AROUND TOWN 1

Happy Classic by Gum Nan-se

Naru Art Center

Oct. 2

Naru Art Center will hold a classic concert played by Trio Con Spirito and Kim Tae-hyun with an explanation of each piece by conductor Gum Nan-se. Gum Nan-se made his debut by winning the fourth prize at the Karajan Conduction Competition, becoming the first Korean to win at the competition.

He had conducted for the KBS Symphony Orchestra and for the Hope Windmill Orchestra, a project of South Korea’s National Red Cross Society that aims to teach Western classical music to North Korean defectors. Trio Con Spirito is a classical musical trio established in 2008 in Berlin.

They graduated with the highest honors at Konzert­ examen-Klavier-trio of Stuttgart Musik-hochschule, the prestigious classical music institute in Germany. During their performance, they will play “Sonata” for Saxophone Op. 19 mov.1 by Creston, “Concertino da Camera” mov.1 by Ibert, “Fantasie” by Demersseman, “Czardas” by Monti, Piano Trio Op. 70-1 D-Major “Ghost” by Beethoven and “Peer Gynt” Suite No.1 by Grieg. Tickets cost 30,000 won. For more information, call (02) 2049-4711.

Quatuor Ebene

LG Arts Center

Oct. 29

Quatuor Ebene, a French string quartet founded in 1999, will hold a concert at the LG Arts Center on Oct. 29.

The group, which is comprised of members and long-time friends Raphael Merlin, Pierre Colombet, Gabriel Le Magadure, and Mathieu Herzog, is known chiefly for its musical versatility, performing a variety of genres equally deftly, such as classical and contemporary music and jazz.

Indeed, some of Quatuor Ebene’s most popular performances stem from crossover, such as their rendition of music from the score of the iconic film “Pulp Fiction” and arrangements of classic hits by The Beatles. Ticket prices range from 40,000 to 80,000 won. For more information, call (02) 2005-0114 or visit www.lgart.com.

Kenny G

Jangchung Gymnasium

Oct. 10

American saxophonist Kenny Bruce Gorelick, professionally known as Kenny G, will hold a concert on Oct. 10 at the Jangchung Gymnasium.

Widely acclaimed as the biggest-selling instrumental musician of the modern era and one of the best-selling artists in history, Kenny G was first brought to the public’s attention following the release of his fourth album, “Duotones.” Ticket prices range from 88,000 to 176,000 won. For more information, call (02) 1644-8097 or visit www.igme.co.kr.

20 Years

Oct. 15-18

Famed Korean rock band YB will hold a concert at the LG Arts Center from Oct. 15 to 18 in celebration of their 20th anniversary.

Consisting of lead vocalist Yoon Do-hyun, guitarists Heo Jun and Scott Hellowell, drummer Kim Jin-won and bassist Park Tae-hee, YB is commonly considered to be the most acknowledged rock band in Korea.

They came to the forefront of the rock music scene during the 2002 World Cup with their renowned song “Oh! Pilsung Korea,” an invigorating anthem that galvanized the entire nation during the most successful Korean run at a World Cup to date.

In addition, 2011 became another auspicious year for the band, which participated in MBC’s distinguished and wildly popular music show “I am a Singer” alongside seven other respected artists and rode on another wave of success as a result.

They will perform many of their hit singles and signature songs, such as “A Flying Butterfly,” “I’ll Get Over You,” and “Today.” Ticket prices range from 77,000 to 121,000 won. For more information, call (02) 749-9037 or visit www.lgart.com.

Grand Mint Festival 2015

Olympic Park

Oct. 17-18

Grand Mint Festival 2015 will be held from Oct. 17 to 18 at Olympic Park. / Courtesy of Mintpaper

The Grand Mint Festival 2015 (GMF2015) will be held from Oct. 17-18 at Olympic Park.

Having taken place for nine years, the festival will feature about 50 Korean and international artists, including 10cm, Hyuk-oh and Dear Cloud. Re:plus, the jazz hiphop artist group, is coming from Japan as well.

Apart from concerts, special campaign events to highlight the plight of endangered species will be held. This year’s theme is to remember animals in polar regions that have been driven close to extinction by indiscriminate poaching and global warming. The four stages of the festival include the Mint Breeze Stage, Club Midnight Sunset, Loving Forest Garden, and Cafe; Blossom House.

Ticket prices range from 88,000 to 150,000 won and people choose either a one or two day option. For more information, call 1544-1555 or visit www.grandmintfestival.co.kr.

Buddhist Hanging Scroll at Chengryongsa Temple

National Museum of Korea

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 revolution of sorts. Human beings during this time 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.

Sillim-dong Youths. Toil Today, Success Tomorrow

Seoul Museum of History

Sept. 11- Nov. 8

Seoul Museum of History holds an exhibition “Sillim-dong Youths. Toil Today, Success Tomorrow” through Nov. 8. / Courtesy of Seoul Museum of history

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 the state exam.

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.

Sweet Sorrow 10th Anniversary Concert

Olympic Park Olympic Hall

Nov. 13 - Nov. 15

Sweet Sorrow, a male a cappella pop group will hold their 10th anniversary concert at the Olympic Park Olympic Hall from Nov. 13 through Nov. 15. / Courtesy of MUSIC&NEW

Sweet Sorrow, a popular male a cappella pop group will hold a concert to celebrate the group’s 10th anniversary at the Olympic Park Olympic Hall.

They received the grand prize at the 16th Yoo Jae-ha Music Contest in 2004. Sweet Sorrow recently made a remake of “Let’s Make Love” by Fourplay, and will sing OSTs from the movie “Twenty,” drama “The Girl Who Sees Smells” and web drama “Discovery of Love.”

The hall is located near exit 3 of Olympic Park Station, subway line 5 or exit 1 of Mongchontoseong Station, subway line 8. Tickets cost 88,000 to 110,000 won. For more information, call 1544-1555.

SG WANNABE Come Back Concert ‘I WANNA BE IN YOU’

Oct. 9 - Oct. 10

SG WANNABE will hold concerts at Olympic Park Olympic Hall on Oct. 9 and 10 after a long break.

After their debut in 2004, SG WANNABE gained popularity until late 2000s. The group has undergone member changes.

Chae Dong-ha, the former leader of the group withdrew in 2008 and committed suicide in 2011. Lee Seok-hun newly joined the team in 2008 but left the group for mandatory military service and also Kim Yong-jun left.

SG WANNABE went on a temporary break, but Kim Jin-ho kept singing and appeared on TV as a solo singer. Releasing the new album “THE VOICE” on Aug. 19 this year, SG WANNABE started performing together again.

Tickets price 99,000 to 121,000 won. For more information, call 1544-1555 or (02) 6092-3711, 3731.

The Brave Brothers

Hongik Daehangno Art Center

Through Nov. 8

“The Brave Brothers” will be performed through Nov. 8 at Hongik Daehangno Art Center.

Famous comedian Jeong Jun-ha, actor Yoon Hee-suk and Donghyun from Boyfriend will act in the play. The story is about Lee seok-bong and Lee Ju-bong, siblings who had no contact with their father for three years returning to their hometowns after being notified of their father’s death.

Aurora, a beautiful lawyer appears and tells them that their father stipulated that whoever finds his legacy first will take all of the money. The brothers compete to find the inheritance.

The Art Center is located near exit 3 of Hyehwa station, subway line 4. Tickets cost 40,000 to 90,000 won. For more information, call 1666-8662 or visit www.hongikartcenter.com.

Muhan Dongryeok

Daehangno TOM Theatre 1

Through Jan. 3, 2016

The musical “Muhan Dongryeok” will be performed through Jan. 1, 2016 at Daehangno TOM Theatre 1.

The story is about young and discouraged 20 year olds such as Jang Seon-jae who keeps failing to get a job, Kim Sol who has only maintained her living with part time jobs over four years, and Jin Ki-han who pretends to prepare for civil servant bar exam but in reality is addicted to computer games.

They live in a common rent house, and get close together. The musical is a remake version of the web cartoon “Muhan Dongryeok” by Joo Ho-min. The theater is located near exit 1 of Hyehwa Station, subway line 4.

Tickets cost 50,000 to 60,000 won. For more information, call 1544-1555.

La Bayadere

Seoul Arts Center*

Oct. 27-Nov. 1

The Universal Ballet Company will stage a production of French ballet “La Bayadere” in southern Seoul at the Seoul Arts Center from Oct. 27 to Nov. 1.

“La Bayadere” was created by eminent French choreographer Marius Petipa, set to the music of Austrian composer Ludwig Minkus.

First performed by the Mariinsky Ballet in 1877, “La Bayadere” remains ever popular with the ballet community, rendered primarily in two different versions.

Set in a mysterious, make-believe Royal India of the past, “La Bayadere” revolves around the eternal love of Nikiya, a beautiful temple dancer, and Solor, a noble warrior.

Ticket prices range from 10,000 to 120,000 won. For more information, call (070) 7124-1737 or visit www.ucfkorea.com.

‘Onegin’

Nov. 7-8

The Stuttgart Ballet Company will stage a production of “Onegin” in southern Seoul at the Seoul Arts Center from Nov. 7 to 8. It tells the doomed love story of the timid yet charming Tatiana, whose object of affection, Eugene Onegin, cruelly rejects her and instead turns his attentions to Tatiana’s sister, Olga. His idle actions enrage Olga’s fiancé and Onegin’s close and only friend, Lensky, who challenges him to a duel and is promptly killed. After leaving Russia, Onegin returns, many years later, to find that Tatiana, the woman he had heartlessly spurned, has grown into a beautiful and self-possessed woman. Although Onegin vociferously persuades Tatiana to leave her husband, Onegin’s efforts are to no avail, a bittersweet fate that is reminiscent of Tatiana’s pain years prior. Leading ballerina Kang Sue-jin will portray the tragic heroine Tatiana in her final role at the Stuttgart Ballet, while Jason Reilly will play the titular role of Onegin. Ticket prices range from 50,000 to 280,000 won. For more information, call (02) 1577-5266 or visit

www.credia.co.kr.