won. For more information, call (02) 2658-3546.
Kim Sun-wook Piano Recital
Nov. 27
Piano prodigy Kim Sun-wook, winner of the 2006 Leeds International Pianoforte Competition, will hold a recital. The program includes Beethoven’s “Piano Sonata No. 3 in E major, Op. 109,” “Piano Sonata No. 14 in C-sharp minor, Op. 27-2” and Schumann’s “Arabesque in C major, Op. 18.” Tickets cost 30,000 to 70,000 won. For more information, call (02) 599-5743.
Opera ‘Lulu’
Opera Theater, Seoul Art Center*
Through Nov. 28
The National Opera of Korea will give the local premiere of the controversial modern opera by Alan Berg, under the direction of conductor Frank Cramer and director Kristina Wuss. Soprano Park Eun-ju will play Lulu and portray the murderous femme fatale. Tickets cost 10,000 to 150,000 won. For more, call (02)580-1300.
Opera ‘Yeon-seo’
Grand Theater, Sejong Center for Performing Arts*
Dec. 1-4
“Yeon Seo (Love Letter),” an original homegrown opera commissioned by Seoul City, will premiere. The piece tells of a charmed affair between two lovers bound by a love letter, which reunites them over three reincarnations, from the Joseon Kingdom (1392-1910) to the colonial era (1910-45) and finally modern-day Seoul. Tickets cost 10,000 to 70,000 won. For more information, call (02) 399-1114~6.
Little Singers of Paris Wooden Cross
Aram Concert Hall, Goyang Aramnuri Arts Complex*
Dec. 10
The Little Singers of the Paris Wooden Cross will tour Korea for the 18th time after a two-year absence. The boys choir will sing various pieces from traditional church music to world folk songs, such as “White Christmas.” Eight other concerts will be held across Korea through Dec 22, starting with Yongin, Gyeonggi Province, on Dec. 8. Tickets cost 33,000 to 66,000 won. For more, call (02)597-9870.
Soprano Inessa Garante Recital
Concert Hall, Seoul Art Center*
Dec. 1
Soprano Inessa Garante, the heroine of Giulio Caccini’s “Ave Maria,” will hold her sixth concert in Korea. The concerts will feature a special guest singer, popera artist Kai, who has collaborated with internationally renowned soprano Sumi Jo. The Prime Philharmonic orchestra will accompany the artists. Tickets cost 30,000 to 90,000 won. For more information, call (02)580-1300.
Big Tickets
Richard Claydeman Live Concert
Aram Concert Hall, Goyang Aram nuri Arts Complex *
Dec. 4
Richard Claydeman, a popular pianist who creates new styles through harmonizing classical music and pop, will give a concert. The program includes two parts and he will play more than 30 masterpieces. Claydeman will give six other concerts across Korea through Dec. 10, including at the Lotte Art Hall, Busan. Tickets cost 40,000 to 120,000 won. For more, call 1577-7766 or 1688-2026.
Lang Lang Piano Recital
Chinese superstar Lang Lang, known for his performances on many international stages such as the opening of the 2008 Beijing Olympics and the 2010 Guangzhou Asian Games, will give a recital for fans in Korea. He will play Beethoven’s “Piano Sonata No.3 in C major, Op. 2” and “Piano Sonata No. 23 in F minor, Op. 57,” Albeniz’s “Iberia Book 1” and Prokofiev’s “Piano Sonata No. 7 in B-flat major, Op. 83.” Tickets cost 50,000 to 150,000 won. For more information, call (02) 580-1300.
Sting ‘Symphonicity’
Olympic Gymnastics Stadium, Olympic Park*
Jan. 11, 2011
The 13th Hyundai Card Super Concert series will feature legendary singer Sting, who recently released a new album, “Symphonicities.” The concert will be part of his world tour and he will sing hit songs including “Shape of My Heart.” The Korean Symphony Orchestra will provide a classical touch befitting the concept of Sting’s new album. Tickets cost 77,000 to 230,000 won. For more, call (02)410-4114.
JYJ Worldwide Concert in Seoul
Jamsil Olympic Stadium
Nov. 27-28
JYJ, comprised of previous members of hit K-pop group TVXQ, Je-jung, Yu-cheon and Jun-su, will hold its concert as a new trio. The show, titled “The Beginning,” is directed by Jeri Slaughter who was behind the making of showcases for world pop stars such as Christina Aguilera, Mariah Carey, Jennifer Lopez and more. Tickets cost 55,000 to 154,000 won. For more information, call 1544-1555. Located near exits 6 or 7 of Sports Complex Station on subway line 2.
Museums
Conserving Historic Urban Form: Seoul, Bejing and Tokyo
Special Exhibition Hall, Seoul Museum of History
Through Dec. 5
Korea, China and Japan have recently been making efforts to preserve the historical aspects of their capital city. The exhibition will depict the transformations that Seoul, Beijing and Tokyo have undergone and recent attempts to preserve their urban landscapes through various models and paintings. Admission fee is for free. The museum is located exit 4 of Seodaemun Station, subway line 5
Pearl of World Art, East Asia
Hangaram Art Museum 2F, Seoul Arts Center*
Under the theme of “multi-culture,” Asian artists from near and far will present contemporary art pieces. Unique works by “nomad” artists from the Philippines, Myanmar and Indonesia will give the exhibition a different flavor. Tickets cost 1,000 to 2,000 won. For more information, call (02) 580-1300.
The Painting and Calligraphy of Yi In-sang
Calligraphy and Painting Gallery, National Museum of Korea
In commemoration of the 300th anniversary of one of the most respected painters of the late Joseon Kingdom, Yi In-sang, National Museum of Korea presents 16 pieces of his works including one of his best works “Winter Pine.” The exhibition will well display values important in Confucian culture such loyalty and a literary spirit. The museum is located at Ichon Station on subway line 4, exit 2.
Path Toward: The Cultural Unity of the Peoples of Eurasia
National Folk Museum of Korea
Through March 14, 2011
The National Folk Museum of Korea is holding a special exhibition in commemoration of the 20th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Korea and Russia. Visitors are invited to explore the eclecticism of Russia’s multicultural society, from Mongolian Buddhist relics to a recreation of late 19th-century Islamic market and even a life-size Kazakhstani “yurt” (wooden dwelling). Admissions is free of charge. Located within Gyeongbok Palace, near Gyeongbok Palace Station, exit 5, on subway line 3. Visit www.nfm.go.kr (Korean and English) for more information.
Listen to the Earth
Jeju Suseonjae Seon Museum
Open run
Life Museum of Suseonjae Seon’s culture experience center presents seven small things to do for saving the Earth and how human beings can harmonize with nature, through different kinds of artworks. There are three main exhibition rooms, “Human,” “Nature,” and “Sky.” Visitors will be able to experience the themes of death and “gi” meditation, among others. The museum is located a 20-minute walking distance from Mt. Sanbang near Jeju Olle Route 10 on Jeju island. Admission is free of charge. For more, call (064)732-7310, or visit www.suseonjae.org
Special Exhibition of Versailles Palace
Hangaram Art Museum 1F, Seoul Arts Center*
Through Mar. 6, 2011
Supported by the French National Versailles Palace, this exhibition is designed to show the authentic relics that belonged to the French royal family, Louis XIV and Marie Antoinette. Admission is 6,000 to 8,000 won for children; 8,000 to 10,000 won for students; and 11,000 to 13,000 won for adults. For more, call 02-325-1077~8 or visit www.versailles2010.co.kr
Pop & Jazz
Lee Moon-se’s ‘The Best’
Gymnastic Stadium, Olympic Park*
Dec. 10-12
Popular singer Lee Moon-se will offer what will be largest ever concerts in his career. Additional concerts were added to the behest of fans who couldn’t secure the sold out tickets. The audience will be able to enjoy a special gig titled “Moon-se Town” before the start of the event. Tickets cost 66,000 to 110,000 won. For more information, call 02-410-4114.
Shin Seung-hoon Live Concert
Aram Theater, Goyang Aramnuri Art Complex*
K-pop balladeer Shin Seung-hoon will hold a concert celebrating his 20th anniversary as a singer titled “My Way.” This is a part of world tour that includes 11 cities in Korea, five in Japan and three in North America. The program features his hit songs, such as “ I Believe,” and “Love of IRIS.” Tickets cost 66,000 to 110,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call 1544-1555.
Park Jin-young’s ‘Bad Party’
Dec. 23-24
Park Jin-young, also known as JYP and the producer of pop groups such as Wonder Girls and 2PM, is returning as a singer for a hot and sexy winter concert. Park will dazzle the crowd with his sexy moves and famous tunes in what is expected to be a unique performance. Admission is restricted to those aged 19 and over. Tickets cost from 66,000 won to 132,000 won. For more information, visit www.interpark.com.
Taylor Swift
Feb. 11, 2011
Pop princess Taylor Swift will be coming to Korea for the first time. The 20-year-old singer may be cute and pretty, but when it comes to music, she has seen it all from American Music Awards, Grammies and the Billboard Music Awards. Grace yourselves with something sweet, funky, cute and sexy with Swift at her first local show. Tickets cost from 88,000 won to 99,000 won. For more information, visit www.interpark.com.
Dance
Ballet ‘The Nutcracker’
Universal Arts Center
Dec. 22-31
The Universal Ballet will stage the classic Christmastime treat “The Nutcracker.” Based on a story by E.T.A. Hoffmann, the ballet features delicate dance moves to Tchaikovsky’s beautiful music. Tickets cost 10,000 to 80,000 won. For more information, call 070-7124-1740. Near exit 4 of Achasan Station subway line 5.
Korea Grand Prize for Dance Finalists
Hanpac Arko Art Theater
Through Nov. 29
Arko Arts Theater of Hankook Performing Arts Center (HANPAC) presents dance projects contending for the Korea Grand Prize for Dance. Dancers of various ages, in their 20s to 60s, will showcase the diversity and traditional characters of Korean dance. After the performance by the finalists, an award ceremony will be held at Walkerhill W Hotel on Nov. 30. Tickets cost 20,000 won. Located near exit 2 of Hyehwa Station, subway line 4. For more information, call (02)744-8066 or visit www.hanpac.or.kr.
‘On the Move ― Hip Hop Meets Modern Dance’
Great Theater, Arko Art Theater
Dec. 29-30
Arko Art Theater will hold unique series of dance performances titled “On the Move - Hip Hop meets Modern Dance,” under the direction of modern dancer Ahn Ae-soon. As suggested by the title, it is wild, cross-genre mixture of hip hop and contemporary dance. Tickets cost 20,000 won for adults and 10,000 won for students. Located near exit 2 of Hyehwa Station, subway line 4. For more, call (02)3668-0007.
Contemporary Dance ‘Now, Movement’
Sejong M Theater, Sejong Center for Performing Arts*
Dec. 9-10
Three female choreographers of the Seoul Metropolitan Dance Theatre will gather for an unconventional experimental project. Veteran dancers Yoon Mi-ra, Nam Soo-jung and Choi Hyo-sun will showcase their work, “Hwa Chub-Gong Muh Doh Hwa,” “Seoul March” and ,” respectively, that share the theme “Now, Movement.” Tickets cost 20,000 won to 30,000. For more information, call (02) 399-1766.
Plays & Musicals
Kyungsook, Kyungsook’s Father
Jayu Theater, Seoul Arts Center*
The Seoul Arts Center Masterwork Series will present “Kyungsook, Kyungsook’s Father,” a piece that was chosen among the year’s best three plays by the International Association of Theater Critics-Korea. Set in 1950s Korea, it tells a heartwarming story of a poor family, but not without a dash of comedy. Tickets cost 20,000 to 30,000 won. For more information, call (02) 580-1300.
The Sorrows of Young Werther
Universal Art Center
Through Nov. 30
First produced 10 years ago by a Korean team, and based on the time-honored classic novel by Goethe, the musical “The Sorrows of Young Werther” returns to the stage. The latest rendition features a cast of renowned actors including Park Geon-hyeong and Song Chang-ui. Located near exit 4 of Achasan Station on subway line 5. For more information, visit www.werther.co.kr.
Annie
Grand Theater, Sejong Center for the Performing Arts*
Dec. 16-28
After premiering in 1977 on Broadway, the hit musical made its debut in Korea in 2006. The Seoul Metropolitan Musical Theater will bring back the story of the optimistic little orphan girl, who never gives up on finding her parents despite hardships. Tickets cost 30,000 to 50,000 won. For more information, call (02) 399-1772.