A photographic exhibition, in English and Korean, on the long history of Czech-Korean contacts opened in March at the Czech Info Center in Castle Praha, Hongdae.
The history of Czech-Korean contacts began when the first Czech set foot in Seoul in 1886. Since then, Czech and Korean history has interconnected many times.
Although the countries are divided geographically, the Czechoslovak Legion, a 60,000-strong army based in the Far East, helped Korean independence activists and fighters between 1918 and 1920.
Through the exhibition, you can also learn more about the period when then Socialist Czechoslovakia was an ardent supporter of North Korea (in the 1950s) until the collapse of the Socialist bloc in 1989 and had no relations with the Republic of Korea.
A significant part of the exhibition is devoted to the flourishing ties of the last two decades, when Czech classical music as well as musicals started appearing on Korean stages, as well as Korean films becoming successful in the Czech Republic.
You can also learn about the successes of Czech Korean studies, which have a 60-year-long tradition, as well as the younger, but flourishing, Czech-language studies in Seoul.
The exhibition will run until May 15, and is open from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays; 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., Wednesdays and Fridays; 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturdays; and closed on Sundays and Mondays. Admission is free.
The Czech Info Center in Castle Praha is quite near the entrance to Hongik University.
To get there, take subway line 6 to Hapjeong, Exit 3 or line 2 to Hongik University Exit 2. Visit https://czechinfo.or.kr and click on Info Center link for a map or for more information, call 02-3143-3148.
At last, spring is finally here. Sanirang Alpine Networks will be offering free top-rope artificial wall climbing clinics to anyone interested in learning the very basics of rock climbing or to those who just want to hang out and have a little fun.
Although instruction is limited to the basics, the ropes will be up and ready for anyone to tie-into and climb. All beginners and not-so beginners are welcome to join.
Clinics will run every Wednesday until mid-June or until the monsoons begin. The free climbing clinics will be in Daechi-dong near Jamsil, Seoul. Clinics will run from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Climbing harnesses, shoes and helmets will be available and free Sanirang Alpine Network T-shirts will be given to those who participate.
All participants must sign a release of liability waiver at the site, and should bring water and a snack, and wear loose fitting clothing that won't constrict movement.
Sanirang Alpine Networks will also be offering a six-week Beginner and Intermediate Sunday Climbing School program starting May 9 to June 13.
For more information, visit https://www.sanirang.net.
The Camarata Music Company (CMC) will be holding its spring concert on May 1, at 7:30 p.m. The concert is at Changshin University, located near the Sheraton Grande Walkerhill Hotel in Seoul, and is complete with choir, orchestra and soloists.
The last concert in December was a major success, with over 1,000 in attendance.
Faure's "Requiem," Durufle's "Requiem" and Rheinberger's "Stabat Mater" will be performed on the night.
CMC aims to provide an opportunity for both Koreans and foreigners to perform classical music together.
CMC is also trying to raise money to establish a music program in local orphanages and low-income areas. Part of the night's proceeds will go toward this project.
Tickets cost 20,000 won and can be purchased by contacting Ryan at goesslry@gmail.com or 010-9006-8655.
You can win two free tickets through Korea4Expats.com. Send your entry, including your full name and cell phone number, to events@korea4expats.com by April 22. The draw will be held April 23.
Visit https://www.camaratamusic.com for more information.
On April 22 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the National Palace Museum of Korea, located inside Gyeongbok Palace, is offering a chance for foreigners to experience Korean royal court life and cuisine.
Participants will learn about various aspects of how Korean royalty lived back in the Joseon Kingdom (1392-1910) and learn how to make traditional royal court dishes.
The class will begin with instruction on how to make royal court dishes, which will be followed by a lunch consisting of the food made in the class. Afterwards, there will be a brief museum tour and a soap making class.
This event is free of charge and if you wish to register, you can do so by email (
), telephone (02-796-2459-60) or by visiting the Itaewon Global Village Center.
If you are finding it hard to meet members of the opposite sex or just want a fun night out, head to Scrooge Pub's Dickens Bar, Itaewon, on April 15.
The Seoul Sisters' Rugby Club is hosting a speed dating event. The first round starts at 8:30 p.m. and the second round at 9:15 p.m.
It costs 10,000 won to take part. To guarantee a spot, pre-register by emailing
or
.