Events Calendar

Exhibitions

"Platform 2010": Subtitled "Projected Image," Platform 2010, a large contemporary art project that took place annually since 2006, showcases 87 video artworks by 66 artists from all over the world. Participating artists include well-known figures like Palme d'Or winner Apichatpong Weerasethakul, video art trailblazer Paik Nam-june and the pioneer of experimental films Len Lye. A different set of works will be showcased everyday at a fixed time like a movie festival. "Platform 2010" runs through Nov. 19 at Artsonje Center in Hwa-dong, central Seoul. Docent tours run every hour from 2-5 p.m. One-day ticket is 3,000 won and five-day ticket is 10,000 won. The center is closed on Mondays. For more information, call (02) 733-8945 or visit www.artsonje.org.

"Busan Biennale 2010": Titled "Living in Evolution," This year's Busan Biennale is a compact show that offers evolution or transformation-themed paintings, sculptures, photos, installation and video works. Dispersed around many venues including Busan Museum of Art, Busan Yachting Center, Gwangalli Beach, Haeundae Beach, Children's Grand Park and Samnak Riverside Park for the main exhibition and Busan Cultural Center, Exhibition Hall at Busan City Hall and Geumryeonsan Gallery for the special exhibition, some 340 works by 252 artists from 23 countries are on display. It runs through Nov. 20. Tickets range from 3,000 won to 15,000 won. For more information, call (051) 503-6111 or visit www.busanbiennale.org.

"Korean Avant-Garde Drawing": Soma Museum of Art is holding the biggest-ever exhibition featuring drawings by Korean artists. Some 300 exhibits by 70 artists, including Kang Ik-joong, Kwon Ok-yeon, Kim Beom, Paik Nam-june and Lee Kang-so, span 30 years from 1970 to 2000. The exhibition runs through Nov. 21 at Soma Museum of Art in Bangi-dong, eastern Seoul. Admissions are 3,000 won for adults, 2,000 won for adolescents and 1,000 won for kids. For more information, call (02) 425-1077 or visit www.somamuseum.org.

"Middle Class Dream": Arario Gallery presents various genres of art by Thukral & Tagra, an Indian artist duo. Better known as T & T, the graphic designer-turned-artists are paving their way through the competitive art market with their bubbly and whimsical paintings, sculptures, fashion and designs on various things. About 20 paintings, sculptures and furniture are on display. The exhibition runs through Nov. 21 at Arario Gallery in Sogyuk-dong, central Seoul. For more information, call (02) 723-6190 or visit www.ararioseoul.com.

"Inside Paul Smith": Designer Paul Smith unveils some of his personal sources of inspiration at the exhibition currently running at Daelim Contemporary Art Museum. Looking at the show, one can see that his bright and witty designs have been inspired by everyday life and his innate passion for beauty and art. The exhibition displays Smith's art collection, more than 300 photos taken by the designer himself and some mysterious objects he received from an anonymous fan over many years. Smith's fans would be delighted to discover the last section of the exhibition a reproduction of Smith's office in Covent Garden, London. The exhibition runs through Nov. 28 at Daelim Contemporary Art Museum in Tongui-dong, central Seoul. Tickets are 5,000 won for adults, 3,000 won for adolescents and 1,000 won for kids. For details, call (02) 720-0667 or visit www.daelimmuseum.org.

"Gabriel Orozco: Selected Works": Gabriel Orozco, a renowned Mexican artist, is showcasing 50 pieces of his sculptures, paintings, photos, drawings and installation works at PKM Trinity Gallery. He gained fame in the early 1990s for the wide range of media and concepts he uses. At the exhibition, visitors can find the representatives of almost every part of his works. The exhibition runs through Nov. 30 at PKM Trinity Gallery in Cheongdam-dong, southern Seoul. For more information, call (02) 515-9496 or visit www.pkmgallery.com.

"Park Byong-choon Shan shui Collection": Artist Park Byong-choon is showcasing his latest landscape paintings adorned with his signature finishing touch. The paintings are done in a traditional style with black Chinese ink on "hanji," or Korean traditional paper but he always adds a bit of wit to it, for example, rainbow colored jets flying over the mountains. Park's landscape installations created with unexpected materials can also be found at the show. The exhibition runs through Dec. 3 at Savina Museum of Contemporary Art in Anguk-dong, central Seoul. For more information, call (02) 736-4371 or visit www.savinamuseum.com.

"Forest" by Park Byong-choon, whose exhibition runs throughDec. 3 at Savina Museum of Contemporary Art.(Savina Museum of Contemporary Art)

"Song Young-su: Pioneer in Korean Abstract Sculpture": The National Museum of Contemporary Art presents over 60 works by Song Young-su, a Korean sculptor who explored the field of abstract iron structures in the 1950s, in commemoration of the 40th anniversary of his demise. Exhibits include Song's iron welded sculptures, drawing books, photo albums and films that show the unique originality and esthetic sensibility of the sculptor. His pioneering activities stimulated other young sculptors to start trying diverse new techniques of expression. The exhibition runs through Dec. 26 at National Museum of Contemporary Art in Gwacheon, Gyeonggi Province. Admission is 3,000 won. For more information, call (02) 2188-6000 or visit www.moca.go.kr.

"Passion and Solitude: Picasso and Modern Art": Over 120 paintings, drawings and sculptures by 39 European artists from the late 19th and early 20th century are on display at the exhibition. The exhibits were brought to Asia for the first time from the Albertina in Vienna, Austria. Wandering around four exhibition rooms packed with colorful and passionate works, visitors would often come across familiar paintings and names as the artist list includes well-known masters like Pablo Picasso, Alberto Giacometti, Marc Chagall and Amedeo Modigliani. The exhibition runs through March 1 at the National Museum of Contemporary Art, Deoksugung, in central Seoul. Tickets are 3,000 won for children, 7,000 won for adolescents and 9,000 won for adults. For details, call (02) 752-3002 or visit www.moca.go.kr.

Concerts

"The State Symphony Orchestra of the Republic Tatarstan Concert": Conductor Noh Tae-cheol is to lead a concert of the Tatarstan National Symphony Orchestra at the Seoul Arts Center's Concert Hall on Nov. 7 at 8 p.m. Tatarstan is a federal subject of Russia and Noh has been working as principal guest conductor of the Tatarstan National Symphony Orchestra since 2004. The program includes Tchaikovsky's "Plaskaskomorof," Symphony No. 5 and famous opera arias. Tickets range from 50,000 won to 200,000 won.

"The Concert celebrating the Seoul G20 Summit": Sejong Cultural Center for the Performing Arts will hold a concert to celebrate the G20 Seoul summit on Nov. 7, featuring the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra. Conductor Chung Myung-whun will twirl the baton for Gustav Mahler's Symphony No. 1 "Titan" and Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 4. Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 4 will be jointly performed with pianist Jo Seong-jin. The concert is supported by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. For more information, visit www.sejongpac.or.kr.

"Conductor Zubin Mehta and pianist Paik Kun-woo": World-renowned conductor Zubin Mehta will be leading the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra at the Nov. 13 performance to take place at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts at 8 p.m. Pianist Paik Kun-woo will perform Tchaikovsky's Piano Concerto No. 3 in E-flat Major. Tickets range from 70,000 won to 350,000 won. For more information, call (02) 318-4301~4.

"Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra with Mariss Jansons": The Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, a symphony orchestra of the Netherlands, will visit Seoul on Nov. 12-13 with chief conductor Mariss Jansons. The program will be Beethoven's "Overture to Leonore," Janacek's "Taras Bulba," Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 4 at 8 p.m. on Nov. 12. The next day, the orchestra will play Rossini's "Guillaume Tell Overture," Mendelssohn's Violin Concerto and Brahm's Symphony No. 4 at 8 p.m. Tickets rage from 60,000 won to 420,000 won. For information, call (02) 6303-7700.

"Cheong": The National Theater of Korea in Jangchung-dong, central Seoul, will host a traditional musical performance called "Cheong" by The National Changgeuk Company of Korea on Nov. 12. The performance will be about Sim Cheong, a daughter who threw herself into the ocean to make her blind father see again, which is a tale long engraved in the hearts of Koreans. For details, visit www.ntok.go.kr.

"Kim Sun-wook Recital Tour": Pianist Kim Sun-wook's recital is scheduled to be held in Goyang, Bucheon, Daejeon, Ulsan, Daegu and Seoul, on Nov. 18, 20, 21, 24, 25 and 27, respectively. The Seoul performance will be held at the Seoul Arts Center's Concert Hall. The program includes Beethoven's Piano Sonata No. 30, Piano Sonata No. 14 (popularly known as the "Moonlight Sonata") and Schumann's "Arabesque" and "Kreisleriana." For information, call (02) 599-5743.

"Schumann and Clara: Chamber Music" Series 2: This night of chamber music will feature pianist Emmanuel Strosse, violinist Olivier Charlier, cellist Yang Sung-won and violist Kim Sang-jin. The concert will take place on Nov. 6 at 7 p.m. at the Aram Nuri Arts Center in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province. Tickets range from 20,000 won to 30,000 won. For more information or reservations, call 1577-7766.

"Ensemble IMF and KBS Symphony Orchestra Concert": Leading local orchestras including Ensemble TIMF and KBS Symphony Orchestra will present Copland's "Fanfare for the Common Man," Barber's "Adagio for Strings, Op. 11" and musical "The Phantom of the Opera" popular theme, "All I Ask of You." Baritone Kim Dong-gyu will narrate for the concert at the Seongnam Arts Center's Concert Hall on Nov. 18. Tickets are 24,000 won. For more information, call (031) 783-8000.

"Saturday Concert at the Seoul Arts Center": The Seoul Arts Center's Festival Orchestra holds brunch concerts every third Saturday of the month at 11 a.m.. The classical concerts will also offer free coffee and bread. Tickets are 20,000 won. Call (02) 580-1300.

"2010 Seoul International A Cappella Festival": A cappella groups from all over Korea including The Idea of North, Foolmoon, Niniwe, Ensemble Planeta, Metro, Micappella and more will participate in this music festival to be held from Oct. 30-Nov. 8 at the Guro Arts Valley, Seoul Arts Center, and Youngsan Art Center. The festival will hold a competition to find new a cappella musicians with past winners holding commemorative performances. Tickets cost from 20,000 to 30,000 won. For more information, call (02) 766-7085 or visit www.k-acs.com.

Dance

"Korea, the Beauty of Korea": The National Center for the Korean Traditional Performing Arts in Seocho-dong, southern Seoul, will hold a special performance titled "Korea, the Beauty of Korea" which will introduce five Korean traditional dances and performances which are listed as intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO. Starting with a performance of "Jongmyo Jeryeak," Korean royal ancestral rites and ritual music, the audience will see a set of "pansori," or Korean operas, and "Cheoyongmu," a court mask dance based on a Korean legend, "ganggangsullae," a traditional circle dance, and finally "namsadang nori," a street performance traditionally performed by wayfaring male entertainers. The show will take place from Nov. 11 to 12. It is open to those with invitations, but you can make reservations at the center's website if you do not have an invitation. For more information, visit www.gugak.go.kr.

"Russia Mariinsky Ballet": Celebrating the 20th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Russia and Korea, the Mariinsky Ballet company is to stage their repertoire including "Giselle," "Swan Lake" and highlights of "Paquita," "Scotch Symphony" and "In the Night" from Nov. 9 to Nov. 14 at the Goyang Aram Nuri Arts Center in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province. Tickets range from 30,000 won to 250,000 won. For more information, call 1577-7766 or visit www.artgy.or.kr.

"Samiingok": The Seoul Metropolitan Dance Company is to stage contemporary dance "Samiingok" on Nov. 6 at the Sejong Center for Performing Arts. The performance is based on an ancient poem Samiingok, which was written by Jeong Cheol, a poet during the Joseon Dynasty. Jeong expressed his loyalty to King Seonjo by comparing a wife's love toward her husband in the poem. Tickets range from 20,000 won to 50,000 won. Call (02) 399-1114.

Musicals

"I Love You": The Korean production of the hit omnibus romantic musical from Off Broadway features the diverse love stories of around 60 characters played by just four actors. Veteran musical actor Nam Kyung-joo, who starred in the premiere run in 2004, made the show widely-popular through his experienced performance. The realistic description of the process of a relationship ― from the joyful beginning stage to ennui ― as well as witty dialogue, has appealed to the audience in previous runs. The show will be staged through Saturday at Art One Theater in Daehangno, Seoul. Tickets cost from 20,000 to 45,000 won. For details, call (02) 501-7888.

"Singles": The musical adaptation of the Korean movie of the same title, is showing as an open run at PMC Jayu Theater in Daehangno, Seoul. The show stars Jeon Hye-bin who makes her musical debut through the piece. The musical deals with the lifestyles, friendships and loves of young people. For more information, call (02) 764-8760.

"Thrill Me": Based on Stephen Dolginoff's American musical "Thrill Me: The Leopold & Loeb Story," the local version stars Lee Ji-hoon and Oh Jong-hyeok. The original was based on the true story of Nathan Leopold and Richard Loeb, the so-called "thrill killers" who murdered a young boy in 1924 in order to commit "the perfect crime." The story is told in flashbacks, beginning with a 1958 parole hearing. The musical will run until Nov. 14 at Sinchon theater, The Stage, in Seoul. For more information call (02) 744-4011.

"Billy Elliot": Based on the Academy-Award nominated film of the same name written by Lee Hall, the musical version of "Billy Elliot" will be staged as an open run in Korea at the LG Art Center as the first non-English production in Asia. Set during the coal miner's strike of 1984-85 in a working class northern English town, a young boy Billy pursues his dream to become a ballerino in secret. Tickets cost from 50,000 to 130,000 won. For more information, call (02) 3446-9630.

"Rock of Ages": In this Korean adaptation of the popular American musical built around classic rock hits from the 1980s, Hallyu star Ahn Jae-wook and rocker-turned-actor Shin Sung-woo headline as the boy that dreams to hit it big and the aging rock star nearing the twilight of his career. The musical features songs from Styx, Journey, Bon Jovi, Pat Benatar, Twisted Sister, Steve Perry, Poison and Asia, among other well-known rock bands. The show runs until Oct. 30 at the Woori Art Hall at Olympic Park in Seoul. For more information visit: www.mmusical.co.kr or call (02) 764-7858.

"Without You": Based on his 2006 memoir, actor Anthony Rapp will perform his mono-musical in Korea for the first time starting Oct. 16-31 at the KT & G Sang Sang Art Hall. The story recalls the events of his life in relation to the musical Rent and its writer, Jonathan Larson, as well as the death of Rapp's mother from cancer. It contains photographs of his family in addition to the text. For more information, call (02) 1544-1681.

"The Tricks of Scapin": The Korean adaptation of the classic Moliere play tells the story of Scapin, who constantly lies and tricks people to get ahead. He is an arrogant, pompous man who acts as if nothing were impossible for him. However, he is also a diplomatic genius. He manages to play the other characters off of each other very easily, and yet manages to keep his overall goal to help the young couples in sight. The show runs until Nov. 9 at Seogang University's Merry Hall in Seoul. For information on tickets call (02) 333-7203.

Dramas

"University of Laughs": The hit play from last year by theater venture group Yeongeukyeoljeon is showing at Daehangno Arts One Theater as well as at COEX Arts Hall in Seoul as an open run. Based on the popular Japanese novel by Koki Mitani, the piece depicts a seven-day confrontation between an inspector trying to ban comic plays and a scriptwriter who values humor above all in his works, and the friendship that later develops between the two. Tickets run from 20,000 to 40,000 won. For details, call (02) 766-6007.

"Nobody Else But You": Based on the hit Japanese comic drama of the same name written by Koki Mitani, the local version of the play will be staged by The Best Play, Inc. at the Ida Theater in Daehangno beginning July 23-Oct. 31. Veteran Daehangno theater scene stalwarts Song Young-chang and Seo Hyun-cheol star in this comedic romp about a middle-aged father's daughter becoming romantically linked with a man older than he is. For more information on tickets, contact The Best Play, Inc. (02) 766-6007.

"Mom": Having moved its audience of more than 130,000 to tears, "Mom" is a 2009 original stage drama starring veteran television actress Kang Bu-ja and Chun Mi-sun as a mother and daughter coming to grips with years of estrangement. The two take a three-day trip to a rural province where they try to make amends for the past. For more information on tickets, call Ticketpark (02) 1544-1555 or (02) 333-7203.

"Mothers and Tigers": Born out of his fascination with the role of Korean women in contemporary Korean society, Will Kern's latest play tells the story of Korean women from all walks of life over a kimchi marinating session among a group of women who swap stories of their personal lives. Kern interviewed various Korean women as research for the play which will run until Nov. 28 at the Art One Theater in Seoul. Tickets run from 25,000 won to 20,000 won for middle and high school students. For more information, call (02) 747-1010

The cast of Will Kern's "Mothers and Tigers." (Stageship)

Festivals

"The Jeju Olle Walking Festival": Taking place on the scenic roads of Jeju Island, the most popular tourism destination in Korea. This event, to be held from Nov. 9-13 will let participants walk along outstanding sights, a mixture of numerous Oreum (small volcanic mountains in Jeju dialect), the coasts, and stone walls. During the festival, each village on the walking path greets participants with delicious local food and a colorful array of traditional performances. Participants will complete one course of the Jeju Olle courses each day and experience diverse cultural events. The festival begins for the first time in 2010 and will continue to be hosted every November. For further information, visit the homepage of Jeju Olle Walking Festival and apply online www.ollewalking.co.kr. For individuals 10,000 won/Groups 8,000 won (over 20 people).

"Seoul Lantern festival": An estimated 10,000 lanterns from 20 countries will brighten the Cheonggyecheon Stream in central Seoul from Nov. 5-14. The lanterns will be lit at a ceremony at the Cheonggyecheon Plaza on Nov. 5 and displayed at five theme zones of the stream: "Light of Seoul," "Light of Global Village," "Light of Korea," "Light of Memory" and "Light of Future." Programs will include lantern-making and an introduction of the lanterns. Visitors will also have chances to enjoy traditional music and performances. For more information, call 120 or log on to Seoul City's online tour Web site at www.visitseoul.net.

"Gunsan International Migratory Bird Festival": From Nov. 10-14 at the Geumgang Bird Park, Gunsan, North Jeolla Province visitors will have the chance to take field trips to observe migratory birds up close, see movies on migratory birds and enjoy cultural events, symposiums and exhibitions. Guided bus tours will also be available. The bird watching corridor (known as "Tamjohoerang" in Korean), built on the embankment of the Geum River, is the only facility of its kind in Korea. Children can also learn about the ecology of birds at Napo Cross fields. For more information, call 063-453-7213 or visit the event's website at www.gsbird.co.kr.

"Masan Chrysanthemum Festival": From Oct. 29-Nov. 7 at the First Pier in Masan, South Gyeonsang Province, the port city on the south coast will host this festival famous for its chrysanthemums. At this time of year, Masan port is in bloom with 500,000 chrysanthemum plants. Programs during the festival include an exhibition of more than 10,000 chrysanthemum products from 200 species, a singing contest, photo shooting competition, and performances of traditional folk games and events. Visitors may also taste food and tea made with chrysanthemum flowers. For more information, call 055-225-3706 or visit the website at http://festival.masan.go.kr/gagopa.

"Seosan Chrysanthemum Festival": Seosan is located on the west coast and is a good place to grow chrysanthemums because of its mild weather. Chrysanthemums and wild flowers are in full bloom in the 70,000-square-meter Hannongwon garden located in Hannongwon, Seosan, South Chungcheong Province. The festival runs until Nov. 7 with programs including an exhibition of more than 10,000 chrysanthemum products from 200 varieties, a handicraft exhibition and traditional folk games. Visitors may also taste food and tea made with chrysanthemum flowers. For more information, call 041-660-2114 or visit the Web site at http://www.seosan.go.kr.

"Jeju Mandarin Festival": From Nov. 11-13, the World Cup Stadium in Seogwipo City will host the Jeju Mandarin Festival. The mandarin is one of the symbols of the exotic island where mandarin trees are planted virtually in all homes. Programs will include a street parade, praying to a "mandarin god" and a tour of mandarin farms. For more information, call 064-710-3191.