EVENTS CALENDAR

Exhibitions

"Moments of Hardship and Glory": The exhibition looks into the past 60 years, following the founding of this nation, and focuses on the experiences of those who lived during this period. The exhibit is divided into five themes: "Our Nation", "Our Sweat", "Our Lives", "Our Time" and "Our Reminiscence", and showcases memorabilia from the past including an antiquated ice cream bar icebox and one of Korea`s first cell phones. The exhibition runs through Sept. 15 at the National Folk Museum of Korea. The museum is located near Anguk Subway Station Line 3, Exit 1. For more information call or visit (02) 3704-3066 or visit www.nfm.go.kr

"Irony and Gesture": The Kukje Gallery is currently holding a major exhibition of contemporary British art in its main space. Featuring the works of 11 prominent artists, this expansive summer show brings a splash of color and unconventional tongue-in-cheek humor to Seoul. From the father of British pop Richard Hamilton`s works - some critics believe that he created the world`s first work of Pop Art - to designer Sam Buxton`s mind-boggling acid etched micro-sculptures, this exhibition takes viewers into the multi-faceted world of British art. The exhibition runs through Aug. 14 at the Kukje Gallery. For more information, call (02) 733-8449 or visit

www.kukjegallery.com

"Dreaming Kitchen - Flavor of Asia": For those who do not have the cash or time to fly out this summer, take a trip to the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Centre of Education for International Understanding`s photo exhibition. There, visitors are given the opportunity to travel to remote parts of Asia through the works of 11 photographers. Taken over the course of two years, the photos give Koreans insight into these nations and promote cultural exchange. Divided into four sections, the exhibition documents the kitchens, dining customs, farming cultures and street foods of Cambodia, India, Malaysia, Mongolia, Sri Lanka and Uzbekistan. In addition to delving into Asian cuisine, the show also explores the lives of ethnic minority groups in Bhutan, Indonesia, Myanmar, the Philippines and Thailand. The exhibition runs through Aug. 27. Admission and all scheduled events are free. For more information, call (02) 774-3956 (Ext. 104) or go to www.unescoapceiu.org

"Pixar: 20 Years of Animation": Encompassing 20 years of this groundbreaking studio`s work in computer animation, this exhibit - the largest of the Pixar shows to date - showcases everything from Chief Creative Officer John Lasseter`s early shorts to works from the recently released "WALL-E" (2008). Paintings, concept art, sculptures, colorscripts and storyboards capture the meticulous process which brings beloved characters like Woody and Sullivan to life. The exhibition runs through Sept. 7 at the Seoul Arts Center`s Hangaram Design Museum. Tickets cost 14,000 won for adults, 11,000 won for adolescents and 8,000 won for children. For more information, call (02) 561-4963 or visit www.pixar2008.com

"Lotuses in a Well": Photographer Sung Nam-Hun delves into the lives of Buddhist nuns from eastern Tibet. Sung documents their pious lives. He gives visitors an opporunity to refine their souls and attain peace of mind through his tranquil art. The exhibition runs through Sep. 12 at the Hanmi Foundation of Arts and Culture`s Museum of Photography. To get there, go to Mongchontoseong Station (Line 8, Exit 2). Opening hours are Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m and weekends are from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. For more information, call (02) 418 - 1315, or visit www. photomuseum.or.kr

"Strange M": Are toys art? Hello Museum, the first registered children`s art museum in Korea, thinks so. For its special summer exhibition, "Strange M," the museum teamed up with 10 designers and artists to create toys that help children develop new ways of seeing. "Strange M" runs through September 12 at Hello Museum. To get to the museum, go to Seolleung Subway Station, Line 2, Exit 8. Then take buses 6411 or 3420 and get off at the second stop. Tickets are 20,000 won per child for the full course and 8,000 won for just a tour. Art classes are 50,000 won per child. The classes are on the second and fourth Saturday of every month. Reservations need to be made a week in advance by phone. Call (02) 562-4420 to find out more.

"Korean Art 1910-1960": Art aficionados can take in early to modern Korean art in one sitting at the National Museum of Contemporary Art. The "Korean Art 1910-1960" exhibition on the third floor traces the early development of modern Korean art. Not only does this exhibition showcase the highly valuable works of Park Soo-keun - his work "A Wash Place" sold for a record 4.52 billion won ($4.51 million) last May - it also displays the works of Korea`s first female painter of note, Na Hae-suck, as well as one of Korea`s first impressionists, Oh Jiho, and the leading artist, Lee Jung-sup. The "Korean Art 1910-1960" exhibition runs through Feb. 22, 2010. To get to the National Museum of Contemporary Art, go to the Seoul Grand Park Subway Station, Line 4, Exit 4. A shuttle bus runs from there to the museum every 20 minutes, starting from 9:40 a.m. Tickets for adults are 1,000 won for adults and 500 won for adolescents. Admission is free for children and the elderly. Opening hours are daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The museum closes at 9 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. For more information, call (02) 2188-6000 or visit www.moca.go.kr

Musicals

"My Fair Lady": The local OD Musical Company will stage Korea`s first musical version of the Broadway classic. TV actor Lee Hyung-chul of SBS drama "On Air" makes his musical debut as Henry Higgins, while Kim So-hyun, a well-known musical actress, will be in the role of Eliza Doolittle. Lim Hye-young, the winner of "Singing in the Sky" - a reality show which began airing in April to select the other Eliza for the musical - will be the alternate to Kim in the main role. The show will be staged from Aug. 22 to Sept. 14 at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets run from 20,000 won to 120,000 won. For more information, call (02) 501-7888.

"Drawing Show": The innovative show combines drawing and theater to offer a magical experience. A variety of images, including masterpieces like "Bonaparte at Mont St. Bernard," are re-created with flashlights or watercolors, among other media. The show is currently underway at Ziller Hall in Daehangno, Seoul. Tickets are 20,000 won and 30,000 won. For details, call (02) 766-7848 or visit www.drawingshow.com

"Chicago": The Korean version of the well-known musical, more familiar to the audience with the movie, runs in Seoul for the third time starring the singer and actress Ok Ju-hyun playing the role of Roxie Hart in the show. "Chicago" will run through Aug. 30 at the National Theater of Korea. Tickets run from 40,000 won to 120,000 won. For details, call (02) 577-1987 or visit www.iseensee.com

"Skywalk": Comedian-turned-musical producer Baek Jae-hyun has created "Skywalk," a dance musical combining the two somewhat contrasting genres of b-boying and musicals. The story focuses on the friendship between a high school baseball star and his b-boy friends, their passion and the process in which they overcome obstacles to achieve their goals. The show will be staged through Aug. 14 at the National Theater of Korea. Tickets run from 40,000 won to 80,000 won. For more information, call (02) 769-5056.

"Polaroid": A homemade musical featuring Lee Honey, Miss Korea 2006, in the lead role. Lee plays Lee Se-yeon, a college student who falls in love with a man who took her picture. Tickets are priced at 40,000 won. The musical runs through Aug. 24 at PMC Daehangno Jayu Theater. For details, call (02) 738-8289 or

visit www.i-pmc.co.kr.

"Grease": The Korean version of the hit Broadway musical, staged by OD Musical Company, one of the country`s leading production companies. The show about the dreams and heartaches of teenagers is simple in plot and light in mood, but those points are proving to be exactly what draws people. Also great 50`s rock `n` roll songs are always a favorite. "Grease" is scheduled to run through Aug. 10 at the Dongsoong Arts Center in Daehangno, the country`s drama mecca. Tickets are 40,000 won and 60,000 won. For more information, call (02) 556-8556 or check out grease.odmusical.com.

"You are the very Lucas": The musical is based on a true story in Canada of a mentally disabled couple who gets a son after two miscarriages, but only to have doctors tell him that he has minutes to live. Lucas, the child, however, miraculously survives for two weeks, touching the lives of all who surround him. The musical runs through Aug. 31 at the "Tree and Water" theater located near Hyehwa Station (Line 4, Exit 4). Additional 4 p.m. matinees take place on weekends and every day from July 28 to Aug. 24. Adult admission is 30,000 won. For more information, call (02) 741-9091.

"Cats": This musical from London is back in Seoul after their successful performance last year. The show staged by the "world tour" team will be held at Charlotte Theater in Jamsil-dong, Seoul through Aug. 17. Tickets run from 40,000 won to 140,000 won. It will be followed by the performance by the Korean team which will be launched in September. For more information, call (02) 501-7888 or visit www.musicalcats.co.kr

"Company": Seol & Company, in cooperation with CJ Entertainment, is staging this Tony award-winning hit Broadway musical in Korean for the first time. "Company" was created in 1970 by the famous composer Stephen Soundheim. The story centers on Robert, a 35-year-old, attractive, accomplished and wealthy single man living in New York. Bobby, as his friends call him, has an ambivalent attitude regarding marriage. Although he wants to get married to have someone beside him, he does not want to let go of the freedom that comes with being single. "Company" will be staged at Doosan Art Center through Aug. 17. Tickets are 30,000 won and 50,000 won. To find out more about the musical,

call (02) 501-7888 or

visit www.musicalcompany.co.kr.

"Hedwig and the Angry Inch": The mega-hit rock musical is running for its fourth season. But there is a twist this time: Six different actors are taking on the title role, each for three to six weeks. All the Hedwigs are completely different from the others, with their outfits, make-up, and even lights personalized to fit and reinforce each version. The musical is on an open run at the KT&G Sang Sang Art Hall in Samseong-dong, southern Seoul. Tickets cost between 45,000 won and 55,000 won. For more information, call (02) 501-7888.

Concerts

"Seoul Arts Center`s Pops Concert": The nation`s largest performing arts complex will present its annual "Pops Concert" at the Concert Hall on Aug. 16-17. The concerts will feature conductor Kang Chang-woo, pianist Park Chong-hoon, violinist Pi Ho-young and the Korean Symphony Orchestra. Together, the musicians will perform 20 hit songs that have dominated the Korean pop music charts in the last two decades. Ticket prices for each of the concerts range from 30,000 won to 60,000 won. Exit No. 5, Nambu Bus Terminal Station on Subway Line No. 3. For more information, call (02) 580-1300.

"Judas Priest Live in Korea": The classic heavy metal band will give a show at Seoul Olympic Gymnastics Arena on Sept. 21. Formed in 1968, it has been one of heavy metal`s most successful bands, with albums such as 1980`s "British Steel" in 1980 and "Painkiller" in 1990. Its core line-up consists of bass player Ian Hill, vocalist Rob Halford, guitarists Glenn Tipton and K. K. Downing. Ticket prices range between 50,000 won and 120,000 won. Exit No. 3, Seoul Olympic Park Station on Subway Line No. 5. For more information, call (02) 3444-9969.

"The Magic Flute": Seoul Arts Center will present a family-friendly version of "The Magic Flute" at its Towol Theater, from tomorrow thru Aug. 24. To accommodate the shorter attention span of youngsters, this version is two hours, instead of three. Scenes that might be too complicated and slow for kids have been cut, while the more dramatic and entertaining ones are highlighted. Ticket prices range between 30,000 won to 50,000 won. Exit No. 5, Nambu Bus Terminal Station on Subway Line No. 3. For more information, call (02) 580-1300.

"Avril Lavigne Live in Korea": The 22-year-old Canadian rock-punk-pop singer Lavigne is scheduled to perform at the Melon-AX concert hall in eastern Seoul on Sept. 1. Her first album "Let Go" sold over 15 million copies, and was led by the single "Complicated," which peaked at No. 2. Lavigne has been nominated for eight Grammy Awards and has won seven Juno Awards, the Canadian version of the Grammys. Ticket price is 88,000 won. Exit No. 2, Gwangnaru Station on Subway Line No. 5. For more information,

call (02)3444-9969.

"Dianne Reeves Concert in Seoul": Celebrated jazz vocalist Dianne Reeves will come back to Korea for two concerts at the LG Arts Center, on Sept. 25 and 27. The American singer will showcase songs from her latest album, "When You Know," during her first tour in four years. Reeves is popular for her deep, versatile voice and pleasing melodies. Tickets are 30,000 won to 70,000 won. Exit No. 7, Yeoksam Station on Subway Line No. 2. For more information, call (02) 2005-0114

Dramas

"The 39 Steps":The Hitchcock thriller movie-turned drama will be staged in Daehangno, Seoul`s theater mecca, from Aug. 17. The play is about a British gentleman Hannay mistakenly accused of being a criminal and chased by an international secret information group, delivering a similar plot as the film, along with the faster storyline and dramatic tensions. The drama version has a strong sense of humor and new elements which were not in the original black and white film. Scenes from the movie will be revived on stage with mimes and stage properties and the setting. "The 39 Steps" will run through Sept. 18 at Dongsoong Arts Center located in Daehangno, Seoul. Tickets are 15,000 won to 35,000 won. To find out more about the show, call (02) 2250-5900 or

visit www.iacom.co.kr

"Proof": This is the Korean version of the Broadway play which premiered in 2001, and deals with the genius mathematician John Nash, whose life was also made into the movie "A Beautiful Mind" in the same year. Unlike the movie, however, the play focuses on the life of mathematician`s imaginary daughter Catherine. TV and theater actress Kim Ji-ho will play Catherine, a sensitive and complex mathematician who is scared that she might have inherited insanity from her father. "Proof" will be staged through Aug. 10 and then from Aug. 12 to Sept. 7 again at Doore Hall in Daehangno. Tickets are 35,000 won. To find out more about the show,

call (02) 764-8760.

"All Out of Time": This show has none of the spectacular settings that most that most theatrical shows offer these days. There are just two actors - a male and a female - and a bench and a tree for the setting. But the story about two lovers is intriguing. The play`s idea came from director Kim Doo-yong`s dream where he experienced "sahyunjip," an imaginary place where people can meet the dead. According to common myth, a meeting with a dead person is allowed in exchange for the loss of the memory about the person afterwards. "All Out of Time" will be staged through Oct. 12 at Sang Sang White Theater located at Daehangno, northern Seoul. Tickets are 25,000 won. For details, call (02) 744-7304 or

visit www.tobecompany.co.kr

"Some Girls": The Installation theater Jungmiso in the heart of Hyehwa-dong brings Neil Labute`s "Some Girls" onto its stage, and by no means should it be a role model for anyone`s love life. Successful movie director Jin-woo returns from Paris to revisit the women of his past just before he gets married. Taking place entirely in Jin-woo`s hotel room, four women including a crazed high school girlfriend and an acting senior who taught him the business, come and go as the play explores the psyche of an overtly selfish man and the women who love (or loved) him. Splitting time as the main character - played by David Schwimmer of "Friends" in the opening performance at London`s West End - Choi Duk-moon and Lee Seok-june showcase their versatility. "Some Girls" runs until Aug. 10 at Jungmiso Theater, accessible from Hyehwa Station (Line 4, Exit 2). The 100-minute performance starts at 8 p.m. Wednesdays to Fridays with an additional 4 p.m. matinee on Fridays, and at 3 and 6 p.m. on weekends and holidays. Adult admission is 35,000 won. For more information, call (02) 766-6007 or visit idsartcenter.co.kr

Festival

"Summer Music Festival": From Aug. 9-15, the Seoul Arts Center will host the Summer Music Festival, a series of performances in its Concert Hall and Recital Hall. This is an annual event which gives kids the chance to enjoy popular classical music pieces. The festival consists of two programs: "The Best Classic" and "Summer Chamber Music." The former will feature a string of celebrated ensembles including the Gunpo Prime Philharmonic Orchestra, Seoul Tutti Ensemble and the French Chamber Orchestra. Some well-known works by Beethoven, Mozart and Tchaikovsky will be on the program.

"Summer Chamber Music" will feature performances by MusicaGlorifica, a Seoul-based quintet dedicated to Baroque music. All of its members play Baroque-era stringed instruments like the baroque violin, viola da gamba and cembalo. The Korea National University of Arts Percussion Ensemble and the Yur Eum Woodwind Quintet will also perform. The Seoul Arts Center`s Summer Music Festival will start at 8 p.m. from Monday to Thursday, and 5 p.m. from Friday to Sunday. Tickets cost between 10,000 and 15,000 won. For further details, call (02) 580-1300 or visit www.sac.or.kr.