Calendar

Exhibitions

“Maden Pictures 13”: Arario Gallery Cheongdam presents a photography and video exhibition as its first show of the year. Titled “Maden Pictures 13,” the exhibition shows the artwork of five young artists who use photography as a medium to convey their social and personal voices and make the viewers think about their intentions beyond the constructed images. The scenes in the photographs exhibit their own fascinating story. The exhibition runs from Jan. 15―March 3 at Arario Gallery Cheongdam, Seoul. For more information, call (02) 541-5701. 

“Refined and Tasteful Life of Joseon Dynasty”: Erotic paintings by two great masters of Korean painting and paintings depicting the daily lives of people in the Joseon era will go on display from Jan. 15 to Feb. 24 at Gallery Hyundai in Jongno, Seoul. The exhibition features two complete collections of erotic paintings made by prominent painters in Korean history, Shin Yun-bok and Kim Hong-do, as well as genre paintings that are being shown to the public for the first time. The original Joseon erotic paintings, called “chunhwa” (literally meaning spring paintings), have not been shown to the public until recently, as owners are usually unknown and hesitate to disclose ownership. Admission is 5,000 won for adults and 3,000 won for children and teenagers. The second floor exhibition featuring the erotic paintings are open to those 19 and up. For more information, call (02) 2287-3591.

“Luna and Her Thousand Reflections”: The National Museum of Contemporary Art, Korea holds a retrospective of the veteran Korean artist Lim Choong-sup at the Gwacheon Museum until Feb. 24. Lim, a pioneer of installation art in the Korean art world presents a total of 70 artworks including the artist’s major works and new installations. It offers a great opportunity for visitors to see how the first-generation artist used various methods to create installations that have shaped the course of experimental art in the country.

“Transcending Vision: American Impressionism 1870-1940”: A large collection of American Impressionist paintings are on exhibit for the first time in Korea. The exhibition presents 130 paintings that highlight unique characteristics of American Impressionism, the mainstream style in American art from the late 19th century to the beginning of World War II. The exhibition of 130 artworks by 90 artists on loan from Bank of America also marks the 130th anniversary of diplomatic relations between South Korea and the U.S. The exhibition continues through March 29 at Seoul Arts Center. Tickets are 12,000 won for adults, 8,000 won for teenagers, 5,000 won for elementary school students and 4,000 won for pre-school children. For more information, call (02) 501-6976.

“Last Princess Deokhye”: A special exhibition at the National Palace Museum of Korea, “Last Princess Deokhye,” running through Jan. 27, highlights the tragic life of the last princess of Joseon (1392-1910) and looks into the lifestyles of upper-class women of that time. Some 108 items including Deokhye’s clothes and other belongings are displayed for the first time ― 63 of them are on loan from the Bunka Gakuen Costume Museum in Japan and 16 from Kyushu National Museum, also in Japan, while others were collected from different places in Korea. The exhibition organizers expect that through Deokhye’s keepsakes, visitors will also be able to learn the lifestyle of infants, youth and young women in the early 20th century. Admission is free of charge. The exhibition is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and is closed every Monday. For more information, call (02) 3701-7641.

“Wedding Rituals”: The National Folk Museum is holding an exhibition about the wedding customs of five Asian countries ― Korea, China, Japan, Nepal and Vietnam ― at its special exhibition hall through Feb. 11, 2013. A total of 863 wedding-related items collected from 11 tribes in China, eight in Nepal and seven in Vietnam as well as Korea and Japan will be displayed alongside explanations of different cultural rituals in the preparation, execution and celebration of the wedding. The exhibited items include proposal letters, invitations to the wedding, restorations of bridal chambers, wedding dresses, wedding photos and others. The exhibition is free of charge. The museum is closed on Tuesdays. For more information, call (02) 3704-3114.

Festivals

“Inje Bingeo Fishing Festival”: Fishing on frozen lakes is a unique winter pastime and those who want to try their luck during the smelt (bingeo) season can rent a site and fishing tackle. Also worth seeing is the snow sculpture park and an ice sculpture collection. Smelt cooking classes, and sleigh and snow car racing also offer lots of fun. The festival takes place at Inje Grand Bridge and its surrounding areas, Inje, Gangwon Province from Jan. 19-27. For more information, call (033) 461-0373 or visit www.injefestival.co.kr.

“Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival”: Despite the cold snap, more people are heading to the trout fishing festival in Hwacheon, Gangwon Province. Breaking ice more than 40 centimeters thick, visitors can fish for trout or catch them with their hands in the ice cold water. The Hwacheon Stream is said to be the cleanest in Korea. Visitors can also try a variety of hands-on experiences, including a sled competition, football on the ice and bobsledding. The festival continues through Jan. 27. For more information, visit www.narafestival.com. 

“Mt. Taebaek Snow Festival”: Taebaek City Government holds the 20th snow festival from Jan. 25 to Feb.3 that will display ice sculptures and light decorations throughout the city. The festival will feature fun activities for families to enjoy such as snowball fights, ice skating and snow-themed crafts. More programs are planned at the Mt. Taebaek National Park, including an ice sculpture exhibition, a winter photo exhibition and a snow light show. For more information, visit festival.taebaek.go.kr.

“Pocheon Dongjangkun Festival”: The annual winter festival in Pocheon, Gyeonggi Province, hosts various family winter activities such as trout ice fishing, sledding and kite flying in Baekun Valley. The festival will exhibit ice sculptures and hold a light show that will make beautiful reflections on the sculptures. Traditional Korean snacks such as baked potatoes and sweet potatoes with red bean soup will be served to visitors. The festival runs from Dec. 29-Jan. 27. For more information, call (031) 535-7242, or visit www.dongjangkun.co.kr.

Pop music

“Soul Play: Brown Eyed Soul”: Soul and R&B group Brown Eyed Soul is holding its third concert titled “Soul Play.” The four-member group came back after a two-year break with the release of its third album and will be touring seven cities in Korea including Seoul from Feb. 15-16 at the Olympic Park Gymnastics Stadium starting at 8 p.m. on the first day and 6 p.m. on the second day. Tickets range from 88,000 won to 132,000 won. For more information, call (02) 515-5880 or visit www.interpark.com.

“Baek Z-young Live Tour 2013”: Female pop and ballad singer Baek Ji-young will meet the fans at her first solo concert in seven years, “Baek Z-young Live Tour 2013.” The 36-year-old singer debuted in 1999 and rose to stardom with “Dash.” In 2011, Baek won the Best Female Solo Artist Award at the 13th Mnet Asian Music Awards. The upcoming concert will also include the special “Sexynology” stage, which will reveal Baek’s enticing voice and dancing. The concert will be held twice on Feb. 16, at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m, at Jamsil Indoor Gymnasium. Tickets range from 60,000 won to 130,000 won. For more information, call 1544-1555 or visit www.interpark.com.

“Adam Lambert Live in Seoul”: The theatrical “American Idol” star Adam Lambert will be performing for the first time in Korea. Lambert was the runner-up on the eighth season of the audition program and later released his debut album in 2009 titled “For Your Entertainment.” He has been nominated for a Grammy Award for the Best Male Vocal Performance, and in March 2012 released his second studio album, “Trespassing,” which reached the No. 1 spot on the U.S. Billboard Top 200 chart. The solo concert will be held on Feb. 17 at the Uniqlo AX Stadium at 7 p.m. Tickets will go on sale in January with tickets costing 119,000 won. For more information, call (02) 3141-3488 or visit www.interpark.com.

“10 cm: Fine Thank You and You?”: The acoustic indie duo band 10 cm will be putting on a solo concert promoting their recently released second album, “Fine Thank You and You?” The duo debuted in 2010 with the title track “Good Night,” and have made a name for themselves thanks to the unique acoustic sounds of the band’s vocals and percussion. 10 cm won “This Year’s Discovery Award” at the 2010 Mnet Asian Music Awards and the “Best Pop Single Award” at the Korean Music Awards a year later. The “Fine Thank You and You?” performance will be held at Seoul Olympic Park Gymnastics Stadium on Feb. 23 at 7 p.m. Tickets range from 55,000 won to 77,000 won. For more information, call (02) 3141-3488 or visit www.interpark.com.

Theater

“The Goddess is Watching”: One of the most anticipated homegrown musicals of the year, “The Goddess is Watching” is currently on its first run in Seoul. The show takes place on a remote island during the Korean War. It tells the story of six different soldiers, some belonging to the North Korean army, who end up living together on the uninhabited island after a shipwreck. The plot develops as a soldier named Soon-ho, the only member of the group who knows how to fix the ship, suffers from severe PTSD after witnessing his brother’s death in a battle. Another member of the group named Young-beom creates a story of a beautiful goddess to console Soon-ho and ease his fragile condition. The show runs until March 10 at Chungmu Art Hall in central Seoul. For tickets and information, call (02) 744-7090. 

“A Performance with a Long Title”: A theatrical play is being performed in Seoul’s Daehangno district to support overseas Koreans. Titled “A Performance with a Long Title,” the play tells the story of four individuals who discover hope by revisiting their childhood dreams. Instead of purchasing tickets in advance, viewers can pay after the performance. There is no fixed price; one can pay as much as they like. The theater troupe Changjakjipdan 36.5 is donating part of the profits to an NGO that is dedicated to supporting ethnic Koreans living in foreign countries. The show runs until Feb. 17 at Digital Seoul Culture Arts University’s Daehangno Theater in Hyehwa-dong, Seoul. For more information, call (010) 2182-3650.

“Rebecca”: German-language musical “Rebecca,” based on Daphne du Maurier’s 1938 novel of the same title, is being staged as a Korean adaptation in Seoul this month. It is written by Michael Kunze and Sylvester Levay, who also wrote the musicals “Elisabeth” and “Mozart!” ― both of which enjoyed much popularity in Korea last year. The original novel was also made into a film by Alfred Hitchcock in 1940 as the director’s first American project. The gothic tale is about an aristocratic widower and his memory of his dead wife, which keeps haunting him and his new bride. “Rebecca” opens at LG Arts Center in Yeoksam-dong, southern Seoul, on Jan. 12. Tickets range from 50,000 won to 130, 000 won. For more information, call 1544-1555.

“Assassins”: Film and theater actor Hwang Jeong-min (“Happiness,” “Dancing Queen”) is making his debut as a musical director this month. The show is the Korean adaptation of American musical “Assassins.” The five-time Tony Award winner features the real-life men and women who attempted to assassinate U.S. presidents. The figures include John Wilkes Booth, who assassinated Lincoln, and Sara Jane Moore, who attempted to assassinate President Ford. Hwang stars as Charles Guiteau, President James Garfield’s assassin, in his own show. “Assassins” runs from Nov. 20 to Feb. 3 of next year at Doosan Art Center in Seoul. Tickets range from 40,000 won to 80,000 won. For more information, call (02) 744-4033.

Dance

“The 50th Anniversary of Yook Wansoon Modern Dance Festival”: In celebration of the 50th anniversary of modern dancer and scholar Yook Wan-soon, a special dance festival will be held in Seoul. Born in Jeonju, North Jeolla Province, Yook majored in physical education at Ewha Womans University and studied contemporary dance at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. After retuning to Seoul, she had her first solo performance at the National Theater of Korea, the first American-style contemporary dance performance ever showcased in the country. Yook continued giving performances in Seoul and the U.S. until 1972; she turned to academia and choreography thereafter. The upcoming festival consists of performances by the Korea National Ballet, Seoul Ballet Theater, the National Dance Company of Korea, and Seoul Performing Arts Company, as well as academic forums about modern dance and its development in Korea. The festival runs from Dec. 25 to Jan. 27 at different venues in Seoul, including Arko Arts Theater and Myeongdong Theater. For more information, call (02) 325-5702.

“Romeo and Juliet”: The Korea National Ballet is opening this year’s season with Sergei Prokofiev’s “Romeo and Juliet.” The troupe is presenting a version created by legendary French choreographer Jean-Christophe Maillot of Monte Carlo Ballet Theater. Unlike the Kenneth MacMillan version showcased by Universal Ballet Company last year, the upcoming show presents simple and modern costumes and choreography. Its stage setting, created by French designer Ernest Pignon-Ernest, is also noted for its black and white, minimal design. “Romeo and Juliet” runs from Feb. 14 to 17 at Seoul Arts Center’s Opera Theater in Seocho-dong, southern Seoul. Tickets range from 5,000 won to 80,000 won. For more information, visit www.kballet.org. 

“Swan Lake”: Korea’s Universal Ballet Company is showcasing the Tchaikovsky classic “Swan Lake” as its season opener this year. The famous ballet tells the story of Odette, a princess turned into a swan by an evil sorcerer’s curse. She tries to break the curse with her love interest prince Siegfried, but fails when her man gets tricked. The troupe has been performing the 1895 Mariinsky Theater version of the piece since 1992, while developing its own forte in the dancing of its corps de ballet. The show runs from March 8 to 12 at Seoul Arts Center’s Opera Theater in Seocho-dong, southern Seoul. For more information, visit www.universalballet.com.

Classical music

“Kumho Art Hall Rising Stars”: Kumho Art Hall is featuring six up-and-coming Korean artists in the months of January and February. On Jan. 24, guitarist Kim Jin-hee will perform classical pieces of Tarrega, Turina and Santz. Kim graduated from the Korea National University of Arts and became the winner of the Adelaide International Guitar Competition in 2010. On Jan.31 pianist Sohn Jeung-beum, a student of University of Music and Performing Arts Munich, will play Chopin, Scarlatti, and Liszt. On Feb. 7, violist Shim Hyo-bi will perform Bach and Paganini. The young artist graduated from Curtis Institute of Music and toured around the U.S. as part of the “Curtis on Tour.” On Feb.14, recordist Yeom Eun-cho, a protg of Conrad Steinman, will perform pieces of her own as well as Bach. On Feb. 21, clarinetist Kim Han will play Brahms, Schumann and Debussy. On Feb.28, flutist and student of University of Music and Performing Arts Munich, Kim Se-hyun, will present pieces of Bach and Reinecke. Tickets are priced at 30,000 won but those who purchase them a month in advance will receive a 10,000 won discount. Reservations can be made at www.interpark.com or (02) 6303-1977.

“Bernard Haitink and London Symphony Orchestra”: Bernard Haitink will lead the London Symphony Orchestra featuring Mozart, Beethoven, Bruckner and others at the Seoul Arts Center on Feb. 28 -March 1. This will be Haitink’s first visit to Korea in 36 years. Portuguese pianist Maria Joao Pires specializing in Mozart will join the orchestra, performing Mozart and Beethoven Piano Concerto No. 2. Tickets are priced between 70,000 won and 350,000 won. For more information call (02) 599-5743.

“Great Series”: The Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra is kicking off its Great Series marking the 200th anniversary of the birth of Richard Wagner on Jan. 25 at 8 p.m. at the Seoul Arts Center led by Chung Myung-whun and feature “Tannhuser,” “Prelude and Liebestod from Tristan und Isolde” and an orchestral excerpt from “Ring.” Tickets are priced from 10,000 won to 120,000 won. For more information call 1588-1210.

“Chicago Symphony Orchestra”: The 120-year-old Chicago Symphony Orchestra led by Lorin Maazel will perform in Korea for the first time on Feb. 6-7 at the Seoul Arts Center. Maazel, chief conductor of Munich Philharmonic Orchestra, will replace Riccardo Muti, the original concertmaster of the orchestra, who cancelled his Asia tour due to his ailing condition. Maazel will lead the American orchestra to feature Stravinsky Divertimento from “The Fairy Kiss,” Brahms Symphony No. 2, Beethoven Symphony No. 3 “Eroica” and Mendelssohn’s Symphony No. 4 “Italian.” The CSO was named the top U.S. orchestra by the Gramophone magazine. Tickets are priced from 70,000 won to 360,000 won. Tickets are available at ticket.interpark.com, www.clubbalcony.com and www.sacticket.co.kr. For more information, visit www.superseries.kr or follow the Twitter account, @hyundaicard.