Global Community

Expat Shakespeare company to hold auditions

By John Redmond Seoul Shakespeare Company (SSC) will hold auditions for their spring 2012 main stage production, William Shakespeare's final masterpiece “The Tempest” on the weekend of Jan. 14 and 15 in Itaewon. Taking place between 2 and 5 p.m. on Saturday and midday till 2 p.m. Sunday, the auditions will be held at the Camarata Music Company rehearsal space in Haebangchon, Seoul. The company is looking for dancers, musicians, and actors of all ages, colors and stripes. “The Tempest” is set on a remote island, where Prospero, the exiled Duke of Milan, plots to restore his daughter Miranda to her rightful place, using illusion and skillful manipulation. “Hidden amidst reality, it is a tale woven of fantastical imagination. Prospero, a sorcerer and the rightful Duke of Milan, dwells on an enchanted isle with his daughter, Miranda. Twelve years earlier, the duke's brother, Antonio, and Alonso, the King of Naples, conspired to usurp his throne. They set Prospero and Miranda adrift in a boat, and they eventually found themselves marooned on the island. “Prospero

Dulsori to give percussion performance

Dulsori will give a percussion performance to be held on two nights at the National Theater, Seoul beginning Dec. 29. To be held in the DAL Theater, Dulsori, an exuberant Korean percussion group which has toured 52 countries to date, is culminating its tour with a celebration performance of its vibrant well-wishing BINARI. Dulsori is music ensemble, founded in 1984, based on Korean musical tradition aiming to promote Korean music to the world. The performances start at 7:30 p.m. and tickets cost 50,000 won (VIP) and 40,000 won. The National Theater of Korea is located near Itaewon. Take Subway to Dongguk University station on Line 3 (stop 332) exit 6 or take a shuttle bus at exit 2 (shuttle buses available for all performances except for those that are free). Telephone 02- 2280-4114.

Countdown Seoul 2012 to be held in Times Square

The Countdown Seoul 2012 will take place at Times Square at the Yeongdongpo Station area on Dec. 31. Beginning in the early evening, a festival will kick off with 20 performances of different artists and bands culminating in Seoul's biggest countdown event. For New Year's Eve 2012, Time Square, the by-day shopping mall, will transform into a big party space with several stages and lounge areas. Last year, thousands of balloons rained down from the ceiling, but this year the event will be even bigger, better and more exciting. “At Countdown 2012, you will have the opportunity to see the most exciting artists of 2011 as well as some of next year's most anticipated artists, including UV, Breakbot, So Me, Housse de racket, Autumn Vacation, 3rd Line Butterfly, Goonamguayeoridingstella, Mongoose, The Freaks, One Punch and Summer Here Kids. Also in the line-up are 80KIDZ and DJs like DJ Silent (played at the French Horn Rebellion show at Rolling Hall), Sonyeon, Taz, Cho!ong, Qloro and Xanexx (from Xanexx music),” a press release said. Tickets cost 77,000 won (presale) or 99

Exciting places to celebrate Year of dragon

By John Redmond For many expats who have decided to stay in Korea rather than take a well earned break in a warmer climate, or return home to spend time with loved ones, the peninsula offers a wealth of breathtaking New Year’s Eve and sunrise views, including Seoul. The Acha Mountain Sunrise Festival is the first place where Seoulites can see the sun rise from 7 a.m. to 8: 15 a.m. Take the subway to Gwangnaru Station on line 5 and leave from exit 1. Follow the winding path up the hill for about 15 minutes till you reach the Sunrise Plaza. For more information, contact gwangjin.go.kr or call 02-450-1300. The Heaven Park Sunrise Festival is a yearly event in Mapo-gu near the World Cup Stadium on line 6 exit 2 from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. For more information, contact mapo.go.kr or call 02-3153-8354. The Gaehwa Mountain Sunrise Festival will take place from 6:30 a.m. to 8:10 a.m. Exit Banghwa Station (line 5). Visit gangseo.seoul.kr or call 02-2600-6071. Also in Seoul people can get views from Mt. Nam in front of the Namsan Octagonal Pavilion. Visit junggu.seoul.kr. Gangwon Pro

(554) Gangnam U-health Park (I)

(553) Gift giving

(552) Staying warm

(551) Korea Cultural House (KOUS) (II)

Wolfhound to present Turkey dinner buffet

The Wolfhound pub in Itaewon will present a special Christmas buffet on Dec. 25 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. The “All-you-can-eat-Christmas-Turkey-Dinner” includes salads, soups, breads, baguettes, turkey, sausages, meatballs, salmon, shrimp, bulgogi, chicken curry, mashed potato, potato wedges, fried rice, mixed vegetables, stuffing, cranberry sauce, chocolate mousse and pudding. “The head chef and his team will be putting on a serious spread,” said manager Wayne Gould. Tickets cost 40,000 won per person (drinks not included) and reservations are prepaid and assigned seating only. The Wolfhound is near Itaewon subway station. From exit 4, walk down the street away from the Hamilton Hotel and go down the first alley on your right (which is the alley across from Taco Bell). The Wolfhound is about 20 meters down on the right on the 2nd and 3rd floors.

Chocolate world tour exhibition opens

Chocolate, The Exhibition, opened the Seoul leg of its world tour at V-Gallery, Seoul Arts Center (SAC) on Dec. 12. Running through March 3, 2012, this exhibition that originally began at Chicago’s Field Museum will highlight the fact that chocolate is not only delicious, it’s full of history. “From the first discovery of cacao beans and their use as an offering to the gods in South America to its sweeping effect in Europe and the mass production of chocolate, you’ll learn how chocolate’s influence has changed the world.” V gallery hours are from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. SAC is located in Seocho-dong across the Banpo Bridge from Itaewon. Drive across the Banpo Bridge and keep going straight to the end of the road. The Seoul Arts Center is in front of you. Turn left and then make an immediate right to get into the parking lot. Or take the Subway to Nambu Bus Terminal Station on Line 3 (stop 341). Go out exit 4 /5 and walk about 15-20 minutes or take a taxi. Taking the bus is another option: Shuttle bus No. 12 or regular bus No. 4429 are some of the options. Parking is