Classical Concerts
Suh Hai-kyung's `Night and Dream'
Seoul Arts Center
Feb. 21
World-renowned pianist Suh Hai-kyung hosts her recital ``Night and Dream.'' She will offer various classic works including Barcarolle, Wiegenlied and Nocturne. Tickets cost from 20,000 won to 80,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 3461-0976. Located near exits 4 and 5 of Nambu Bus Terminal on subway line 3.
Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra New Year's Concert
Sejong Center for the Performing Arts
Jan. 2
Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra led by Chung Myung-whun will perform Beethoven piece, Symphony No. 9 in d minor, Op. 125 ``Choral.'' Soprano Cho Kyung-hwa, mezzo-soprano Yang Song-mi, tenor Park Sung-kyu and bass baritone Sonn Hye-soo will join as special guests. Tickets cost from 10,000 won to 50,000 won. For more information, visit www.sejongpac.or.kr or call (02) 399-1111. Located near exit 3 of City Hall Station on subway line 1 and 2, or exit 1 and 8 of Gwanghwamun Station on subway line 5.
Vienna Boys Choir's New Year Concert
Sejong Center for the Performing Arts
Jan. 22
The Vienna Boys Choir, one of the best-known choirs in the world, is having a New Year concert in Seoul. Tickets cost from 30,000 won to 100,000 won. For more information, visit www.credia.co.kr or call (02) 751-9606-10. Located near exit 3 of City Hall Station on subway line 1 and 2, or exit 1 and 8 of Gwanghwamun Station on subway line 5.
Song Young-hoon & Andrius Zlabys Concert
Seongnam Arts Center
March 15
Cellist Song Young-hoon and pianist Andrius Zlabys will offer classic pieces of Rachmaninoff and Shostakovich. It's the first time for the two artists to be performing together for local fans. Tickets cost from 22,000 won to 66,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 2658-3546. Located near exit 1 of Imae Station on the Bundang subway line.
Vienna Strauss Festival Orchestra New Year Concert
Seoul Arts Center
Jan. 20
The Vienna Strauss Festival Orchestra will hold a New Year concert with internationally renowned popera singer Rose Jang. Tickets cost from 30,000 won to 120,000 won. For more information, visit www.vincero.co.kr or call (02) 599-5743. Located near exits 4 and 5 of Nambu Bus Terminal on subway line 3.
Kim Sung-hee Piano Recital
Seoul Arts Center
Jan. 31
Korean pianist Kim Sung-hee will offer various tunes including those by R. Schumann and J. Brahms. All tickets cost 10,000 won. For more information, call (02) 585-2934~6. Located near exits 4 and 5 of Nambu Bus Terminal on subway line 3.
Beethoven Virus Live
Sejong Center for the Performing Arts
Jan. 11
Conductor Seo Hee-tae is to perform ``Beethoven Virus in Live,'' based on the hit TV drama ``Beethoven Virus.'' World-renowned pianist Suh Hai-kyung and mezzo-soprano Lee A-kyung join as special guests. Tickets range from 33,000 won to 77,000 won. For more information, call 02-548-8690. Located near exit 3 of City Hall Station on subway line 1 and 2, or exit 1 and 8 of Gwanghwamun Station on subway line 5.
Opera `Le Nozze di Figaro'
Art Theater, Korea National University of Arts
Dec. 25- 30
The National Opera of Korea has prepared Mozart's Le Nozze di Figaro. This is the first of the University Tour Opera Series. Tickets cost from 30,000 won to 90,000 won. For more information, call 1544-1555. Located near exits 1 of Sinimun on subway line 1.
New Year's Eve Concert 2008
Seoul Arts Center
Dec. 31
The Gangnam Symphony Orchestra, led by Laurent Petitgirard, will present New Year's Eve Concert 2008. Join pianist Lee Yong-gyu, cellist Yang Sung-won and popera singer Rose Jang and listen to their beautiful harmonies. Tickets cost from 40,000 won to 70,000 won. For more information, call (02) 580-1300. Located near exits 4 and 5 of Nambu Bus Terminal on subway line 3.
Lim Hyung-joo Christmas Recital
Sejong Center for the Performing Arts
Dec. 30
Popera tenor Lim Hyung-joo hosts this special Christmas recital. With the Korean Post Chamber Orchestra, Lim will present spiritual songs as well as his new ones. Tickets cost from 50,000 won to 130,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call 1544-1887. Located near exit 3 of City Hall Station on subway line 1 and 2, or exit 1 and 8 of Gwanghwamun Station on subway line 5.
Big Tickets
Ton Koopman & Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra
Seongnam Arts Center
March 6
World-renowned conductor Ton Koopman will perform for his Korean fans with the Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra & Choir. Tickets cost from 40,000 won to 120,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call (031) 783-8000. Located near exit 1 of Imae Station on the Bundang subway line.
X Japan World Tour in Seoul
Gymnastic Stadium, Olympic Park
March 21- 22
Japanese band X Japan comes to Korea with their constantly astounding music. Tickets cost from 66,000 won to 165,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call 1544-1555. Located near exit 3 of Olympic Park Station in subway line 5.
Placido Domingo Recital
Gymnastic Stadium, Olympic Park
Jan. 13
World-renowned tenor Placido Domingo will bring some of his favorite songs, including numbers from operas, musicals and even Korean traditional songs. Tickets cost from 120,000 won to 250,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 751-9606-10. Located near exits 4 and 5 of Nambu Bus Terminal on subway line 3.
Ne-Yo Concert
Olympic Hall, Olympic Park
Jan. 11
American pop and R&B singer Ne-Yo is coming back to Korea. The singer included Korea in his tour after the warm and passionate welcome he received during his performance back in April this year. This will be another great chance to watch the 31-year-old perform with his dancers and backup singers. Tickets cost from 77,000 won to 110,000 won. For more information, visit www.interpark.com or call 1544-1555. Located near exit 3 of Olympic Park Station in subway line 5.
Alegria
Jamsil Sports Complex
Open run
Canadian circus group Cirque du Soleil is staging Alegria for Korean fans. Meaning Joy in Spanish, Alegria is a more upbeat show than the troupe's previous performance, Quidam. For more information, visit www.cirquedusoleil.co.kr or call (02) 541-3150. Located near exits 6 and 7 of Sports Complex Station on subway line 2.
Museums
The Time of Seoul
The National Palace Museum of Korea
Through Feb. 1
To mark the 60th anniversary of the founding of the nation, the museum presents a collection of rare items that express Korean modern history. This exhibition displays 50 photographs by Lim In-sik (1920-98), a photographer and Korean War veteran. Located near exit 5 of Gyeongbokgung Station on subway line 3.
The Royal Ceramics of the Goryeo Dynasty
The National Museum of Korea
Through Feb. 15
The collection of royal ceramics from the Goryeo Kingdom (918-1392) unearthed from royal tombs includes 290 highly valuable Goryeo celadon pieces, including four national treasures. Many other royal celadon pieces from Goryeo dating back to the 12th and early 13th centuries are also on display. Located near exit 2 of Ichon Station on subway line 4.
Alive Gallery
Sports Complex
Open run
Enjoy some of the best-known frescos, paintings and sculptures at Alive Gallery. The gallery offers a memorable experience in which pieces move and describe themselves as if they were alive. Tickets cost 17,000 won. Located near exits 6 and 8 of Sports Complex Station on subway line 2.
Dance
Lee Won-guk's Ballet Concert
Changjo Art Center
Through Feb. 23
Every Monday, Lee Won-guk's Ballet Company will offer a special chance to enjoy romantic ballet moves. This concert offers Love Serenade, Spartacus, Tchaikovsky pas de deux, and Zorba. All tickets cost 30,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 764-4444. Located near exit 4 of Hyehwa Station on subway line 4.
Sachoom
Sachoom Theater
Open Run
Sachoom is a Korean abbreviation of Dance When You Are in Love. Experience various dance moves, ranging from hip-hop and modern to traditional. Tickets cost from 25,000 won to 50,000 won. For more information, visit www.lovedance.co.kr or call (02) 3676-7617. Located near exit 5 of Anguk Station on subway line 3.
Ballerina Who Loved a B-Boy
B-Boy Theater, Hongik University
Open Run
With a reenergized cast and storyline, this entertaining story of a ballerina who falls hopelessly in love with the world of hip-hop is now on stage near Hong-ik University. Tickets cost from 30,000 won to 50,000 won. For more information, visit www.sjbboyz.com or call (02) 323-5233.
Break Out
Break Out Theater
Open Run
Having drawn attention at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe last year, Break Out features B-boy performances along with comedy. Tickets cost from 40,000 won to 50,000 won. For more information, visit www.breakout.co.kr or call (02) 722-3995. Located near exit 15 of Jongno 3-ga Station on subway lines 1, 3 and 5.
Pop and Jazz
Yoon Sang Concert `Play with Him'
Peace Hall, Kyung Hee University
Jan. 10
Famous Korean musician Yoon Sang is back from his studies and will hold a concert to mark the release of his new album, ``Song Book.'' Singers You Hee-yeol and Kim Dong-ryul will join as special guests. Tickets cost from 55,000 won to 88,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call 1544-1555. Located near Hoegi Station on subway line 1.
New Year Rock Festival
Rolling Hall
Dec. 31
Famous Korean rock bands Prana, Nobrain, Doctor Core 911, Vanilla Unity, Eve and TransFixion, and Japanese Rock groups Gakido and Haku Ryu will join together to hold a rock festival for local fans. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 3446-3226. Located near exit 1 of Sangsu Station on subway line 6.
Chick Corea & John Mclaughlin Five Peace Band Concert
Grand Hall, Ewha Womans University
Jan. 31
World-renowned jazz musicians Chick Corea, John Mclaughlin, Christian Mcbride, Kenny Garrett and Brian Blade will hold a joint concert titled ``Five Peace Band Concert.'' For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 2644-9604. Located near exit 2 or 3 Ewha Womans Univ. Station on subway line 2
Jason Mraz Live in Seoul
Olympic Hall, Olympic Park
Feb. 21
American singer-songwriter Jason Mraz is holding a concert to celebrate his nomination of the Grammy Awards. The Seoul performance will be the start of his world tour. Tickets cost from 66,000 won to 88,000 won. For more information, visit www.musicalpark.com or call 1544-1555. Located near exit 4 of Apgujeong Station on subway line 3.
Ronn Branton Valentine Concert
Jang Cheon Art Hall
Feb. 14
American Jazz Musician Ronn Branton will hold a romantic jazz concert for Valentine's Day. Saxophonist Kenji Omae will join as a special guest. Tickets cost from 20,000 won to 50,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call 010-3817-7214. Located near exit 3 of Olympic Park Station on subway line 5.
The Swell Season Live in Seoul
Sejong Center for the Performing Arts
Jan. 17- 18
The stars of the hit film Once, Glen Hansard and Markleta Irglova, are having a concert in Seoul. They will perform their signature acoustic songs from the film, such as If you want me and Falling Slowly. Tickets cost from 33,000 won to 99,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 563-0595. Located near exit 3 of City Hall Station on subway line 1 and 2, or exit 1 and 8 of Gwanghwamun Station on subway line 5.
Scream World Tour Travis Live in Seoul
Olympic Hall, Olympic Park
March 1
Alternative rock band Travis returns to Korea for a concert. With new songs like ``Smith'' and ``Something Anything,'' the band will entertain fans with their distinctive and stylish sounds. Tickets cost from 66,000 won to 88,000 won. For more information, visit www.interpark.com or call (02) 3444-9969. Located near exit 3 of Olympic Park Station on subway line 5.
Lena Park and Alex's Sweet December Concert
Fencing Stadium, Olympic Park
Dec. 30-31
R&B singers Lena Park and Alex are holding a concert titled Sweet December. The two will become love messengers by offering a romantic evening full of beautiful love songs. Tickets cost from 40,000 won to 99,000 won. For more information, visit www.interpark.com or call 1544-1555. Located near exit 3 of Olympic Park Station in subway line 5.
Plays & Musicals
Encore The Old Thieves' Story
Wonder Space
Through Jan. 4
One of Daehangno's best-selling plays is returning to the stage. After spending many years in prison, two old thieves decide to rob an art gallery. However, the clumsy thieves get caught and go through strict, yet strange tests aimed at finding the true mastermind behind the burglary. Tickets cost 35,000 won. For more information, visit www.idsartcenter.co.kr or call (02) 766-6007, 741-3391. Located near exit 1 of Hyehwa Station on subway line 4.
Our Joyful Young Days
Doosan Arts Center
Through Dec. 31
The life of Lee Sang, a great poet from 1930s Gyeongseong (Seoul's name during the Japanese colonial period), comes to the stage via the play Our Joyful Young Days. Tickets cost 25,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 708-5001. Located near exit 1 of Jongno 5-ga Station on subway line 5.
Doctor Irabus Episode 1
Star City Theater
Through March 1
Dr. Irabu is a character from the Japanese best selling novel by Okuda Hideo. Winner of the Naoki Literature Prize, the play offers several obsessive-compulsives on the stage, satirizing modern society. Tickets cost 25,000 won. For more information, visit club.cyworld.com/tobe2005 or call (02) 744-7304. Located near exit 3 of Hyehwa Station on subway line 4.
Zanna, Don't
Theater M, Sejong Arts Center
Feb. 7~ March 1
Musical ``Zanna, Don't'' delivers a serious message about sexual minorities and true love. It will also bring hearty laughs to the audience. Tickets cost from 40,000 won to 60,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call 1544-1555. Located near exit 3 of City Hall Station on subway line 1 and 2, or exit 1 and 8 of Gwanghwamun Station on subway line 5.
Hamlet
Theater S
Open Run
The classic musical Hamlet, based on the play by William Shakespeare, has returned. The Korean version added powerful and dynamic movements to the performance, and recently gained its own license. Tickets cost from 44,000 won to 66,000 won. For more information, visit www.musicalhamlet.com or call (02) 556-9885. Located near exit 2 of Hyochang Park Station on subway line 6.
Shear Madness
Daehangno Art Madang
Open Run
Shear Madness follows a murder case that happens in a beauty salon of the same name. What is unique is that every episode ends with a different ending, as the play lets the audience figure out who the murderer is. Tickets cost 20,000 won. For more information, visit shearmadness.co.kr or call (02-501-7888. Located near exit 2 of Hyehwa Station on subway line 4.
Dandelion That Becomes the Wind
Dongsoong Art Center
Through Jan. 4
Actor Cho Jae-hyun comes back to the stage as an old man who lives in his memories after losing his wife. Directed by Kim Nak-hyeong, winner of the Artist of the Year in 2006 by the Arts Council Korea. Tickets cost from 25,000 won to 35,000 won. For more information, visit www.idsartcenter.co.kr or call (02) 766-6007. Located near exit 1 of Hyehwa Station on subway line 4.
Musical 200-Pound Beauty
Chungmu Art Hall
Open Run
The movie 200-Pound Beauty's (2006) comes to the stage as a romantic-comedy musical with renowned Broadway music director Tim Acito and stage director Brian Prather. Tickets cost from 40,000 won to 90,000 won. For more information, visit www.musicalbeautifulgirl.com or call (02) 3485-8700. Located near exit 2 of Dongdaemun Stadium on subway lines 2, 4, and 5.
Love and Blood
Daehangno Open Theater
Open run
This is the first musical to portray the personalities of people with different blood types. Try guessing the blood type of the four characters, each possessing vastly different personalities. Tickets cost from 40,000 won to 120,000 won. For more information, visit www.ticketlink.co.kr or call 1577-5878. Located near exit 4 of Hyehwa Station on subway line 4.
