Lifestyle - The Korea Times

Concerts, Museums and Theater

Classical Concerts Soprano Shin Young-ok’s New Year’s Concert Concert Hall, Seoul Arts Center Jan. 29 Soprano Shin Young-ok presents a New Year’s concert with the Prime Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Yeo Ja-kyung. The concert will feature the overture from Rossini’s “La Gazza Ladra” and Bizet’s “Ouvre Ton Coeur.” Tickets cost from 77,000 to 150,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 529-1923. Located near exits 4 and 5 of Nambu Bus Terminal on subway line 3. Kim Jeong-eun’s Piano Recital Kumho Art Hall Jan. 28 Young pianist Kim Jeong-eun will hold a recital, marking the third of the Kumho Young Artist Concert Series. Kim will play Chopin’s “Barcarolle in F-sharp major, Op.60” and “Polonaise-Fantasie No.7 in A-flat major, Op. 61” in addition to Schumann’s “Papillons, Op.2” and “Fantasiestucke for Piano, Op.12.” Tickets cost from 20,000 to 30,000 won. For more information, visit www.kumhoarthall.com or call (02) 6303-7700. Located near exit 7 of Gwanghwamun Station on subway line 5. Violist Richard Yongjae O’Neill’s Recital

Jan 21, 2010

New President Promises to Refresh Seoul Arts Center

By Lee Hyo-won Staff Reporter Seoul Arts Center (SAC) is determined to revamp itself through renovation projects and quality programs that cater to an international audience, said its newly inaugurated president, Kim Jang-sil, downtown Seoul, Tuesday. The former vice culture minister kicks off his three-year tenure with a three-part plan _ to offer high-quality programs, excellent service and safe, comfortable facilities, he said. ``I am not completely new to the arts and culture field, yet I am not an expert, either, so I will consult others and try my best to do my job,'' said the SAC's 12th president. The center, located in Seocho-dong, southern Seoul, is a complex comprised of concert halls, performing arts theaters, art exhibition halls and a calligraphy museum. It also collaborates with the National Center for Korean Traditional Performing Arts (NCKTPA). Kim promised to improve SAC so it could rival top arts centers around the world, both in infrastructure and content. Major changes are in tow, including refurbishing the Towol Theater, launching a new ticketing

Jan 19, 2010

Natl Opera to Offer Premieres, Outreach Programs

By Lee Hyo-won Staff Reporter The local opera scene has become increasingly vibrant in recent years, and the Korea National Opera (KNO) is determined to add more splashes of color this season by doubling the number of quality productions to reach out to a wider audience. ``I hope opera can be a medium that can deliver happiness to the public, through diverse productions that cater to different groups,'' said KNO director Lee So-jeong in a press meeting, Friday, at Seoul Arts Center. Last year, the KNO gave 95 performances, but with increased government funding, it plans to almost double the number, to 188. With the state grant increased by 3 billion won from last year, plus additional support from corporate and private sponsors, the opera group will operate on a 10 billion won budget. With resources almost doubling those of 2009, it will expand business horizons and offer more outreach-oriented projects, said Lee. The amplified account will naturally feed the quality of productions, said the director. ``As much as the level of Korean operas has improved, as well as the e

Jan 19, 2010

Korea National Ballet Reveals 2010 Lineup

By Han Sang-hee Staff Reporter The Korea National Ballet Company (KNBC) is preparing an eventful year with new lineups, including a debut in one of the leading ballet nations in the world, Russia. ``We had a successful year in 2009, thanks to ballet lovers, and we are seeking more opportunities to perform in Europe this year,'' the troupe's artistic director, Choi Tae-ji, said during a press conference last week. One of the most anticipated events for the troupe this year will be its debut in Russia. While the Bolshoi Ballet plans to visit Korea for a collaboration of ``Raymonda'' by famed choreographer Yuri Grigorovich in September, the KNBC will perform ``Romeo and Juliet'' at the Bolshoi Theater in October in return. This is the first time for the Russian theater to invite foreign dancers to star in a major work. The performance was organized to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Korea-Russia diplomatic ties. Meanwhile, the national troupe will stage seven performances this year, more than the five staged in 2009. Along with the usual repertories, including

Jan 18, 2010

Yi to Mark 10th Anniversary

By Chung Ah-young Staff Reporter The play "Yi," better known by its film version, "The King and the Clown," will hit the stage at Seoul Arts Center next month to mark the 10th anniversary of its premiere. First staged in 2000, the work written by Kim Tae-woong revolves around the relationship between Yeonsan, a tyrant king of the Joseon Kingdom (1392-1910), and his favorite court jester, Gong-gil, and clown leader, Jang-saeng. The story touches upon the homosexual relationship between the king and the clown, who is portrayed as possessing feminine qualities while also holding onto deep sorrow. After sweeping major theatrical awards in 2000, the play was adapted into the film version in 2005, coming into the spotlight again with enormous success. To celebrate its 10th anniversary, original cast members such as Kim Nae-ha, Chung Seok-yong and Lee Seung-hun, who have performed in the play over the past decade, will join the revival performance. Celebrated actor Oh Man-seok, who has taken the role of Gong-gil four times from 2000 to 2006, will return as the clown.

Jan 17, 2010

Dance Troupe to Mix Three Famous Works

By Han Sang-hee Staff Reporter The Ahn Ae-soon Dance Company is putting on three of its best works in a single performance called ``Root, Empty Space and One Second'' this month. Being one of the leading modern dance troupes in the country, the company will stage ``Root'' (1983), ``Empty Space'' (1994) and ``One Second'' (2004) for those seeking to explore the world of choreographer Ahn and modern dance. The performance is aimed at highlighting Ahn's interpretation of Korean modern dance: how it evolved, developed and how she brought her own insights to everyday movements. ``In this regard, this particular performance is a journey that studies the backbone and change of Korean modern dance, along with the history of Ahn and her company,'' the troupe said in a statement. There have been four versions of ``Root'' since it debuted in 1983, and Ahn is creating the fifth ― ``Root V.'' Through dramatic movements, the work focuses on the environment's struggle to maintain itself in the busy and ignorant world. ``Empty Space,'' first staged 16 year ago, revolves ar

Jan 17, 2010

Masterpieces From Philadelphia in Seoul

By Cathy Rose A. Garcia Staff Reporter In recent years, several high-profile retrospectives of Claude Monet, Vincent Van Gogh, Pablo Picasso and Pierre Auguste Renoir have brought their artworks to Seoul. Now, the ``Monet to Picasso'' exhibition gathers selected masterpieces from these European greats and more at the Hangaram Art Museum, Seoul Arts Center, southern Seoul. Some 96 paintings, drawings and sculptures, reflecting a range of 19th and 20th century art in Europe and U.S., from the Philadelphia Museum of Art in Pennsylvania have traveled to Seoul for the first time. The museum, which opened in 1877 and is one of the largest in the U.S., has been endowed with an impressive collection of landscapes, portraits and figure studies by French Impressionist and Post-Impressionist painters. Among the masterpieces now in Seoul are Monet's ``Marine View with a Sunset,'' Pierre Renoir's ``Grand Boulevards,'' Van Gogh's ``Still Life with Bouquet of Daisies,'' Picasso's ``Woman and Children'' and Henri Matisse's ``Yellow Odalisque.'' The Seoul exhibition is divid

Jan 15, 2010

Clubs, Art Exhibitions & Sports Games

Clubs Underlounge Seoul Hongdae or Hongik University Area This is the local club of a hip Japanese chain that’s also to be found in Shanghai. Located in the famous clubbing area, Hongdae, it’s all flashy with loud music and lights. Spacious, with a supersized crystal ball hanging over your head, DJs from near and far make music while you can hang out at the bar or classy private rooms. Located near the main entrance of Hongik Univ. Call (02) 325-5715 or visit www.underlounge.kr. Club M2 Hongdae M2 features top DJs from home and abroad. The dance floor and the DJ are in the center of the club, which attracts a trendy crowd along with models and celebrities. Packed on the weekends. Check www.ohoo.net. Cafe Mou Sinsa-dong This cafe has a rich ethnic interior that mixes inspirations that its owner got from travels to such places as Morocco and France. Its menu is limited, but features desserts. It’s located at the edge of Dosan Park. 650-9 Park View Building, Sinsa-dong, Gangnam, near the Cine City Theater in Apgujeongdong. Call (02) 3444-6069. Pla

Jan 14, 2010

Museums Unfold Their 2010 Calendars

By Chung Ah-young Staff Reporter Korea’s museums will be busier than ever this year as the nation marks the 100th anniversary of Japan’s annexation of Korea and the 60th anniversary of the outbreak of the Korean War (1950-53). To commemorate these historical events, the state-run museums are planning to hold special exhibitions featuring the anniversary themes. Also, various intriguing blockbuster exhibitions are awaiting visitors. National Museum of Korea The National Museum of Korea will present a total of 135 relics, including the ``Greek Discus Thrower,’’ in its ``Greek Civilization Exhibition’’ from May 1 to Aug. 29 as part of its world civilizations series. Priceless treasures loaned from the British Museum will showcase Greek life and culture. In October, the museum will hold a special exhibition featuring Goryeo Buddhist paintings, one of the biggest events of this year. The Buddhist paintings of the highest artistic value will be loaned from Japanese organizations and individual holders for the exhibition. Among some 80 Buddhist paintings which will go on ex

Jan 13, 2010

Jogye Order Chief Stresses Communication

By Han Sang-hee Staff Reporter The Most Venerable Ja Seung, the head of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, promised a year of expanding the Buddhist faith to the public through communication and harmony. ``The year 2010 reminds us of many things, including the Japanese invasion, the Korean War and the 4/19 Student Movement, which are heartbreaking memories. On the other hand, it also brings promise and development, especially with the upcoming G20 summit. As the 33rd executive director of the Jogye Order, I am expecting once again to open a new door for Korean Buddhism,'' Ven. Ja Seung said during a press conference at Jogye Temple, Tuesday. In the New Year's ``balwon,'' or pledge made to Buddha to guide the people, ``Buddhism through Communication and Harmony,'' the Order announced three key policies: ``Enhancing Meditation Practices,'' ``Reviving Buddhism through Education and Missionary Work'' and ``Social Communication and the Realizing of Seon.'' Korean Buddhism mostly focuses on meditation. However, this had made it difficult for the public, and even Buddhists

Jan 12, 2010

Arts & Theater