Baek Byung-yeul is a journalist at The Korea Times focused on cultural content, including films and cultural events in South Korea. You can contact him at baekby@koreatimes.co.kr to share your insights.
Around Town 1
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By Baek Byung-yeul
Classical Concerts
Danil Trifonov
Seoul Arts Center*
June 11-12
Award-winning Russian pianist Danil Trifonov will perform at Seoul Arts Center on June 11 and 12. The 22-year-old pianist is an up-and-coming name, winner of the third-place prize at the 2010 International Tchaikovsky Competition and top prize at the Arthur Rubinstein International Piano Master Competition in 2011. Trifonov will play Scriabin’s “Piano Sonata No.2,” Listz’s “Piano Sonata in B minor” and Chopin’s 24 preludes in his first performance. On the second day, he will play Scriabin’s “Piano Sonata No. 3” and Rachmaninov’s “Variations on A Theme of Chopin” along with Tchaikovsky’s short pieces. Tickets cost 40,000 to 80,000 won. For more information, call (02) 541-3184 or visit www.sac.or.kr.
Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra
Seongnam Arts Center*
June 9
The Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra, led by guest conductor Yannick Nezet-Seguin, will perform at the Seongnam Arts Center in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province on June 9. Formed in 1918, the Dutch orchestra company is one of the representative classical music groups of the Netherlands. The company will perform Shostakovich’s “Cello Concerto No. 1 in E flat Major,” Tchaikovsky’s “Symphony No. 6 in B minor” and Dutch composer Wagenaar’s “Overture Cyrano de Bergerac.” Tickets cost 40,000 to 180,000 won. For more information, call (031) 783-8000 or visit www.snart.or.kr.
Phillip Herreweghe with the Orchestre des Champs-Elysees
LG Arts Center*
June 1-2
Belgian conductor Phillip Herreweghe and his orchestra company will perform in Korea for the first time in seven years. While Herreweghe is best known for his interpretation of Bach, he will be performing Mozart’s work thi s time, including Symphony No. 41 “Jupiter” in C Major and “Requiem” in D Minor with the Orchestre des Champs-Elysees. Soprano Im Sun-hae will also perform. Tickets cost 40,000 to 150,000 won. For more information, call (02) 2005-0114 or visit www.lgart.com.
Big Tickets
Sarah Brightman
Bexco
July 21
Singer Sarah Brightman will kick off her Korean tour in Busan. Her songs such as ``The Phantom of the Opera’’ from the eponymous musical, ``Nessun Dorma” from the opera “Turandot” and pop numbers such as “Time to Say Goodbye” have been particularly popular among Koreans. Brightman will perform at the Kimdaejung Convention Center in Gwangju on July 23 and at the Olympic Gymnastics Arena in southern Seoul on July 26. The concert venue in Busan is located near exit 1 of Centum City Station, Busan subway line 2. Tickets cost 99,000 to 165,000 won. For more information, call 1566-5490 or visit www.interpark.com.
Cho Yong-pil
Olympic Gymnastic Arena, Olympic Park
May 31-June 2
Singer Cho Yong-pil will perform in southern Seoul. Cho, who’s been an iconic figure in Korean music community for 45 years, recently released his 19th studio album, his first new work in 10 years. At the concert, Cho will sing his new songs and old hits, including “Let’s Go on a Trip,” “Come Back to Busan Port,” “A Leopard of Mt. Kilimanjaro” and “Short Hair.” The Seoul performance will kick off a nationwide tour that will stop off at Daejoen, Uijeongbu, Jinju and Daegu. Located near exit 3 of Olympic Park Station, subway line 5. Tickets cost 77,000 to 154,000 won. For more information, call (02) 541-7110 or visit www.interpark.com.
Museums
‘Xiongnu, the Great Empire of the Steppes -Mongolian Archeological Excavation Result Exhibition’
National Museum of Korea
Through June 19
The National Museum of Korea will hold a special exhibition on the artifacts of the Huns, the group of nomadic people that roamed Europe and central Asia more than a thousand years ago. Since 1997, the museum has been collaborating with the Mongolian government to investigate the history and heritage of the Huns, who mainly resided in present day Mongolia. The exhibition will display 100 artifacts, highlighted by an exquisite jade disk that was buried in the massive tomb Duurlig Nars, Mongolia. Located near exit 4 of Ichon Station, subway line 4 and the Jungang Line. For more information, call (02) 2077-9000 or visit www.museum.go.kr.
‘Opulence: Treasures of Korean Traditional Craft’
Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art
Through June 2
The museum in central Seoul shows some of the treasures of traditional Korean craftwork. A total of 65 items, on loan from Korean museums and the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, are on display, including a 7th century pure-gold Buddha Statue that is designated a national treasure. Tickets cost 6,000 to 10,000 won. For more information, call (02) 2014-6900 or visit www.leeum.org.
Pop & Jazz
‘Muse in City’
88 Jandi Madang, Olympic Park
June 15
This music festival will exclusively feature female musicians, including famed Bossa nova singer Lisa Ono, Korean K-pop star Lee Hyo-ri and Australian singer Lenka. Located near exit 3 of Olympic Park Station, subway line 5. Tickets cost 132,000 won. For more information, call (02) 3141-3488 or visit www.interpark.com.
D=OUT
KT&G Sangsang Madang Live Hall
June 14
Japanese rock band D=OUT will perform in Seoul. Comprised of guitarists Ibuki and Hikaru, bassist Reika, drummer Minase and vocalist Kouki, the band is known for its fast melodies and outrageous stage presence. Located near exit 9 of Hongik University Station, subway line 2. Tickets cost 60,000 won. For more information, call (02) 554-9623 or visit www.sangsangmadang.com.
Youn Ha
Blue Square
June 21-23
Singer Youn Ha, who has a large following in both Korea and Japan, will hold a concert in Seoul. Debuting professionally in Japan in 2004, Yoon enjoyed huge commercial success with her first Korean album, ''Good Day for Saying I Love You,’’ in 2008, and has remained one of the top attractions of the local music scene. In the concert, Yoon will sing her past hits and songs from her new album, ''Just Listen,’’ which was released in early May. She will perform in Busan on June 29. Located near exit 2 and 3 of Hanganjin Station, subway line 6. Tickets cost 77,000 to 88,000 won. For more information, call 1544-1555 or visit www.interpark.com.
Kim Hyun-joong
Hwajeong Stadium, Korea University
June 8
K-pop heartthrob Kim Hyun-joong will hold a concert next month at Korea University. Located near exit 2 of Anam Station, subway line 6. Tickets cost 66,000 won. For more information, call (02) 3473-3363 or visit www.interpark.com.
Laura Fygi
Guri Art Hall
June 29
Jazz virtuoso Laura Fygi will perform at the Guri Art Hall, Guri, Gyeonggi Province. She will sing famous jazz numbers including “I Love You for Sentimental Reasons,” “Let There Be Love,” and “Dream A Little Dream,” a song particularly beloved in Korea. Take a no.6 mini bus at exit 2 of Guri Station, Jungang Line, and get off in front of the art hall. Tickets cost 55,000 to 77,000 won. A wheelchair seat costs 33,000 won. For more information, call (031) 550-8800 or visit www.gart.go.kr.
Yoon Jong-shin
Baekyang Hall, Yonsei University
May 31-June 1
Pop musician Yoon Jong-shin will perform at his alma mater. Yoon debuted in 1990 as a vocalist for the pop band 015B and went on to enjoy a prolific career as a solo singer and songwriter. At this concert, he will sing some of its biggest hits,“May You Please,” “One Day Long Ago,” "Rebirth” and “Your Wedding Day.’’To get to the venue, take mini bus no. 3 or 4 from the exit 2 or 3 of Sinchon Station, subway line 2. Tickets cost 55,000 to 77,000 won. For more information, call (02) 549-5520 or visit www.interpark.com.
Lee Moon-sae
Olympic Stadium
June 1
Veteran singer Lee Moon-sae will hold a concert in southern Seoul. Lee has been one of the country’s most influential pop singers over the past 30 years, releasing 14 studio albums since his first in 1984. His partnership with late composer Lee Yong-hoon was particularly productive, creating popular ballads like “Gwanghwamun Sonata,” “Old Love” and “I Don’t Know Yet.” Located near exit 6 or 7 of Sports Complex Station, subway line 2. Tickets cost 40,000 to 150,000 won. For more information, call (02) 747-1252 or visit www.interpark.com.
Anzenchitai
Olympic Hall, Olympic Park*
Veteran Japanese band Anzenchitai will perform in southern Seoul in June. Along with other bands of the time such as X-Japan, Anzenchitai garnered large popularity here in the 1990s, despite the government strictly restricting the import of Japanese cultural products during the time. Comprised of Koji Tamaki on vocals, Yutaka Takezawa and Wataru Yahagi on guitars, Haruyoshi Rokudo on bass and keyboards, and Yuji Tanaka on drums, Anzenchitai released 13 albums through a career that spans close to three decades and have sold more than 5 million copies. Korea’s Generation Xers who listened to Anzenchitai through illegally copied CDs finally have the opportunity to see them live. Tickets cost 99,000 to 121,000 won. For more information, visit www.interpark.com.
Plays & Musicals
‘Jack the Ripper’
Seongnam Art Hall*
Through June 30
The Korean production of the Czech musical ''Jack the Ripper’’ will be staged at the performing arts hall in Seongnam, south of Seoul. Set in London in 1888, the story revolves around Anderson, a detective chasing an unidentified serial killer, dubbed as “Jack the Ripper,” and Daniel, a young American doctor who asserts that he knows the identity of the killer. Rock singers Shin Sung-woo and Jung Dong-ha and musical veteran Lee Gun-myung highlight the cast. Tickets cost 40,000 to 120,000 won. For more information, call (02) 764-7858 or visit www.snart.or.kr.
‘Les Miserables’
Through July 7
A high-profile list of Korean actors will stage the iconic musical at the theater near Itaewon. Comedian-turned-musical actor Jung Sung-hwa will play Jean Valjean, who is imprisoned for stealing a loaf of bread; Cho Jung-eun will be Fantine, a tragic woman who leads a difficult life of a factory worker, and Javert, a policeman who chases Valjean, will be played by Moon Jong-won. The venue is connected to Hangangjin Station, subway line 6. Tickets cost 50,000 to 130,000 won. For more information, call (02) 547-5694 or visit www.lesmis.co.kr.
‘Hedwig’
Baekam Art Hall
June 8-Sept. 8
The musical ''Hedwig’’ will be staged for Korean theatergoers again, as they bought more than 350,000 tickets for it when it was first performed here in 2005. Cho Seung-woo, the popular television and movie actor, will return as Hedwig, the struggling, transsexual rocker from East Germany. Located near exit 8 of Samseong Station, subway line 2. Tickets cost 50,000 to 66,000 won. For more information, call (02) 3485-8700 or visit www.baekamhall.com.
‘Jesus Christ Superstar’
Charlotte Theater
Through June 9
The Korean production of the rock opera “Jesus Christ Superstar” will be staged in southern Seoul. Along with “The Phantom of the Opera” and “Cats,” “Superstar” is one of the most popular Andrew Lloyd Webber works among Korean theatergoers, who are supporting one of Asia’s largest and fast-growing musical markets. Korean American actor Michael K. Lee and Park Eun-tae will alternate as Jesus and rock singers Yoon Do-hyun, Han Ji-sang and Kim Sini have been cast as Judas Iscariot. Located near exit 3 of Jamsil Station, subway line 2 and 8. Tickets cost 50,000 to 130,000 won. For more information, call 1577-3363 or visit www.charlottetheater.co.kr.
‘The Days’
Daehangno Musical Center
“The Days,” a musical featuring with songs of late folk rock singer Kim Gwang-seok, is on stage at the Daehangno Musical Center in Seoul. However, the story has no particular relation to Kim’s lyrics because it revolves around the adventures of bodyguards stationed at Cheong Wa Dae. Yu Joon-sang, Oh Man-seok and Kang Tae-eul lead a cast heavy with star power. Located near exit 1 of Hyehwa Station, subway line 4. Tickets cost 55,000 to 99,000 won. For more information, call 1577-3363 or visit www.musicalthedays.co.kr.
Dance
“Dear, Nongae”
National Theater of Korea
June 13-16
The National Dance Company of Korea will stage a dance performance about the folklore of Nongae, a famous courtesan in the Joseon Kingdom (1392-1910), at the National Theater of Korea in Seoul. Located near exit 6 of Dongguk University Station on subway line 3. Tickets cost 20,000 to 70,000 won. For more information, call (02) 2280-4114 or visit www.ntok.go.kr.
‘Onegin’
July 6-13
The Universal Ballet Company will perform “Onegin,” a work by South African choreographer John Cranko at the Seoul Arts Center in July. The ballet is based on Alexander Pushkin’s tragic love story “Eugene Onegin.” The Universal Ballet Company will be only the second company to stage this piece after China’s National Ballet performance in 2008. Tickets cost 10,000 to 100,000 won. For more information, call (070) 7124-1737 or visit
Clubs
The Octagon
Nonhyeon
Near the New Hilltop Hotel in Nonhyeon, this club is notable for its stylish interior and elite clientele. The venue offers a club stage, lounge bar and dining area to satisfy any night out after work or on the weekend. Near exit 4 of Hakdong Station on subway line 7. For more information, call (02) 516-8847.
Club Volume
Itaewon
Offering a venue for specially-themed weekly events and world-class DJs, Club Volume is located in the Crown Hotel near Noksapyeong Station. Club Volume was listed by Time magazine among the “10 things to do in 24 hours in Seoul.” For more information, call 1544-2635.
Once in a Blue Moon
Apgujeong
Once in a Blue Moon is one of the best known and well established jazz clubs in the city. It features live jazz sets from two different bands every night, usually starting at 7:30 p.m. It is located between the Hakdong intersection and the Galleria department stores in the posh district of Apgujeong. For more information, call (02) 549-5490 or visit www.onceinabluemoon.co.kr.
Club Answer
Cheongdam
Club Answer, chosen as one of the five hottest clubs in Seoul by CNN, provides spacious interior and brilliant lighting systems, filling the stage by world’s renowned DJs. Club Answer is located in prosperous area of Cheongdam, a district known to lead the party culture of Seoul. Located near exit 13 of Cheongdam Station on subway line 7. For more information, call (02) 514-4311 or visit www.clubanswer.co.kr.
Club Ellui
One of the largest clubs in Asia and located under Hotel Ellui, world-class DJs such as Alex Kenji and Ferry Corsten feature in weekend lineups. Located near exit 13 of Cheongdam Station on subway line 7. For more information, call 1577-9669 or visit www.ellui.net.
Luv Superlounge
Nestled in the heart of Itaewon, Luv Superlounge offers a wide selection of drinks, and a solid sound system with resident DJ Andi Numan from New Zealand. Located near exit 1 of Itaewon Station on subway line 6. For more information, call (02) 794-8898 or visit ko-kr.facebook.com/luvsuperlounge.
Club Double Eight
Sinsa
Opened in 2010, Club Double Eight takes clubbing to a whole new level. Located in Gangnam, it provides diverse hotel promotions and features weekend lineups with global DJs. Located near exit 1 of Sinsa Station on subway line 3. For more information, call (02) 543-8803 or visit cafe.naver.com/doubleeight.
Club Mute
Club Mute is a boutique club with exquisitely designed decorations and a custom-tailored sound system. Located near exit 1 of Itaewon Station on subway line 6. For more information, call (02) 796-6853 or visit www.clubmute.com.
Platoon Kunsthalle
Platoon Kunsthalle is a cultural space offering various facilities, including a large, open hall, library lounge, art studios and a bar and restaurant for multi-purpose events. It is open from Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m to 1 a.m. and DJ nights are on Thursday and Friday from 10 p.m. Located near exit 10 of Hakdong Station on subway line 7. For more information, call (02) 3447-1191 or visit www.kunsthalle.com.
Dojo
Work hard, play hard, sleep later! Lying underground Noxa in the thriving Kyonggridan neighborhood, Dojo is the latest edition to the clubbing nightlife in Seoul. Popular local DJs offer nonstop tunes for energetic dancing until dawn with weekday drink specials and enthusiastic crowds of longtime expats. For more information, call (02) 790-1334.
Traditional
‘Jami’
Samcheonggak
Through June 28
A special “gugak” or traditional Korean music performance takes place at Samcheonggak and guests will be able to enjoy the concert over a gourmet lunch. The performance will feature a different artist every weekday. Kang Eun-il, a player of “haegeum,” a traditional string instrument, performs on Mondays, and gugak percussion ensemble Dutole performs on Tuesdays. Ryu, an ensemble of wind and string instruments, will play on Wednesdays, folk band Arisu on Thursdays, and Project Rock Acoustic, which mixes electronic music with gugak, will perform on Fridays. Samcheonggak is located at Seongbuk-dong, Seoul and a shuttle bus is provided. Tickets cost 50,000 to 70,000 won including concert and Korean table d’hote. For more information, call (02) 765-3700 or visit www.samcheonggak.or.kr.
‘Dance, Chunhyang’
Through June 16
The National Dance Company of Korea is performing “Dance, Chunhyang,” based on “Chunhyangjeon” that was passed down as “pansori” (traditional Korean narrative music) and then published in print during the Joseon Kingdom (1392-1910). In this traditional love story of a young couple, Jang Yoon-na is Chunhyang, the daughter of a “gisaeng” (courtesan) and Cho Yong-jin plays Mongryong, the son of the governor of Namwon, North Jeolla Province. Choreographed by Bae Jung-hye and directed by Kook Soo-ho. Located near exit 2 of Dongguk University Station, Subway line 3. Tickets cost 20,000 to 70,000 won. For more information, call (02) 2280-4114 or visit www.ntok.go.kr.
Kim Chong-hak
Gallery Hyundai
June 12-July 7
Veteran artist Kim Chong-hak will hold an exhibition featuring 80 of his new works. For more information, call (02) 2287-3500 or visit www.galleryhyundai.com.
Art Exhibitions
Choi Chan-sook
Sungkok Museum
May 31-July 28
Berlin-based video artist Choi Chan-sook will hold a solo exhibition in Seoul, which will combine her media art with installation work she has been recently experimenting with. Located near exit 7 of Gyeongbokgung Station, subway line 3. For more information, call (02) 737-7650 or visit www.sungkokmuseum.com.
‘Bingo The Story of Life and Arts from Cuban Refrigerators’
Sejong Center for the Performing Arts*
June 15-Sept. 1
The central Seoul culture venue will offer a rare opportunity to enjoy Cuban contemporary art, including paintings and installations. A variety of colorfully decorated refrigerators will fill the venue. Tickets cost 6,000 won. For more information, call 1544-1555 or visit www.interpark.com.
Jaime Permuth
Ryugaheon Gallery
The works of New York-based photographer Jaime Permuth are on display at the Ryugaheon Gallery in central Seoul. Located near exit 4 of Gyeongbokgung Station, subway line 3. The gallery closes every Monday. For more information, call (02) 720-2010 or visit www.ryugaheon.com.
Kim Jong-hee
June 4-16
Korean craft artist Kim Jong-hee’s latest works will be displayed at the Ryugaheon Gallery in central Seoul. Kim, who is running an institute for teaching handicraft, uses traditional Korean paper, ''hanji,’’ to portray the images and shapes of wild flowers. Located near exit 4 of Gyeongbokgung Station, subway line 3. The gallery closes for every Monday. For more information, call (02) 720-2010 or visit www.ryugaheon.com.
‘The Myth of Metropolis’
June 18-23
“Thinking Photo,” a creative circle of six amateur photographers, will hold a photo exhibition in Jongno, central Seoul. Located near exit 4 of Gyeongbokgung Station, subway line 3. The gallery closes for every Monday. For more information, call (02) 720-2010 or visit www.ryugaheon.com.
Yun Dam-mi
Art Space Scalartium
Through June 10
Hyper-realist painter Yun Da-mi holds an exhibition at the gallery in southern Seoul. The exhibition displays the artist’s latest works, which portray status symbols such as luxury handbags, chinaware and wine glasses, representing her commentary on 21st-century consumerism. Located near exit 4 of Gangnam Station, subway line 2 and Sin Bundang Line. For more information, call (02) 501-6017 or visit scalatium.com.
‘Buddhist Guardian Deities of Late Joseon’
Through Sept. 8
The National Museum of Korea will display a variety of artifacts highlighting Buddhist art during the latter part of the Joseon Kingdom (1392-1910). Located near exit 4 of Ichon Station, subway line 4 and the Jungang Line. For more information, call (02) 2077-9000 or visit www.museum.go.kr.
Kim Byung-joo
TV 12 Gallery
June 6-27
Award-winning installation artist Kim Byung-joo will hold his fourth exhibition at the gallery in Cheongdam, southern Seoul. In the exhibition, Kim will feature a total of 16 new works, including a two-meter high installation that doubles as his commentary on contemporary life. To get to the gallery, from exit 9 of Cheongdam Station, subway line 7, take bus No. 4419. Get off in front of Cheongdam elementary school. For more information, call (02) 3143-1210 or visit www.television12.co.kr.
Choi In-sun
Gallery Yeh
Through June 12
Veteran painter Choi In-sun holds his 38th exhibition in the gallery in southern Seoul. It will be his first exhibit in four years as he spends more time teaching students at the art school of Hongik University. The exhibition features his new 50 works, which are bolder and more colorful than his older works. Located near exit 5 of Apgujeong Station, subway line 3. For more information, call (02) 542-5543 or visit www.gelleryyeh.com.
Park Se-jin
Doosan Gallery
Through June 13
Landscape painter Park Se-jin holds an exhibition in central Seoul. Located near exit 1 of Jongno 5-ga, subway line 1. Admission is free. For more information, call (02) 708-5050 or visit www.doosangallery.com.
‘Slant Rhymes’
Kukje Gallery
This exhibition will highlight some of the more experimental minds in the art scene. Art critic Kim Hyun-jin organized the drawings, installations and media art of young artists such as Lee Mi-yeon, Jung Eun-young and Nam Wha-yeon to show the cutting edge of Korean contemporary art. Located near exit 2 of Gwanghwamun Station on subway line No. 5. Admission is free. For more information, call (02) 735- 8449 or visit www.kukjegallery.com.
‘Contemporary Age’
Gana Art Gallery
Commemorating Gana Art Gallery’s 30th anniversary, this exhibition is a retrospective of the works of 50 prominent Korean artists who have displayed their art at the gallery since it opened in 1983. It’s a rare chance for art lovers to revisit Choi Jong-tae’s sculptures, Bae Byoung-u’s photographs and Go Young-hoon’s hyper-realism paintings. For more information, call (02) 720-1020 or visit www.ganaart.com.
Kim Chong-yung
Kim Chong Yung Museum
This year marks the 60th anniversary of the late Korean sculptor Kim Chong-yung’s debut (1915-1982) winning a prize at the International Sculpture Fair held by Tate Britain Museum, an event that doubled his artistic breakthrough and provided critical international exposure to Korea’s art scene. To commemorate the achievement, the museum is offering an exhibition of Kim’s definitive works and also his rarely-seen drawings and calligraphy. Take bus no. 1711 and 1020 from exit 3 of Gyeongbokgung Station, subway line 3. For more information, call (02) 3217-6484 or visit kimchongyung.com.
Choi Jeong-hwa
Daegu Art Museum
Through June 23
Installation artist Choi Jeong-hwa will display his latest works in Daegu. Choi has been actively holding exhibitions throughout the world, including an outdoor exhibition at last year’s London Olympic Games. Take the shuttle bus that operates every 30 minute from 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. from exit 3 of Daegu Grand Park Station, subway line 2. For more information, call (053) 790-3000 or visit www.daeguartmuseum.org.
Kim Whan-ki
Whanki Museum
The exhibition highlights the works of the late painter Kim Whan-ki (1913-1974), a prominent name among the first-generation abstract artists in modern Korea. Kim drew inspiration from traditional Joseon era paintings based on black ink and water colors and dedicated his career to marrying these traditional methods with modern techniques. Kim left more than 3,000 paintings at his death, many of them available for public display at the Whanki Museum, posthumously established by his wife. To get there, take bus no. 1020, 7022, or 7212 from exit 3 of Gyeongbokgung Station, subway line 3, and get off at Buam-dong Community Center. Tickets cost 5,000 to 7,000 won. For more information, call (02) 391-7701 or visit www.whankimuseum.org.
‘Shadow Play’
Hongik Daehangno Art Center
The display will feature some of the Chinese puppets used in the country’s traditional puppet plays, which date back as far as to 2,000 years ago. Located near exit 2 of Jongno 5-ga Station, subway line 1. Tickets cost 6,000 to 10,000 won. For more information, call (02) 742-0300 or visit www.hongikartcenter.com.
‘Rolling! Visual Art in Taiwan’
Seoul Museum of Art
The exhibition features some of the definitive works in Taiwanese contemporary art. Paintings, photography, installations and video art pieces from 32 Taiwanese artists, currently kept at the National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts. Located near exit 1 of City Hall Station, subway line 1. Admission is free. For more information, call (02) 2124-8942 or visit sema.seoul.go.kr.
‘How to Make a Book with Steidl’
Daelim Museum
Through Oct. 6
Gerhard Steidl, book publisher of German-based publishing company, Steidl, features some of his art works that were used in books he has published over the years. The exhibition also provides a glimpse of his creative process in bookmaking. Located near exit 3 of Gyeongbokgung Station on subway line 3. For more information, call (02) 720-0667 or visit www.daelimmuseum.org.
‘Love Actually’
Seoul Museum
This lighthearted exhibition aims at a playful juxtaposition of paintings, installments and movies. Divided into six sub-sections, Love Actually explores the subject of love in the movies and pairs the works of famous artist with famous quotes from the movies. On the second floor of the museum, representative paintings in Queen Victoria period in 19th century are on display. The museum is near Gyeongbokgung Station on subway line no. 3 and also could be reached by city buses No. 1020, 1711 and 7016. Tickets cost 5,000 won for children between ages three and seven, 7,000 won for students from elementary school to high school and 10,000 won for adults. For more information, call (02) 395-0100 or visit www.seoulmuseum.org.
Kids
‘Picking One’s Nose’
COEX Art Hall
Dec. 31
The children’s musical, based on Japanese author Takako Saito’s children’s book of the same title, will be staged at the Coex Art Hall in Gangnam, southern Seoul until the end of this year. The venue is directly connected with exit 5 and 6 Samseong Station, subway line 2. Tickets cost 20,000 won. There will be no performance on Monday. For more information, call 1588-5212 or visit www.coex.co.kr.
The Children’s Museum
Open Run
The Children’s Museum run by the National Museum of Korea provides an opportunity for children to see the lifestyle of Koreans in the past. The museum also exhibits duplicated versions of Korea’s national treasures, which visitors can touch. In the “hands-on” activity room, children can play traditional Korean music instruments. Located near exit 2 of Ichon Station, subway line 4 and Jung Line. Admission is free. For more information, call (02) 2077-9647 or visit English web page at www.museum.go.kr/main/index/index007.jsp.
Sports Games
Baseball
Friday, May 31
LG Twins vs. KIA Tigers
Gwangju Mudeung Baseball Stadium at 6:30 p.m.
Lotte Giants vs. Samsung Lions
Daegu Baseball Stadium 6:30 p.m.
Nexen Heroes vs. Doosan Bears
Seoul Jamsil Baseball Stadium 6:30 p.m.
NC Dinos vs. Hanwha Eagles
Daejoen Hanbat Baseball Stadium 6:30 p.m.
Saturday, June 1
Gwangju Mudeung Baseball Stadium at 5 p.m.
Daegu Baseball Stadium at 5 p.m.
Seoul Jamsil Baseball Stadium at 5 p.m.
Daejoen Hanbat Baseball Stadium at 5 p.m.
Sunday, June 2
Horseracing
Gwacheon Seoul Race Track
The Gwacheon Seoul Race Track holds races from 10:30 a.m. to 5:10 p.m., every Saturday and Sunday. Get off at Seoul Racecourse Park Station, subway line 4, exit 3. For more information, call (02) 509-1114 or visit www.kra.co.kr.