AROUND TOWN 2

• Published Oct 22, 2015 6:44 PM KST
• Updated Oct 22, 2015 6:44 PM KST

‘The Complete Performance of Pansori'

KB Haneul Youth Theater

Oct. 31

"The Complete Performance of Pansori" has been held over 250 times since it was launched over 30 years ago in 1984. More than 70 master singers, including Park Dong-jin, have performed the five surviving stories of "pansori " for three to nine hours per show. "The Complete Performance of Pansori," which will be held this year on Oct. 31 at KB Haneul Youth Theater, is a stage for both rising and established pansori singers to showcase their singing abilities and the beauty of pansori.

For more information, call (02) 2280-4114 or visit www.ntok.go.kr.

‘Midday Pansori'

Sejong Chamber Hall

Nov. 19

Midday Pansori is held every third Thursday from September to December at the Sejong Chamber Hall with different themes. The performances aim to draw audiences of all generations featuring reinterpretations of traditional Korean music.

"Love, Chunhyang" will be held on Nov. 19. "Chunhyangga" is based on a love story between Chunhyang and Mongryong. “Chunhyangga” is considered to be the most beautiful among five surviving stories in terms of music.

Tickets cost 20,000 won. For more information, call (02) 399-1000 or visit www.sejongpac.or.kr.

‘Blind'

Gyeonggi Arts Center

Nov. 21

The Gyeonggi Arts Center will stage a production of "Blind," a pansori drama, on Nov. 21.

Simply put, pansori refers to an inherently Korean genre of musical storytelling wherein a drummer plays a barrel drum and the accompanying vocalist sings to the beat of the drum in a particular, wailing fashion.

Of the five surviving stories of the Korean pansori lore, "Simcheongga" is widely considered to be the most tragic. In short, it tells the story of a daughter, Simcheongga, who spends her days caring lovingly for her blind father, Simbongsa. Simcheongga's filial piety is a running theme throughout this fable of woe, for it is ultimately through Simcheongga's devotion that her father miraculously regains his sight.

"Blind" centers on the life story of Simbongsa, providing pansori devotees with an imagined backstory of Simbongsa's life prior to his daughter's fabled tale. Tickets cost 30,000 won. For more information, call (031) 289-6424 or visit www.ggad.or.kr.

Namsan Mountain, the Power of Place'

Seoul Museum of History

Through Nov. 1

Seoul Museum of History is holding the exhibition "Namsan Mountain, the Power of Place" through Nov. 1.

Namsan Mountain has been the symbol of Seoul since the city was designated the capital of the Joseon dynasty And through the Japanese occupation and the subsequent administrations. It also became the center of power during the Japanese occupation and the following administrations. The exhibition aims to give the public a glimpse of Korean history by interpreting the symbols and frames imposed on Namsan Mountain.

For more information, visit eng.museum.seoul.kr.

‘Sillim-dong Youths. Toil Today, Success Tomorrow'

Sept. 11- Nov. 8

Seoul Museum of History holds an exhibition "Sillim-dong Youths. Toil Today, Success Tomorrow" through Nov. 8. Sillim-dong is a statutory division of Gwanak District, Seoul and is close to Seoul National University. It was a residential village until the early 1980s, when it became known as "state exam village" ("gosi-chon"), where many professional private institutes and affordable student accommodation are located and where people go to prepare for state exams.

In fact, there are more people visiting the village to study for the state exam than actual village residents. This exhibition attempts to show the changes in this part of Seoul in line with the country's modernization. For more information, visit eng.museum.seoul.kr.

‘Noh, Japanese Traditional Performing Art'

National Museum of Korea

Oct. 6-Nov. 22

The National Museum of Korea is holding the special exhibition "Noh, Japanese Traditional Performing Art" through Nov. 22.

Noh, which started in the late 14th century, is a masque performance in which performers sing and dance to a slow rhythm. It is regarded as the essence of Japanese culture. Noh was designated by UNESCO in 2001 as one of the Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.

This exhibition features masques and clothing that were used onstage and paintings portraying the performance. For more information, call (02) 2077-9556 or visit www.museum.go.kr.

‘Buddhist Hanging Scroll at Chengryongsa Temple'

June 2-Nov. 29

The National Museum of Korea presents the thematic exhibition "The Buddhist Hanging Scroll at Chengryongsa Temple" through Nov. 29. "Buddhist Hanging Scroll" is a big Buddhist painting used for rituals at the temple.

This exhibition is one of a series of exhibitions on Buddhist culture and will display the 17th-century painting at Chengryongsa Temple. The painting depicts the Vulture Peak Assembly preaching the Sutra of the Lotus. The exhibition commentary service is provided at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. For more information, call (02) 2077-9493 or visit www.museum.go.kr.

‘Neolithic Culture in Korea'

The National Museum of Korea

Oct. 20-Jan. 31, 2016

The National Museum of Korea will host an exhibition titled "Neolithic Culture in Korea" from Oct. 20 to Jan. 31, 2016.

During this prolific time in human and technological development, the Neolithic Era witnessed the beginning of farming, which spawned a true revolution. Human beings during this period began to display signs of cultural and behavioral progression, which included the use of wild and domestic crops and domestication of animals for farm use.

In terms of cultural development, Neolithic societies, especially in the East Asian region, began to produce early pottery and carvings, which preceded the later bounteous development and advancement of pottery art in Asian cultures.

On display will be numerous artifacts excavated from Dongsam-dong and Amsa-dong, the latter of which is famous for a prehistoric settlement site that was established after diagonal-line earthenware that corresponded to those of the Neolithic Era was discovered in 1925, and even more recent archaeological finds.

For more information, call (02) 2077-9463 or visit www.museum.go.kr.

‘Pulling from the Front, Pushing from Behind'

Art Space Pool

"Pulling from the Front, Pushing from Behind," a private exhibition by Lee Woo-sung will be held through Nov. 1 at the Art Space Pool. Pulling from the Front, Pushing from Behind depicts the simple, daily life of ordinary people. A conversation with the artist will be held on Nov. 1 at 4 p.m. The venue is closed on Mondays. For more information, call (02)396-4805 or visit www.artpool.org.

‘Since 1970, Where, in What Form, Shall We Meet Again'

Whanki Museum

Through Nov. 4

The Whanki Museum is holding an exhibition titled "Since 1970, Where, in What Form, Shall We Meet Again" through Nov. 4.

Kim Whan-ki, exalted as a pioneering abstract artist of Korea, was famous for mixing oriental concepts and ideals with abstraction. While his earlier work consisted mainly of semi-abstract paintings that still gave form to recognizable shapes and constructions, his later works dealt primarily in the artistic style of deep abstraction, namely lines, spaces, and diverse hues and patterns.

Centering on Kim's most celebrated work, "Where, in What Form, Shall We Meet Again," the exhibition seeks to encapsulate the spirit, direction, and countless forms of Korean art since the 1970s. Tickets cost 7,000 won for adults, and 5,000 won for students. For more information, call (02) 391-7701 or visit whankimuseum.org.

‘East Asia Feminism: FANTasia'

Seoul Museum of Art

Through Nov. 8

The Seoul Museum of Art will host an exhibition, "East Asia Feminism: FANTasia," through Nov. 8.

This exhibition asks questions about the status of women, especially women in East Asia. In the Western-centric viewpoint, women in East Asia have been alienated, seen as "invisible others." The title word "FANTasia," which is derived from the words "fantasy" and "Asia," refers to how East Asian women have been regarded as "unknown fantasies." The exhibition showcases the work of 14 artists from various Asian countries, such as Korea, China, Japan and Singapore.

The Seoul Museum of Art is closed on Mondays. For more information, call (02) 2124-8934 or visit sema.seoul.go.kr.

‘Toby Ziegler'

Oct. 7-Nov. 8

PKM Gallery

PKM Gallery is holding an exhibition by Toby Ziegler through Nov. 8.

Toby Ziegler graduated from Central St. Martin's School of Art and has held numerous exhibitions, including at the Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma, Belvedere Museum and Minsheng Art Museum. He is inspired by the art works before and after the Renaissance, and he reinterprets the works by dissolving and editing the original paintings using 3D digital programs.

The exhibition is his first in Korea and features his new paintings, which were inspired by Thomas Gainsborough's "Evening Landscape ― Peasants and Mounted Figures." Toby Zigler will visit the exhibition.

The gallery is closed on Mondays. For more information, visit www.pkmgallery.com or call (02)734-9470.

‘Bathhouse'

Through Nov. 12

Space K Seoul

Space K Seoul will hold an exhibition by Caroline Walker through Nov. 12.

Walker is from Scotland and graduated from the Glasgow School of Art and the Royal College of Art, London. Her interest is the relationship between the images of traditional femininity and contemporary daily life.

This is her first exhibition in Korea and will display the 13 new works inspired by bathhouses in Budapest. She connects the symbolism of water to femininity.

The venue is closed on weekends. For more information, call (02) 3496-7595 or visit www.spacek.co.kr.

‘Choi Jong-tae Retrospective'

National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Gwacheon

Through Nov. 29

The National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art will hold a retrospective in honor of Korean sculptor Choi Jong-tae from Sept. 1 to Nov. 29 at its Gwacheon branch.

Regarded as one of the most influential sculptors of Korean abstract art, Choi has held more than 20 exhibitions, both in Korea and internationally, since his first solo exhibit in 1964. In addition to his sculptures in wood, marble, and bronze, Choi is also a writer and painter, demonstrating his versatility as a veritable artiste.

Tickets cost 2,000 won. For more information, call (02) 2188-6000 or visit www.mmca.go.kr.

‘Dance Dance with Ppororo'

Universal Arts Center

Through Oct. 25

"Dance Dance with Ppororo" is a family dance musical with the famous Korean cartoon character "Ppororo." The play, which will be held through Oct. 25 at Universal Arts Center, features cartoon characters that will teach the "PporongPporong Exercise" and "Hiccup Waltz" to the audiences. The performance is directed by AhnJin-seong.

Universal Arts Center is near Exit 4 of Achasan Station, Subway Line 5. Tickets cost from 33,000 to 55,000 won. For more information, call 1577-3363 or visit www.uac.co.kr.

‘Original Children CAT'

Dream Forest Art Center

Through Oct. 31

"Original Children CAT" will be held through Oct. 31 at Dream Forest Arts Center. Premiering in 2003, the concert has received the gold prize at the Gimcheon International Theater Festival for Families in 2010, and its last concert at the Seoul Arts Center was sold out. "Original Children CAT" tells the story of cats about the pursuit of their dreams.

Dream Forest Arts Center is close to Exit 2 of Miasageori Station, Subway Line 4. The center is closed on Mondays. Tickets to the concert cost 25,000 won. For more information, call 070-8276-9860.

‘Hutos Nado Wants to Be Taller Too'

KBS Suwon Art Hall

Through Nov. 15

"Hutos ­ Nado wants to be taller too" will take place through Nov. 15 at KBS Suwon Art Hall. The family musical, which is based on a children's TV program that started from 2010, tells the story of Hutos' friends, who are trying to grow taller. The musical encourages the young audience to join the dances, songs and exercises.

KBS Suwon Art Hall is close to Exit 6 of Suwon City Hall Station, Bundang Subway Line. For more information, call (031) 216-5201.

‘Robot Train’

Children’s Grand Park

Nov. 14 ­ Dec. 6

“Robot Train” will be performed from Nov. 14 to Dec. 6 at Children’s Grand Park. “Robot Train” is a performance that transforms trains into robots. Multiple stage settings will be displayed, such as a real train showing up and a new KYX model.

There are no plays on Mondays. Children’s Grand Park is close to exit 1 of Children’s Grand Park Station, subway line 7 and exit 4 of Achasan Station, subway line 5. Tickets cost 35,000 to 55,000 won. For more information, call 070-8848-5555.

‘Petrushka’

D. Margarita Maru Theater

Oct. 17 ­ Dec. 19

“Petrushka” will be performed every Saturday from Oct. 17-Dec. 19. “Petrushka” is a traditional Russian puppet play. The story is about the journey of Petrushka in Korea to make Korean friends. The theater is close to exit 1 of Bangbae Station, subway line 2. Tickets cost 20,000 won. For more information, call (02)2637-0315.

K-League Classic

Saturday, Oct. 24

Gyeongnam vs. Gangwon

Geoje Sports Complex at 2:00 p.m.

Daejeon vs. Busan

Daejeon World Cup Stadium at 2:00 p.m.

Pohang vs. Jeju

Pohang Steel Yard at 2:00 p.m.

Anyang vs. Chungju

Anyang Sports Complex at 4:00 p.m.

Seongnam vs. Suwon

Tancheon Sports Complex at 4:00 p.m.

Sunday, Oct. 25

Jeonnam vs. Ulsan

Gwangyang Football Stadium at 2:00 p.m.

Suwon FC vs. Daegu

Suwon Sports Complex at 2:00 p.m.

Gwangju vs. Incheon

Gwangju World Cup Stadium at 4:00 p.m.

Seoul E vs. Bucheon

Seoul Sports Complex at 4:00 p.m.

Seoul vs. Jeonbuk

Seoul World Cup Stadium at 4:00 p.m.

Monday, Oct. 26

Sangju vs. Goyang

Sangju Civil Stadium at 7:00 p.m.

Korean Basketball League

Friday, Oct. 23

Busan KT Sonicboom vs. Seoul SK Knights

Busan Sajik Indoor Gymnasium at 7:00 p.m.

GoyangOrions vs. Jeonju KCC Egis

Goyang Gymnasium at 2:00 p.m.

Changwon LG Sakers vs. Ulsan Mobis Phoebus

Changwon Indoor Gymnasium at 4:00 p.m.

Anyang KGC vs. Seoul Samsung Thunders

Anyang Gymnasium at 6:00 p.m.

Busan KT Sonicboom vs. Incheon ET Land Elephants

Busan Sajik Indoor Gymnasium at 2:00 p.m.

Seoul SK Knights vs. WonjuDongbuPromy

Jamsil Students’ Gymnasium at 4:00 p.m.

Ulsan Mobis Phoebus vs. Anyang KGC

Ulsan Dongchun Gymnasium at 6:00 p.m.

LetsRun Park Seoul

LetsRun Park Seoul 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.