Concerts, Museums & Theater

Classical Concerts

Bolshoi Opera Theater Gala Concert

Concert Hall, Seoul Art Center* (See venues on right of page for more information)

Dec. 16

Soloists of the Bolshoi Opera Theater will hold a gala concert in Korea to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Korea-Russia relations. Under the direction of conductor Mikhail Granovsky, soprano Anna Aglatova, mezzo-soprano Svetlana Shilova, tenor Oleg Kulko and baritone Andrei Grigoriev will sing arias from “Rigoletto,” “Carmen,” “La Traviata” and “The Queen of Spades” among others. Tickets cost 30,000 to 120,000 won. For more information, call (02) 2650-7481~2.

Sejong Woodwind Chamber Ensemble Concert

Recital Hall, Seoul Arts Center*

Dec. 12

The Sejong Woodwind Chamber Ensemble consisting of the finest woodwind players in Korea will present a concert titled “Woodwind Ensemble Journey.” The program features Shostakovich’s “Four Waltzes for Flute, Clarinet and Piano Forte” and Jongen’s “Concerto for Woodwind Quintet,” among others. Tickets cost 20,000 won for adults and 15,000 won for students. Call (02)586-0945.

Little Singers of Paris Wooden Cross

Concert Hall, Seoungnam Arts Center*

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.” Tickets cost 33,000 to 66,000 won. For more information, call (02)597-9870.

2010 SAC Saturday Concert

Concert Hall, Seoul Arts Center*

Dec. 18

Seoul Arts Center (SAC) will hold its third Saturday Concert under the direction of Kim Dae-jin. Clarinetist Jerry Chae will perform with the SAC Festival Orchestra, Mozart’s “Clarinet Concerto in A major K.622,” and Dvorak’s “Symphony No. 9 E minor Op.95, The New World.” Tickets cost 15,000 to 20,000 won. For more information, call (02) 580-1300.

KBS Symphony Orchestra’s Year-end Concert

KBS Hall

Dec. 16-17

The KBS Symphony Orchestra will perform at KBS Hall on Dec. 16 and at the Concert Hall, Seoul Arts Center, the following day. Under the direction of head conductor Hahm Shin-ik, the program includes Mozart’s “Vesperae Solennes de Confessore, K.399” and Beethoven’s “Symphony No. 9 in D minor, Op. 125.” Tickets cost 20,000 to 60,000 won. For more information, call (02) 781-2241~4.

Adieu 2010 Gala Concert

Opera Theatre, Seoul Arts Center*

Dec. 29-30

Korea National Opera will present a year-end gala concert under the direction of artistic director Lee So-young and conductor Kim Ju-hyun. Highlight arias from the past 2010 season and for the upcoming 2011 season, such as “Wenn Sich Die Menschen” from “Lulu,” and “Salut Demeure Chaste et Pure” from “Faust,” will be performed by eight leading singers with the Korean Symphony Orchestra. Tickets cost 30,000 to 50,000 won. For more information, call (02) 580-1300.

Big Tickets

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.

Eric Clapton Live Concert

Gymnastic Stadium, Olympic Park*

Feb. 20, 2011

Pop star Eric Clapton will give his third concert tour in Korea, which comes after a four-year hiatus. He will perform his major hits and numbers from his latest album “Clapton,” which includes a lineup of various styles ranging from R&B to country music. Tickets cost 60,000 to 180,000 won. For more information, call 1544-1555 (Korean and English).

Yuhki Kuramoto & Friends

Dec. 25

Romantic new age pianist Yuhki Kuramoto will give a Christmas concert with So Hyang, a famous contemporary Christian music artist, clarinetist Kim Han and popera singer Kai. The program includes Mozart’s “Clarinet Concerto in A major, K.622,” “Nella Fantasia” and “When I Fall in Love” from the “Sleepless In Seattle” soundtrack, along with a medley of Christmas carols. Tickets cost 30,000 to 100,000 won. For more information, call (02) 318-4301.

Museums

Western Costume

Korea Museum of Modern Costume

Through Dec. 15

The Korea Museum of Modern Costume offers a rare exhibition, focused on the introduction of Western costume to Korea that greatly influenced the styles of local women’s fashion since the early 19th century. Tickets cost 3,000 won for children and senior citizens, 5,000 won for adults. Located near exit 1 of Dongdaemun Station on subway line 1. Call (02) 734-7340.

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 an 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 a late 19th-century Islamic market and even a life-size Kazakhstani yurt (wooden dwelling). Admission is free. Located within Gyeongbok Palace, near Gyeongbok Palace Station, exit 5, on subway line 3. Visit www.nfm.go.kr (Korean and English).

Ming & Qing Paintings

Special Exhibition Gallery, National Museum of Korea

Through Jan. 30, 2011

The National Museum of Korea presents an opportunity to examine trends in ancient Chinese paintings through its private collection. More than 100 paintings, including 86 undisclosed works, are displayed chronologically. Located near exit 2 of Ichon Station on subway line 4. For more information, call (02) 2077-9000.

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 to save 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

Silk Road and Dunhuang

National Museum of Korea

Dec. 18 - Apr. 3, 2011

The National Museum of Korea will hold a special exhibition “Silk Road and Dunhuang.” This exhibition offers the rare chance to see over 200 relics from the Silk Road region and the “Diary of a Journey to the Five Countries of India” which was written by Hyecho, a Buddhist monk of the Silla Kingdom (57 B.C.-A.D. 936). For more information, call (02)2077-9271. The museum is located near exit 2 of Ichon Station on subway line 4.

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

Through Dec. 10-12

Popular singer Lee Moon-se will offer what will be the largest concert of his career. Additional performances were added at the behest of fans who couldn’t secure tickets. The audience will also be able to enjoy a special opening “Moon-se Town.” Tickets cost from 66,000 to 110,000 won. For more information, call (02) 410-4114.

Merry Jazzy Christmas with Prelude

M Theatre, Sejong Center for the Performing Arts*

Jazz band Prelude will hold a Christmas concert in commemoration of their latest album “5th Movement.” Saxophonist Kim Ji-suk and jazz vocalist Heo So-young collaborated on Prelude’s 5th album and will accompany the band as guest musicians. They will perform “Piccadilly Circus,” “Strolling,” “Tears” and more songs from formerly released albums along with Christmas carols. Tickets cost 33,000 to 44,000 won. For more information, call 1544-1555 or (02) 417-0512.

Shin Seung-hun Live Concert

Hall D, COEX

Dec. 23-25

K-pop balladeer Shin Seung-hun 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. Located near exit 5, 6 of Samsung Station, subway line 2.

Park Jin-young

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 steamy 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.

Mary J. Blige

Grand Peace Palace, Kyung Hee University

Jan. 16, 2011

R&B singer Mary J. Blige will hold a concert in Korea for the first time as part of her world tour. Fans can look forward to a parade of her hit songs including “Family Affair,” “Be Without You” and “I Am.” Tickets cost from 66,000 to 165,000 won. Located near exit 1 of Hoegi Station on subway line 1. For more information, call (02) 3775-1588.

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 the 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

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.

Waiting People 2

Seoul Open Theater Changdong (SOTC)

Jan. 7-8, 2011

Dance Theater Chang and SOTC will present a contemporary dance performance “Waiting People 2,” choreographed by Kim Nam-jin, the first ever Korean member of the National Modern Dance Company in France. Based on the motif of division and unification of the Korean Peninsula, Kim Nam-jin will deliver messages through graceful body movements in a rather forward and realistic way. Located near exit 1 of Changdong Station, subway line 4. Tickets cost 20,000 won. For more information, call (02) 2263-4680.

On the Move — Hip Hop Meets Modern Dance

Great Theater, Arko Art Theater

Arko Art Theater will hold a 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 a 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. Call (02) 3668-0007.

Crazy Swan Lake I, II

Little Theater, Arko Art Center

Jan. 19-23, 2011

As part of an environmental project, Dance Theatre Chang will stage “Crazy Swan Lake I, II” with disabled performance artist Kang Sung-guk. Choreographed by Kim Nam-jin, serious messages about the reckless destruction of nature will be expressed through a rather realistic array of body movements. Ticket costs 15,000 won. Located near exit 2 of Hyehwa Station, subway line 4. Call (02) 3668-0007 for more information.

Now, Movement

Sejong M Theater, Sejong Center for Performing Arts*

Dec. 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 each showcase their work, which share the theme of “Now, Movement.” Tickets cost 20,000 won to 30,000. For more information, call (02) 399-1766.

Plays & Musicals

Hero

Haeorum Theater, National Theater of Korea

Through Jan. 15, 2011

The story of Korea’s celebrated independence activist Ahn Jung-geun will be staged as a big-budget production with special effects galore. The historical drama will focus on his patriotism and imagined romance. Tickets cost 40,000 to 110,000 won. For more information, call (02) 2250-5900. A shuttle bus is available near exits 2 and 6 of Dongguk University Station on subway line 3.

Cafe-in

Baekam Art Hall

Through Jan. 23, 2011

SS501 member Kim Hyung-joon makes his musical debut in the original romantic comedy that first hit the stage in 2008. The story follows the layered tale of a suave sommelier who pretends to be a geeky dating coach to a love-cynic barista, while also courting her as himself. Fellow cast members include Woo Geum-ji, Kim Tae-han and Shin Eui-jung. Produced by actor Kang Ji-hwan. Tickets start from 55,000 won. Located near exit 8 of Samseong Station, subway line 2. For more information, visit www.baekamhall.com.