Concerts, Museums & Theater
Classical Concerts
2010 SAC Saturday Concert
Concert Hall, Seoul Arts Center*(See venues on right of page for more information)
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.
Sumi Jo ‘Morgen’
Grand Theater, Uijeongbu Arts Center
Dec. 28
The world’s best coloratura soprano Sumi Jo will hold a special year-end concert, mainly themed on traditional German art songs. In collaboration with German project ensemble Musicians from Deutsche Philharmonie Merck, the program includes master pieces from the Romantic period; Beethoven’s “Ich Liebe Dich,” Schbert’s “Der Erlkonig,” and more. Tickets cost 40,000 to 120,000 won. Located near exit 2 of Uijeongbu Station on subway line 1. For more information, call (031) 828-5841.
Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra
Concert Hall, Seoul Arts Center*
Dec. 30
Under the direction of Korea’s leading maestro Chung Myung-whun, Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra will offer the Mahler Series IV concert. Accompanied by mezzo-soprano Karen Cargill, the National Chorus Of Korea, Nara Opera Choir and World Vision Korea Children’s Choir will also join to perform Gustav Mahler’s “Symphony No. 3.” Tickets cost 30,000 to 100,000 wom. Call (02) 3700-6300.
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.
2010 Year-end Concert ‘Love Fantasy’
Grand Theater, Sejong Center for Performing Arts
Dec. 31
The Sejong Center for Performing Arts presents a 2010 year-end concert. Including world-class soprano Sumi Jo, glamorous casts will take the stage with the Seoul Metropolitan Chorus and Mostly Philharmonic Orchestra. Themed on three colors of love, programs are designed to welcome in the New Year with family and loved ones. Tickets cost 30,000 to 100,000 won. Call (02) 399-1612 for more information.
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 the 1950s “When I Fall in Love,” along with a medley of Christmas carols. Tickets cost 30,000 to 100,000 won. For more information, call (02) 318-4301.
Big Tickets
Adieu! 2010 with Rain
Jamsil Indoor Gymnasium
World star Rain’s big finish of the 2010 will be staged on the last day of the year. At this exclusive year-end concert fans can expect perfect performances and explosive stage presence. Tickets cost 66,000 to 165,000 won. Located near exit 7 and 8 of Sports Complex Station on subway line 2. Call 1544-1555 for more information.
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.
Ryuichi Sakamoto ‘Playing the Piano’
Jan. 9, 2011
Renowned pianist Ryuichi Sakamoto who won the Academy Award for Best Original Score will hold his first concert in Korea after a 10-year hiatus. There will be another piano on the stage along with Sakamoto’s, programmed to automatically play along with the artist. Performances will be improvised without a set list. Tickets cost 50,000 to 160,000 won. For more, call (02) 599-5743.
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).
Museums
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. For more information, visit www.nfm.go.kr (Korean and English).
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.
ChangAm Lee Sam-man
Seoul Calligraphy Art Museum, Seoul Arts Center*
Dec. 22-Feb. 27, 2011
ChangAm Lee Sam-man’s “Calligraphy History Special Exhibition 29” will showcase about 150 calligraphy works by ChangAm and other related artists, including 100 undisclosed pieces. The exhibition is divided into five subthemes. Tickets cost 5,000 won for adults, 3,000 won for students and youths. For more information, call (02) 580-1300.
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 one can 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 information, visit www.suseonjae.org.
Special Exhibition of Versailles Palace
Hangaram Art Museum, 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 information, visit www.versailles2010.co.kr.
Pop & Jazz
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 a 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.
Lee Seung-chul’s ‘White Orchestra Rock’
Jamsil Olympic Stadium
Dec. 23-26
One of Korea’s favorite singers Lee Seung-chul and his band will kick off a seven-city concert tour, starting in Jamsil. This celebration of his 25th anniversary in the music business will be staged at a special indoor live theater inside the stadium. Tickets cost 55,000 to 150,000 won. Located near exit 6 and 7 of Sports Complex Station on subway line 2. For more information, call 1588-4992.
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
Mary J. Blige, know for her overcoming many hardships before becoming a popular R&B artist, 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.
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.
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.
Headache: Passivity
Little Theater, Arko Art Center
Jan. 25-26
Dance Theater Chang will offer contemporary dance performances, choreographed by Kim Nam-jin, as part of an environmental project. The stages will feature stories about human beings’ helpless existence against the power of nature, and the greedy sides of people who only think the law of the jungle in society through rather outspoken ways. Located near exit 2 of Hyehwa Station, subway line 4. For more information call (02) 3668-0007.
Plays & Musicals
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. Tickets start from 55,000 won. Located near exit 8 of Samseong Station, subway line 2. For more information, visit www.baekamhall.com.
Hero
Haeorum Theater, National Theater of Korea
Through Jan. 15, 2011
The story of Korea’s celebrated independence activist Ahn Jung-geun is being staged as a big-budget production with special effects galore. The historical fiction will focus on his patriotism and a dramatic 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 Univ. Station on subway line 3.