Around Town 1

Yo-Yo Ma will come to Seoul on Sept. 8 to perform the Bach suites./Courtesy of Credia

Classical Concerts

Hyosung Culture Series 6: Yo-Yo Ma Bach Project
Olympic Park
Sept. 8

One of the world's most famous cellists Yo-Yo Ma will be coming to Seoul as part of his Bach Project in which he will travel to 36 different locations around the world to play the Bach suites. Ma grew up in a musical family with his mother being a singer and his father a violinist. Recognized for his incredible talent, Ma was accepted into the Juilliard School and later studied at Harvard College. He not only plays classical music but has also extended his repertoire to include American bluegrass and traditional Chinese pieces among others. He has an extensive studio list with almost 100 recordings under his belt and has won 19 Grammy Awards.
Tickets cost 40,000 won to 100,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 1544-1555.

Beautiful Thursday Concert Series: Alexei Lubimov
Kumho Art Hall Yonsei
Sept. 26

The Kumho Art Hall is featuring a performer every Thursday to spread classical music culture in Korea. Pianist Alexei Lubimov from Russia will be one of the next performers featured in this series. He studied music at the Moscow Conservatory and is known for his passion in baroque and 20th century modern works. He has performed with world-renowned ensembles like the London Philharmonic and the Russian National Orchestra. At this concert, he will play works by Mozart.
Tickets cost 80,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 1544-1555.

Big Tickets

Wiz Khalifa Live in Seoul
KSPO Dome
Sept. 7

Wiz Khalifa is an American artist who debuted in 2006. From his debut album "Show and Prove" which sold over 10,000 copies, Wiz Khalifa has received great popularity. In 2010, his single "Black and Yellow" hit number one on the Billboard Hot 100 list. He has released seven studio albums and has also featured in several films. Wiz Khalifa has won several Billboard Music Awards and has been nominated for many Grammy Awards. At this concert he will be joined by guest artists Joey Badass and Rejjie Snow. This concert is for audience members ages 19 and up.
Tickets cost 99,000 won to 110,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 1544-1555.

BTS World Tour 'Love Yourself: Speak Yourself'
Jamsil Sports Complex
Oct. 26

As the final leg of its "Love Yourself: Speak Yourself" World Tour, BTS will be performing in Seoul. The seven-member group first debuted in 2013 and instantly gained attention for its synchronized choreography and hip-hop-influenced music that touched upon societal issues. The group has reached international fame, with over 15 million albums sold. They reached No.1 on the Billboard 200 chart three times in a year, a feat that only two other groups have ever achieved in history. The group was also the first K-pop group to be nominated for a Grammy Award and speak at the United Nations, both huge milestones for the Korean music industry.
Tickets cost 110,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 1544-1555.

Shawn Mendes: The Tour
KSPO Dome
Sept. 25

Canadian singer Shawn Mendes will be visiting Korea as part of his world tour. He released his first studio album in 2015, but had gained significant attention before that for his cover songs. So far he has released three studio albums and headlined three world tours, with this one being his fourth. He has won many prestigious music awards including at the American Music Awards, the Billboard Live Music Awards and the Canadian Radio Music Awards, and has been nominated for several Grammy Awards.
Tickets cost 99,000 won to 143,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 1544-1555.

Pop and Jazz

The Chainsmokers Live in Seoul
KSPO Dome
Sept. 6

The Chainsmokers is a two-member production team from the United States with members Alexander Pall and Andrew Taggart. Formed in 2012, the group reached massive popularity with the single "#Selfie" and since then has skyrocketed to world fame with the singles, "Roses," "Don't Let Me Down" and "Closer." The group has released two studio albums so far and is to release their third later this year. They have gone on two world tours and have won many prestigious awards in the music industry such as a Grammy Award and a few Billboard Awards.
Tickets cost 77,000 won to 99,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 1544-1555.

This musical will be showing at Chungmu Arts Center until Oct. 20./ Courtesy of SEM Company

Plays & Musicals

City of Angels
Chungmu Arts Center
Until Oct. 20

Set in Hollywood in the 1940s, "City of Angels" is a musical with two simultaneous storylines, one in reality, the other within a film. Stine is a young writer who has been assigned to write a screenplay for a mystery drama film. The musical follows his journey while at the same time showing the screenplay. The vibrant Hollywood reality juxtaposes with the black-and-white detective film, making for an exciting and dynamic musical storyline. The musical debuted on Broadway in 1989 and has won numerous awards such as the Tony Awards.
Tickets cost 60,000 won to 140,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 1544-1555.

Cyrano
Kwanglim Arts Center
Until Oct. 13

"Cyrano" the musical is based on the 1897 book by Edmond Rostand. It takes place in Paris in the 17th century and is about Cyrano, an extremely talented poet. Cyrano is in love with Roxane, a beautiful woman, but has a rival suitor, Christian, who is also Cyrano's friend. Christian does not realize Cyrano's affection for Roxane, and turns to him for help in using words to court her. The musical hit Broadway for the first time in 1973 and has since then been a well-loved show for audiences around the world.
Tickets cost 60,000 won to 140,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 1544-1555.

This musical is playing at the LG Arts Center this summer./Courtesy of Seen See Company

Mamma Mia!
LG Arts Center
Until Sept. 14

Well-loved musical "Mamma Mia!" will hit the Korean stage this summer. A musical based on the songs of legendary group ABBA, the musical includes hits such as "Dancing Queen," "The Winner Takes it All," and "Take a Chance on Me." It was adapted into a film in 2008, which was also widely popular. The plot revolves around Sophie, who is getting married but does not know who her birth father is. By delving into the story of three of her mother's past loves, Sophie learns more about her mother and her possible birth fathers. The Korean cast includes Luna and Lee Su-bin as Sophia as well as Choi Jung-won and Shin Young-sook as Donna.
Tickets cost 60,000 won to 140,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 1544-1555.

Marie Antoinette
D-Cube Arts Center
Aug. 24 to Nov. 17

This musical first hit the stage in Japan in 2006 and is based on an original story by Shusaku Endo. It was adapted into a musical by lyricist Michael Kunze and composer Sylvester Levay. The story revolves around two women, the queen of France and a poor woman named Margrid Arnaud. Taking place in the late 18th century, the musical shows how the French Revolution drastically changed the status of these two women. Marie Antoinette will be played by Kim So-hyun and Sophie Kim, while Margrid Arnaud will be played by Chang Eun-ah and Kim Yeon-ji.
Tickets cost 70,000 won to 150,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 1544-1555.

Dance

Korean National Ballet: Evening Gala
Seoul Arts Center
Sept. 27-29

Formed in 1962, the Korean National Ballet was the nation's first professional ballet company. Since 1962, they have performed all over the country as well as internationally to spread ballet culture in Korea and showcase the nation's talented dancers to the world. The company's repertoire includes classics like "Swan Lake," "The Nutcracker," and "Giselle," while also incorporating several original performances such as "Prince Hodong." At this performance, they will perform "Forgotten Land," "Sechs Tanze" and "Gods and Dogs" in a ballet celebration titled Evening Gala.
Tickets cost 30,000 won to 50,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 1544-1555.

Traditional

Saturday Performances
National Gugak Center
Throughout 2019

Every Saturday at 3 p.m., the National Gugak Center holds a performance showcasing traditional Korean music and dance. This series will take place all throughout 2019. Each week the series will exhibit the works of various gugak artists. Performances throughout the month of August will include the piri, pansori and sanjo. There will also be a traditional fan dance at the end of the month.
Tickets cost 10,000 won to 20,000 won. For more information, visit www.gugak.go.kr or call (02)-580-3300.

Umyunsan Music Festival
National Gugak Center
Until Sept. 7

This summer the National Gugak Center is putting on weekly performances for audiences to enjoy traditional Korean music and dance culture. Several performances so far have included features from the Contemporary Gugak Orchestra and The Greatest Masque, with upcoming performers being Stone Jazz, the Seoul Performing Arts Company and SE:UM, to name a few. Prior to performances, there will be traditional Korean games for audiences to enjoy and further immerse themselves into Korean traditions.
Admission is free. For more information, visit gugak.go.kr or call (02)-580-3300.

Clubs

Club Octagon
Nonhyeon

Located near the New Hilltop Hotel in Nonhyeon, Club Octagon is notable for its stylish interiors and elite clientele. The club features a performance stage, lounge bar and dining area and is the perfect place to unwind on a night out after work or on the weekend. It is near exit 4 of Hakdong Station on Line 7. For more information, call (02) 516-8847.

Club Globe Lounge
Itaewon

Club Globe Lounge is famous among women looking for a place to throw birthday parties or enjoy a light dinner. From 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., it serves as a bar, changing into a club after 10 p.m. Every Thursday, Club Globe Lounge has a Happy Hour buffet for guests. Club Globe Lounge is located near the Hamilton Hotel by exit 2 of Itaewon Station on Line 6. For more information, call (02) 792-1127.

Club Evans
Hongik University

Club Evans is a live music club that has served as a platform for emerging jazz artists for a decade. It also operates jazz recording studios, where it produces albums for many local jazz artists, and a jazz academy. Club Evans holds jazz concerts and music sessions every Monday and Tuesday. Opening at 7:30 p.m., Club Evans is located near exit 1 of Sangsu Station on Line 6. For more information, visit clubevans.com or call (02) 337-8361.

Once in a Blue Moon
Apgujeong

Once in a Blue Moon, one of the best-known jazz clubs in the city, 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 Store in Apgujeong. For more information, visit onceinabluemoon.co.kr or call (02) 549-5490.

Club Vibe
Cheongdam

Cheongdam brings to partygoers its latest club, opened on Aug. 24, 2018. Its new facilities have a modern vibe. The club plays both EDM and hip-hop music and has already had a guest performance by trending hip-hop artist Sik-K at its opening party. Visit fb.com/official.clubvibe for more information.