AROUND TOWN 2
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‘The Complete Performance of Pansori’
National Theater of Korea
Dec. 31
“The Complete Performance of Pansori” will be staged on Dec. 31 at the National Theater of Korea. The performance is a monthly one that has been continued since December 1984. Ahn Sook-seon, a master Pansori singer, will perform “Jeokbyeok-ga” this time.
Ahn is registered as the 23rd Important Intangible Cultural Heritage of Korea, and has directed multiple traditional Korean performances. Jeokbyeok-ga is considered to be the most difficult and elegant sound among five surviving Pansori stories.
The theater is close to Dongguk University Station, subway line 3. Tickets cost 30,000 won. For more information, visit ntok.go.kr or call (02) 2280-4114.
‘Sejong Center New Year’s Concert’
Sejong Center for the Performing Arts
Jan. 7, 2016
Sejong Center for the Performing Arts will hold a New Year’s Concert on Jan. 7. / Courtesy of Sejong Center for the Performing Arts
“Sejong Center New Year’s Concert” will be held on Jan. 7, 2016 at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts.
The center has hosted the New Year’s Concert since 2013. This concert is a crossover of traditional-contemporary, and Korean-world music. Lee Ja-ram, a female Pansori artist; Harim, whose work embraces diverse traditional world music; and Min Yeong-chi, a renowned “janggu” (Korean traditional drum) performer will appear at the concert.
The center is close to exits 1 and 8 of Gwanghwamun Station, subway line 5. Tickets price 20,000 to 50,000 won. For more information, visit www.sejongpac.or.kr or call (02) 399-1000.
‘Symbol of the Empire, Hwangudan Altar and its Rite'
National Palace Museum of Korea
Through Dec. 31
The National Palace Museum of Korea will hold a special exhibition, "Symbol of the Empire, Hwangudan Altar and its Rite" until Dec. 31.
King Gojong established Hwangudan Altar, where the Rite of Heaven was to be executed, while declaring the founding of the Korean Empire in 1897. This is considered to be the symbol of Joseon's independence from China, as the Rite of Heaven was abolished in King Sejo's reign because only an empire could perform it.
A considerable amount of the area was demolished during the Japanese occupation. Remnants remain near the Westin Chosun Hotel.
The museum is closed on Mondays. It is near exit 4 of Gyeongbokgung Station, subway line 3. For more information, visit www.gogung.go.kr or call (02) 3701-7500.
‘A New Name in a Digital World, Code-Named Hangeul: D55C AE00'
National Hangeul Museum
Through Jan. 31, 2016
The National Hangeul Museum hosts the special exhibition "A New Name in a Digital World, Code-Named Hangeul: D55C AE00" until Jan 31, 2016 to celebrate its first anniversary.
This exhibition will display how typewriters, corpuses, fonts and software were developed for the Korean language, as well as the principle behind the informatization of the Korean language and the meaning of Korean dictionaries.
The museum is near exit 2 of Ichon Station, subway line 4. For more information, visit www.hangeul.go.kr or call (02) 2124-6322.
‘Neolithic Culture in Korea'
The National Museum of Korea
The National Museum of Korea is hosting an exhibition on Neolithic culture in Korea running until Jan. 31, 2016.
During this prolific time in early human and technological development, the Neolithic Era witnessed the beginning of agriculture, spawning 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 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 a famous prehistoric settlement site unearthed in 1925.
For more information, call (02) 2077-9463 or visit
‘A Journey to the Modern Seoul City Wall'
Seoul City Wall Museum
Through Feb. 14, 2016
Seoul City Wall Museum will hold the special exhibition "A Journey to the Modern Seoul City Wall" until Feb. 14, 2016.
The exhibition will reflect on the modern Seoul City Wall with visual aids, such as newspaper articles, travel guides and music. It will also exhibit pictures taken by foreigners and share their viewpoints on Seoul.
The museum is close to exit 2 of Muakjae Station, subway line 3. For more information, call (02) 724-0243 or visit
‘I Belong to the World’
Seoul Museum of History
Dec. 4Feb. 21, 2016
“I Belong to the World,” the exhibition about famous Danish author Hans Christian Anderson will be held through Feb. 21 at the Seoul Museum of History. / Courtesy of Seoul Museum of History
A Seoul-Odense International Exchange Exhibition, “I Belong to the World,” will be held through Feb. 21, 2016 at the Seoul Museum of History. Hans Christian Anderson is a famous 19th century Danish author of children’s fairy tales.
This exhibition presents 33 pieces of Anderson including the first book published in 1835, keepsakes such as a fountain pen, and drawings. “I Belong to the World” consists of two parts: The display section presents the works and life of Anderson; while the experience section presents works of artists who were motivated by Anderson’s works and lets visitors assemble Lego blocks that display a scene from Anderson’s fairy tales.
The museum is closed on every Mondays. It is close to exit 5 of Seodaemun Station, subway line 5. For more information, visit www.museum.seoul.kr or call (02) 724-0274.
‘Typojanchi 2015: The 4th International Typography Biennale'
Culture Station Seoul 284
Through Dec. 27
"Typojanchi 2015: The 4th International Typography Biennale" will be held at Culture Station Seoul 284 until Dec. 27.
Director Kim Kyeong-seon believes the distinctive cultural characteristics of the city are best represented in typography. Artists exhibit their works on the true characteristics of the city through characters and symbols.
The venue is close to exit 1 of Seoul Station, subway lines 1 and 4. For more information, call (02) 3407-3500 or visit typojanchi.org/2015.
‘Henrik Vibskov ― Fabricate
'
Daelim Museum
"Henrik Vibskov ― Fabricate" will be held through Dec. 31 at Daelim Museum.
Vibskov is a fashion designer and artist from Northern Europe. He continually destroys existing frameworks and invents his own style at yearly collections from Paris Fashion Week. Vibskov has performed at various exhibitions worldwide, working on pictures, installations, videos and performances.
This exhibition will present 300 works, including pieces from his representative fashion collection, and reestablish the notion of clothing from "garment" to "free and open expression."
The museum is closed on Mondays. It is near exits 3 and 4 of Gyeongbokgung Station, subway line 3. Tickets cost 5,000 won. For more information, visit www.daelimmuseum.org or call (02) 720-0667.
‘Paint on Light'
Whanki Museum
The Whanki Museum will exhibit the works of Jin Yoo-yeong until Dec. 31.
Jin is one of many artists whom the Whanki Museum sponsors. She considers fine art as a tool to represent her ego. This exhibition will show the dynamics of Jin's work and try to present the artist's ideal of fine art through different lights.
The museum is closed on Mondays. Audiences can join an interpretative exhibition on weekends. Tickets cost 3,000 to 5,000 won. For more information, call (02) 391-7701 or visit
‘New Romance'
National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art Seoul Branch
Through Jan. 24, 2016
"New Romance" will be held until Jan. 24, 2016, at National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art.
"New Romance" is a joint exhibition between Korea and Australia. With the advent of the post-human era, artists show anxiety towards a new existence and reflect on moral issues in the human world. Artists from Korea and Australia interpret the situation from their own perspectives through paintings.
The museum is near exit 1 of Anguk Station, subway line 3, and exit 2 of Gwanghwamun Station, subway line 5. Tickets cost 4,000 won. For more information, call (02) 3701-9500 or visit
‘Crossing Plane: Unit, Layer, Nostalgia'
Ilmin Museum of Art
"Crossing Plane: Unit, Layer, Nostalgia" will be held until Jan. 31, at Ilmin Museum of Art. The exhibition consists of three themes and each themed floor has its own topic. Ten artists will exhibit their distinctive interpretations of art.
The museum is near exit 5 of Gwanghwamun Station, subway line 5. For more information, call (02) 2020-2050 or visit
‘Monet's Impressionism Exhibition 2016'
The War Memorial of Korea
Through Feb. 8, 2016
The War Memorial of Korea will exhibit the works of Claude Monet from Dec. 11 to Feb. 8, 2016.
Claude Monet is a French artist from the 1800s to early 1900s and one of the creators of impressionism. He focused on the principle of light, exploring how the same subject looks different by changes of light. His works include "Women in the Garden," "Impression, Sunrise," "Haystacks, (Sunset)," and "Water Lilies."
The museum is closed on Mondays. It is near exits 1 and 12 of Samgakji Station, subway lines 4 and 6, and exit 1 of Namyeong Station, subway line 1. Tickets cost 8,000 to 15,000 won. For more information, call (070) 7860-2719 or visit
‘Invisible Land of Love'
Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art of Korea
The Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art of Korea is exhibiting the works of Ahn Kyu-chul until Feb. 14.
This exhibition is a part of the MMCA Hyundai Motor Series to support domestic artists. Since the 1980s, Ahn has expressed his deep thoughts about life and arts in his works.
The title "Invisible Land of Love" is excerpted from a poem by Ma Jong-gi, showing Ahn's will to reveal the value of non-existence. Eight works of Ahn will be exhibited inspired by literature, architecture, music, performance and fine arts. Some of the works will allow audience participation.
The museum is near exit 6 of Gyeongbokgung Station, subway line 3, exit 1 of Anguk Station, subway line 3, and exit 2 of Gwanghwamun Station, subway line 5. Tickets cost 4,000 won. For more information, call (02) 3701-9500 or visit www.mmca.go.kr.
Alessandro Mendini ― The Poetry of Design
DDP
Through Feb. 28, 2016
The DDP is exhibiting the works of Alessandro Mendini at the DDP until Feb, 28, 2016.
Alessandro Mendini is a worldwide-renowned designer and this exhibition of his single works is his first in East Asia. Six hundred works will be displayed under the direction of Mendini himself. These pieces have a story as if each artwork is a phrase from a greater poem.
The hall is closed on Mondays. The DDP is located at exit 1 of Dongdaemun History and Culture Park Station, subway line 2. Tickets cost 8,000 to 14,000 won. For more information, visit www.ddp.or.kr or call (02) 2153-0000.
‘Family Musical Humpty Band'
Lotte Department Store Cheongnyangni Branch
Dec. 26
The family musical "Humpty Band" was devised to develop kids' English skills and expression abilities. Audiences can easily sing and dance with the music. The songs include ten worldwide famous children's songs. The hall is close to exit 4 of Cheongnyangni Station, subway line 1. Tickets cost 5,000 won. For more information, call (02) 543-0733.
‘Experience Magic Show'
V Magic Hall
"Experience Magic Show" is performed at V Magic Hall until Dec. 31. Spectators can climb onstage and join the magic show. Further, they can take a picture at the "trick-eye" session. The hall is near exit 7 of Gunja Station, subway lines 5 and 7. Tickets cost 25,000 won. For more information, call (02) 464-3888.
‘EBS Kids Play Musical Farting King Ppung Ppung'
Gangdong Arts Center
Dec. 17Jan. 31, 2016
“EBS Kids Play Musical Farting King Ppung Ppung” will be performed at Gangdong Arts Center through Jan. 31, 2016. / Courtesy of Adkhan
The children's musical "EBS Kids Play Musical Farting King Ppung Ppung" will be staged at Gangdong Arts Center from Dec. 17 to Jan. 31, 2016.
"Ppung Ppung" is the oldest kids program airing on EBS. Breaking the cliche of good triumphing over evil, the musical focuses on the pure emotions of children itself. Collaborating with EBS technicians, performances will stimulate the five senses of children.
There are no plays on Mondays. Ticket price ranges from 30,000 to 50,000 won. The center is close to exit 4 of Godeok station, subway line 5. For more information, call (02) 586-0623.
Korean Basketball League
Friday, Dec. 18
Wonju Dongbu Promy vs. Seoul SK Knights
Wonju Chiak Gymnasium at 7:00 p.m.
Anyang KGC vs. Goyang Orions
Anyang Gymnasium at 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 19
Jeonju KCC Egis vs. Busan KT Sonicboom
Jeonju Indoor Gymnasium at 2:00 p.m.
Changwon LG Sakers vs. Ulsan Mobis Phoebus
Changwon Indoor Gymnasium at 4:00 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 20
Jeonju KCC Egis vs. Seoul SK Knights
Wonju Dongbu Promy vs. Anyang KGC
Wonju Chiak Gymnasium at 4:00 p.m.
Goyang Orions vs. Busan KT Sonicboom
Goyang Gymnasium at 4:00 p.m.
Seoul Samsung Thunders vs. Incheon ET Land Elephants
Jamsil Indoor Gymnasium at 6:00 p.m.
Let's Run Park Seoul
Let's Run Park Seoul holds races from 10:30 a.m. to 5:10 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday. It is located by Seoul Racecourse Park Station, subway line 4, exit 3. For more information, call (02) 509-1114 or visit www.kra.co.kr.