Lifestyle - The Korea Times

Museum displays Buddhist painting

The 13.17-meter-height Buddhist hanging scroll painting is on display at the National Museum of Korea in Seoul through April 26, next year./ Courtesy of National Museum of KoreaBy Baek Byung-yeul In Korea’s Buddhism, which has been an important element of the country’s culture and religion since it arrived here at around 4th century, large Buddhist paintings have been used for outdoor ritualsThe state-run National Museum of Korea (NMK)’s “The Buddhist Hanging Scroll at Gaeamsa Temple” exhibition, featuring precious massive Buddhist scroll painting, is a rare display that gives a fine introduction on Buddhist ritual in the country.On loan from Gaeamsa Temple from Buan, South Jeolla Province, the 13.17-meter-height towering painting, produced in 1749 during Joseon Kingdom period (1392-1910), depicts seven Buddhist deities including triad Buddha (Buddha flanked by two bodhisattvas) in the center.Designated as the country’s National Treasure No. 1269, the five-story-high scroll painting is one of the largest “gwaebul” paintin

Nov 11, 2014

Ahn Jung-geun musical 'Hero' invited to China

Yun Ho-jin, center, producer and director of “Hero,” speaks during a press conference announcing forthcoming performances of the epic musical in China, last Monday. On the left is actor Kang Tae-eul, playing the role of Ahn Jung-geun, and on the right is Park Dong-woo, set designer of “Hero.” / Courtesy of Acom InternationalBy Kwon Mee-yooThe producer of the Korean musical “Hero,” which charts the life of independence fighter Ahn Jung-geun (1879-1910), has been invited to stage the show in Harbin, China. It will be put on stage beginning in December, after the 105th anniversary of the independence activist’s death, which fell on Oct. 26.Acom International, the production company of the musical, said “Hero” will be staged four times at the Children’s Palace Art Center Theatre in Harbin on Dec. 20 and 21. The 900-seat theater is one of the most well furbished theaters in the Chinese city.The show was premiered at Seoul’s LG Arts Center in 2009 and was then taken to New York in 2011, successfully completing

Nov 9, 2014By Kwon Mee-yoo

Ahn Jung-geun musical 'Hero' invited to China

Recycling and reinventing design

From left to right, balls of yarn made from high-end brand sweaters Chloe, Prada and Celine as part of Lernert Engelberts and Sander Plug’s “Last Season” project / Courtesy of Dongdaemun Design PlazaBy Lee Yeon-jooDesign, whether referring to fashion design, graphic design or industrial design, has often been acknowledged as a form of art, pleasing to the eyes. But Dutch designers have offered a multi-dimensional perspective: design does not necessarily have to focus on the aesthetics, but the crude process of reinvention and experimentation demands just as much attention.Works from 15 finalists in the Dutch Design Awards are on display at the Dongdaemun Design Plaza through Nov. 10 as a part of an effort to present some of Netherland’s finest designs. Established in 2003, the Dutch Design Awards have been rewarding talented Dutch designers through a committee of experts in the field.A project titled “Last Season,” by talented Dutch artists Lernert Engelberts and Sander Plug, displays three balls of yarn — a white, sky blue and orange ball, e

Nov 7, 2014

Around Town

Classical Concerts Jose CarrerasSejong Center for Performing Arts*Nov. 22-23Renowned Spanish tenor Jose Carreras will hold a concert at the Sejong Center for Performing Arts on Nov. 22 and 23. / Courtesy of Pop CommunicationSpanish superstar tenor Jose Carreras will perform with the Seoul Festival Symphony Orchestra, conducted by conductor David Gimenez at the Sejong Center for Performing Arts in central Seoul on Nov. 22 and 23. Tickets cost 55,000 to 440,000 won. For more information, call (02) 2038-8727 or visit www.sejongpac.or.kr. Lim Hyung-jooSejong Center for Performing Arts*Nov. 26 Popera tenor and classical crossover singer Lim Hyung-joo will hold a concert at the Sejong Center for Performing Arts on Nov. 26, celebrating the re-release of his 5th studio album “Finally.” He will perform his hits such as “Misty Moon,” “Hope You’ll Be Happy” and “A Thousand Winds.” Tickets cost 60,000 to 120,000 won. For more information, call (02) 2106-2019 or visit www.sejongpac.or.kr. Chung Myung-whunSeoul Art

Nov 6, 2014

Around Town 2

Clubs The OctagonNonhyeon 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 VolumeItaewon 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 MoonApgujeong 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 Galleria department stores in the posh district of Apgujeong. For more information, call (02) 549-5490 or visit www.onceinabluemoon.co.kr. Club AnswerCheongdam&nbs

Oct 31, 2014

Around Town 1

Classical Concerts Chung Myung-whunSeoul Arts Center*Dec. 27 Renowned conductor Chung Myung-whun will hold his very first piano recital at the Seoul Arts Center on Dec. 27. He will play scores from his newly released album “Piano,” which includes Debussy’s “Clair de Lune,” Chopin’s “Nocturne in D Flat Major,” Schumann’s “Arabeske” and Mozart’s “Twelve Variations on ‘Ah, Vous Dirai-Je, Maman,’ K. 265.” Tickets cost 44,000 to 132,000 won. For more information , call (032) 433-4595 or visit www.sac.or.kr. ‘Otello’Seoul Arts Center*Nov. 6-9 The Korea National Opera will perform “Otello,” an opera by G. Verdi based on the original play of William Shakespeare, at the Seoul Arts Center from Nov. 6 to 9 marking the 450th anniversary of Shakespeare’s birth. Tickets cost 30,000 to 150,000 won. For more information, call (02) 586-5282 or visit www.nationalopera.org. Placido DomingoOlympic Park*Nov. 23 Legendary Spanish tenor and baritone Pla

Oct 31, 2014

A comedy marathon in HBC

Brian Aylward, who was called: "Definitely one of the funniest and most talented comedians performing today," by Bill Jackman, owner of the famous Yuk Yuk's Comedy Club in St John’s, Newfoundland, Canada. By David KeelaghanThe world of stand-up comedy is a strange and fascinating place. As exhausting as it is exhilarating, painful as it is triumphant, and where you are surrounded by people, but completely alone all at the same time. As far as occupations go, there are definitely easier ways to make a living ― Sherpa in the Himalayas maybe, removing land mines in Cambodia perhaps, how about fitness instructor for Kim Jong-un? Yes, facing a room full of people with the sole responsibility of making them laugh is a job like no other. It takes a special breed of person, and comics often develop a special kinship only members of their unique tribe can truly understand. Comedians, despite the sad clown cliché that often permeates, also like to have fun; it was that grand ideal that led Canadian stand-up Brian Aylward to engage on a comedy endurance test last Sat

Oct 23, 2014

AROUND TOWN

Classical ConcertsPlacido DomingoOlympic Park*Nov. 23Legendary Spanish tenor and baritone Placido Domingo will hold his solo concert in Korea at the Olympic Park in southern Seoul on Nov. 23 for the first time in five years. He will perform his classic hit scores including “Perhaps Love” and new scores from newly released album, “Encanto Del Mar Mediterranean.” Located near exit 3 of Olympic Park station on subway line 5. Tickets cost 99,000 to 253,000 won. For more information, call 1661-7738 or visit springent.co.kr.‘La Boheme'National Theater of KoreaNov. 21-23 The La Bella Opera Company and the Gyeonggi Provincial Philharmonic Orchestra will stage the classical Puccini opera "La Boheme" at the National Theater of Korea from Nov. 21 to 23. Located near exit 6 of Dongguk Univ. station on subway line 3. Tickets cost 30,000 to 220,000 won. For more information, call (02) 572-6773 or visit www.labellaopera.com.‘Aida 1963'Seoul Arts Center*Nov. 25-30 On the occasion of 130th anniversary of establishment of Korea-Italy diplomatic relations, the r

Oct 23, 2014

Jenkins sheds light on Korean opera talents

The Korea National Opera presents Verdi’s “Otello,” conducted by Graeme Jenkins, in celebration of the 450th anniversary of the birth of Shakespeare at Seoul Arts Center from Nov. 6 to 9. / Courtesy of Korea National OperaConductor Graeme JenkinBy Lee Yeon-jooGiuseppe Verdi’s opera “Otello,” based on English playwright William Shakespeare’s play “Othello,” will be staged at the Opera House of Seoul Arts Center from Nov. 6 to 9 in honor of the 450th anniversary of the birth of Shakespeare.Renowned English conductor Graeme Jenkins, in collaboration with director Stephen Lawless and the Korean Symphony Orchestra, will take on one of Shakespeare’s greatest tragedies.Following a rehearsal session, Jenkins sat down with Korea Times for an interview. Having studied at the University of Cambridge and Royal College of Music, he made his conducting debut with the Dallas Opera in 1992 and became its music director. He worked with the company for 20 years before returning to England.“Othello” tells the story of an evil

Oct 20, 2014

Jenkins sheds light on Korean opera talents

Seo Taiji is back

Seo Taeji performs Saturday at Jamsil Olympic Park.By Kim Ji-sooPop veteran Seo Taiji demonstrated Saturday that he still has what it takes to mesmerize a crowd, responding to fans' anticipation with a long set list, including the new number "Christmalo.win," during a show at Seoul's Jamsil Park. Seo, 42, stood at the center of stage, which was decorated with Jack-o’-lanterns and candy canes as the show began at 7 p.m. As it was his first concert in five years, fans screamed to welcome him. He began with “Moai,” dressed in Little Prince-like fashion, followed by “Sogyeok-dong,” a collaboration with IU. Christmalo.win's beat thumped heavily even to the farthest seats from the stage.  After singing “Bermuda Triangle,” Seo finally spoke to fans.“It’s been a long time,” he said. “It’s good to see all of you here."He continued with some of his biggest hits, including “My Everything,“ and “Come Back Home,” after which he said that he felt less nervous

Oct 18, 2014

Arts & Theater