Concerts, museums and theater

Classical Concerts

Chung Kyung-wha Violin Recital ‘She is Back’

Seoul Arts Center* (See ‘Venues’ on the right for more information)

Dec. 26

Violin virtuoso Chung Kyung-wha will hold a series of recitals in December for the first time since 2002, performing sonatas for violin and piano by Mozart, Franck and Brahms. Chung’s recitals will start on Dec. 19 in Incheon, followed by Daejeon on Dec. 21, Chuncheon on Dec. 25 and finally in Seoul on Dec. 26 at the Seoul Arts Center. Tickets cost 30,000 to 150,000 won. For more information, call (02) 518-7343 or 02)547-5694.

Min Yoo-kyung’s Mozart Violin Concerto Series II

Seoul Arts Center*

Violinist Min Yoo-kyung will perform Mozart’s violin concerto series, following her premier performance in 2009. The audience will have a good opportunity to appreciate Mozart’s five violin concertos and the “Sinfonia Concertante for Violin, Viola and Orchestra.” Tickets cost 10,000 to 50,000 won. For more information, call (02) 706-1481.

The Little Singers from Paris Christmas Concert

Sejong Center for the Performing Arts*

Seoul Art Center*

Dec. 9, 20

The Little Singers of Paris (Les Petits Chanteurs a La Croix de Bois), founded in 1906 and best known as boy sopranos with perfect harmony, will hold a local tour. The chorus covers a wide range of genres from classical music to pop songs. Tickets cost 30,000 to 100,000 won. For more information, call (02) 597-9870.

Harpist Jung Kwak’s Christmas Concert

Dec. 24

Harpist Kwak Chung is the only artist professionally playing both classic and electric harp and has become well-known by appearing in maestro Zubin Mehta’s concerts. Her upcoming concert will consist of “Libertango” by Piazolla, “Concierto De Aranjuez” by Rodrigo and “Boogie Woogie” by Deltour. She will donate profits from this concert to the hospital for disabled children. Tickets cost 30,000 to 100,000 won. For more information, call (02) 780-5054.

Young Virtuoso Concert Series

Olympus Hall

Dec. 22

Three rising Korean artists appear in Olympus Korea’s series of classical concerts to support young artists. The three are pianist Ben Kim, flutist Park Jee-eun and violinist Kang Ju-mi. Violinist Kang Ju-mi will hold a recital on Dec. 22. Tickets cost 44,000 to 55,000 won. Located near exit 7 of Cheongdam Station on subway line 7. For more information, call (02) 6255-3270.

Big Tickets

Lee Byeong Woo’s White Christmas 2nd Story

Dec. 23

Lee Byeong-woo, a guitarist and music producer for various dramas and movies, is set to take part in the Seoul Arts Center’s annual project titled “White Christmas.” Followed by last year’s successful performance, this concert will be a chance to appreciate the romantic and peaceful atmosphere created by his lovely guitar playing. Tickets cost 20,000 to 50,000 won. For more information, call (02) 580-1300.

New Year’s Eve Concert ‘Propose 2012’

Dec. 31

“Propose 2012,” a New Year’s Eve concert held annually at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts, will offer a wide range of genres from classical music to opera, jazz and musicals performed by renowned musicians — soprano Shin Young-ok, popera singer Kai with the Grand Opera Choir and the Mostly Philharmonic Orchestra. Tickets cost 30,000 to 100,000 won. For more information, call (02) 399-1147.

Seoul Electronic Music Festival — SEMF 2012

KINTEX (Ilsan)

Jan. 14

Crystal Castles, best known as an electro-funk duo who composed the soundtrack for the British teen drama,” Above & Beyond, IDIOTAPE, Telepathy, Mongoose, ASTRO VOIZE, KINGmck and Bagagee Viphex13 will hit the stage on Jan 14. Tickets cost 121,000 won. Located near exits 1 and 2 of Daehwa Station on subway line 3. For more information, call 070-4010-7845.

Kim Bum-soo & Lee So-ra 2011 Live Concert

Jamsil Gymnasium

Dec. 23-25

Two famous ballad singers Kim Bum-soo and Lee So-ra, who became well-known by appearing on the popular television show “I Am a Singer” this year, are set to hold a national concert tour during the Christmas season. The duo starts in Daegu (Daegu Indoor Gymnasium) on Dec. 17 followed by Seoul from Dec. 23 to 25 and Busan (BEXCO) on Dec. 31. Tickets cost 66,000 to 132,000 won. Located near exit 7 of Sports Complex Station on subway line 2. For more information, call 1566-5490.

Park Jung-hyun & Sung Si-kyung ’Love Concerto’

Dec. 29-31

Ballad singers Sung Si-kyung and Park Jung-hyun, will go on a joint concert tour throughout December, starting in Busan on Dec. 4 (BEXCO) and on to Seoul at the end of the year. Tickets cost 88,000 to 132,000 won. Located near exit 7 of Sports Complex Station on subway line 2. For more information, call (02) 540-4550.

Museums

Body Worlds & The Cycle of Life

Yongsan War Memorial (Museum)

Through end of December

Since its first opening in 1995, this exhibition has been held throughout the world in over 60 cities and has drawn over 30 million visitors. With the “Plastination” technique which is a biologically-advanced way to preserve bodies invented by Dr. Gunther von Hagens, this exhibition will display the body preserved in a perfect state. The exhibition was designed to make audiences rethink the meaning of life, death and health. Tickets cost 15,000 won. Located near exit 1 of Samgakji Station on subway line 4. For more information, call (02) 541-6236.

Joseon Painters as Envoys to China

National Museum of Korea

Through Jan. 15, 2012

The exhibition aims to introduce 33 works produced by envoys to China during the Joseon Kingdom (1392-1910). The exhibition sheds light on historical pieces created by Joseon painters who participated in about 500 diplomatic missions to China held in that period and attempts to explore cultural exchange activities between two countries.

The program consists of three parts: “Encountering an Unfamiliar Culture: Reception and Attendance of the Envoys,” “Painting Practice of the Literati as Envoys in the Late Joseon” and “The Literati and Diplomatic Procession as Sites of Cultural Exchange between Joseon and Qing.” Admission is free. Located near exit 2 of Ichon Station on subway line 4. For more information, call (02) 2077-9497.

Pop & Jazz

Yuhki Kuramoto & Friends

Dec. 25

Romantic new age pianist Yuhki Kuramoto will give a Christmas concert with rising oboist Ham Kyeong, singer Tim and soprano Shin Della. The program includes “Arrival of the Queen of Sheba (Solomon)” by G.F. Handel, “Oboe Concerto in D minor” BWV 1059 by Bach and “Gabriel’s Oboe” by Ennio Morricone. Tickets cost 30,000 won to 100,000 won. For more information, call (02) 741-1763.

Joe Brooks ’Acoustic Christmas Dream’

V-HALL

Dec. 19

British singer-songwriter Joe Brooks is preparing to hold his first solo concert during the Christmas season. With his recently-released album entitled “A Reason to Swim,” he has successfully taken part in the Pentaport Rock Festival held in Incheon last August. For this concert, he is expected to present his famous pieces, such as “Holes Inside” and “OK.” In addition, rising singer Shayne, who became popular through appearing on the audition show “The Great Birth,” and indie band Zitten will be invited as special guests for this concert. Tickets cost 66,000 won. Located near exit 9 of Hongik Univ. Station on subway line 2. For more information, call (02) 6339-1232.

Damian Rice

Olympic Hall, Olympic Park*

Jan. 11, 2012

As the fifth performance of ”Culture Project” by Hyundai Card, Irish singer-song writer Damian Rice will hit the stage and meet his Korean fans. The singer, who has become well-known all over the world by producing folk-rock pieces filled with a dark and gloomy atmosphere, will hold his first solo concert in Korea with a familiar repertoire consisting of hit songs such as “The Bower’s Daughter,” “Cannonball,” “9 Crimes,” “Elephant” and “Rootless Tree.” Tickets cost 132,000 to 165,000 won. For more information, call (02) 3141-3488.

Deli Spice ‘Goodbye Sorrow, 2011’

AX-KOREA

Dec. 17

As a first generation independent music band, Deli Spice has been loved by so many fans ever since debuting with lyrical music in 1997 and captivating audiences with touching melodies. Making a comeback from a long break with a new album titled “Open Your Eyes,” this band successfully finished its showcase celebrating the album’s release last September and is now set to hold a performance in December. Audiences are expected to enjoy the warm and romantic mood that the band will present at the end of the year. Tickets cost 77,000 won. Located near exit 2 of Gwangnaru Station on subway line 5. For more information, call (02) 3445-9650.

Ronn Branton Group ‘Jazz Christmas’

Dec. 24-25

Pianist Ronn Branton has invited Brazilian percussionist Valtinho Anastacio to present exciting rhythms and grooves. Branton’s partner saxophonist Klae will also be on stage. Tickets cost 44,000 to 55,000 won. For more information, call (02) 888-2698.

Plays & Musicals

Good Morning School

Hakchon Blue Theater (Daehangno)

Through Dec. 25

“Good Morning School” is part of the repertoire of Hakchon Theater, founded and led by Kim Min-gi, who is also known for directing the Korean adaptation of “Line 1.” The musical premiered as “Moskito” in 1997 and the storyline was revamped completely in 2009 to “Good Morning School” to focus on teenagers. The music, combining rock, hip-hop and rap describes the reality of adolescents in Korea from worries about grades to friendship. Tickets cost 20,000 won for students and 30,000 for adults. Located near exit 2 of Hyehwa Station on subway line 4. For more information, call (02) 763-8233.

200-Pound Beauty

Chungmu Art Hall

Through Feb. 5

The Korean musical “200-Pound Beauty,” based on the 2007 movie of the same name, will open on Dec. 6 at the Grand Theater of Chungmu Art Hall in central Seoul. The musical premiered in 2008 and now returns with a revamped music score and set. Actor-turned-director Lim Chul-hyung will direct the show that tells the story of an overweight backup singer whose life totally changes after a makeover through plastic surgery. Tickets cost 50,000 to 99,000 won. Located near exit 9 of Sindang Station on subway line 6. For more information, call (02) 3485-8700.

Evita

LG Arts Center*

Through Jan. 29

With music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice, “Evita” comes to Korea for a second time at the LG Arts Center in southern Seoul from Dec. 9 to Jan. 29, 2012. The musical portrays the dramatic life of Eva Peron, the second wife of Argentinean President Juan Peron. Evita was an illegitimate child who rose to become the nation’s first lady. Musical divas Jeong Seon-a and Lisa Chung will share the role of Evita. Tickets cost 30,000 to 130,000 won. For more information, call 1577-3363.

Mamma Mia!

D-Cube Arts Center

Through Feb. 26

Broadway hit musical “Mamma Mia!,” based on the songs of ABBA, is currently on stage as a Korean production. “Mamma Mia!” premiered in Korea in 2004 and has held more than 800 local performances, attracting more than a million viewers. Tickets cost 40,000 to 110,000 won. Located near exit 1 of Sindorim Station on subway line 1 or 2. For more information, call (02) 2211-3000.

Cats

Charlotte Theater

Through Dec. 31

Based on T. S. Eliot’s poems, the musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber portrays the feline world in an affectionate way. This year’s production cast three divas, singer Insooni, actresses Park Hae-mi and Hong Ji-min, as Grizabella the former Glamour Cat. Tickets cost 50,000 to 120,000 won. Located near exit 3 of Jamsil Station on subway line 2 or 8. For more information, call 1577-3363.

Hamlet

Universal Art Center in Seoul

Through Dec. 17

Janek Ledecky, one of the most popular musicians in the Czech Republic, is better known as composer and writer of the rock opera “Hamlet.” The classic tale of revenge by William Shakespeare was reinterpreted through Ledecky’s composition. It is Ledecky’s third visit to Korea. He first came in 2007 when “Hamlet” premiered here and spent about a month in Korea in 2008, working with another local production of the musical. Tickets cost 40,000 to 100,000 won. Located near exit 4 of Achasan Station on subway line 5. For more information, call (02) 6391-6333.

Dance

The Nutcracker

Dec. 16-25

The Korean National Ballet Company will offer one of the season’s best-known children’s tales “The Nutcracker.” Under the guidance of artistic director Choi Tae-ji, the piece choreographed by Yury Grigorovich will be accompanied by the Korean Symphony Orchestra. Tickets cost 5,000 to 90,000 won. For more information, call (02) 580-1300.

Mid-time Fantasy Dance Performance

The National Theater of Korea

Through Dec. 13

The National Theater of Korea is offering a weekly noon program introducing traditional dance performances every Tuesday. Eight different performances featured by the National Theater Company will be staged along with detailed explanations for audiences. Tickets cost 5,000 to 10,000 won. Located near exit 2 of Dongguk University. Station on subway line 3. For more information, call (02) 2280-4114.