Highlights

“The Best in Tragedy”: The play centers on the playwright and Nobel laureate Goh Il-bong, who has devoted his entire life to writing tragedies. But what he does not realize is that while he is writing a masterpiece on life and death, his wife is slowly dying. “The Best in Tragedy,” which raises questions about the meaning of life, tragedy and time, runs through Feb. 21 at the Byeoloreum Theater of the National Theater of Korea. Tickets are priced at 25,000 won. For more information, call (02) 764-7462.

“Das Musical: Robin Hood”: The story of Robin Hood, one of the most popular English folk heroes, will be staged as a musical in Korea. Based on the original German production by Andrea Friedrich and Hans Holzbecher, Korean director Wang Yong-beum helms the star-studded musical starring actor Yoo Joon-sang, Yoseob of K-pop idol group Beast, Kyuhyun from idol group Super Junior and musical actor Um Ki-joon. The Korean rendition runs through March 29 at D-Cube Arts Center, which is connected to Sindorim Station. Ticket prices range from 60,000 won to 130,000 won. For more information, call (02) 764-7857.

“The Hen Who Dreamed She Could Fly”: Based on a best-selling children’s book by Hwang Sun-mi, the musical “The Hen Who Dreamed She Could Fly” is about a hen named Sprout who lives on a chicken farm. Sprout’s dream is to hatch her own eggs and become a mother, rather than seeing her eggs being sold to the market every morning. One day, she successfully runs away from the farm and goes on an adventure, learning about life, hardship, love and family. “The Hen Who Dreamed She Could Fly” runs through March 1 at Daehangno Arts Theater, near Hyehwa Station. Ticket prices range from 35,000 won to 70,000 won. For more information, call (02) 762-0010.

“Notre-Dame de Paris”: The original French production of the famous musical “Notre-Dame de Paris” is now touring Korea, marking the 10th anniversary of the show’s Korean premiere in 2006. Based on French writer Victor Hugo’s novel “The Hunchback of Notre-Dame,” the musical tells the story of Quasimodo, a deformed hunchback who dwells within Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris and falls in love with the beautiful gypsy dancer Esmeralda. The Seoul run opens on Jan. 15 at Sejong Center for the Performing Arts. For details, call (02) 749-9037.

“Harold and Maude”: The Korean production of this American romantic dark comedy directed by Hal Ashby stars actor Kang Ha-neul, who is making his stage debut as the 19-year-old Harold. The play is a love story about Harold, who is obsessed with death, and an 80-year-old woman named Maude, played by veteran actress Park Jung-ja, who teaches Harold about living life to the fullest. The play runs through March 1 at the National Theater of Korea’s Daloreum Theater. Ticket prices range from 30,000 won to 60,000 won. For details, call (02) 6925-5600.

“Melodrama”: Popular playwright and director Jang Yoo-jeong, known for the musical-turned-film “Finding Mr. Destiny,” a box office hit in 2010, returns to the stage with her directorial debut play, “Melodrama,” starring actor Park Won-sang and actress Hong Eun-hee. The play, about two couples who are having affairs, raises questions about the meaning of love. “Melodrama” runs through Feb. 15 at Jayu Theater at Seoul Arts Center, southern Seoul. Tickets are 35,000 won and 50,000 won. For details, call (02) 762-0010 or visit www.sacticket.co.kr.

“Gone with the Wind”: The Korean production of the French musical “Gone with the Wind” raised its curtains on Jan. 9 at Seoul Arts Center in southern Seoul. Based on Margaret Mitchell’s novel of the same name and its 1939 film adaptation, the musical premiered in Paris in 2003. The ongoing Korean production stars Girls’ Generation’s Seohyun and singer-turned-musical actress Bada as Scarlett O’Hara, opposite actor Joo Jin-mo and musical star Kim Bap-lae as Rhett Butler. It continues through Feb. 15. For details, call 1577-3363.

“Kinky Boots”: This Broadway musical, which bagged six Tony Awards last year, is having its first non-English-language run in Seoul. A collaboration between Broadway producers and Korean entertainment firm CJ E&M, the show is based on the 2005 film of the same title, with music and lyrics by Cyndi Lauper. In the play, Charlie, the young, straitlaced owner of a struggling British shoe factory, forms an unlikely partnership with Lola, a drag queen, to save the business. The Korean rendition of “Kinky Boots” continues through Feb. 22 at Chungmu Art Hall in Seoul. For details, call (02) 2230-6600.

“Once”: The Korean production of “Once” is being staged at Seoul Arts Center. Based on the 2006 film of the same title, the original Broadway musical won eight Tony Awards in 2012, including best musical of the year. For its Korean version, veteran rocker Yoon Do-hyun will play the lead role. He will play Guy, an Irish street musician and vacuum cleaner repairman who falls in love with Girl, a Czech flower seller. Both Yoon and musical actor Lee Chang-hee will play the role, while two emerging musical actresses, Jeon Mi-do and Park Ji-yeon, will play Girl. “Once” continues through March 29 at the 1,000-seat CJ Towol Theater in Seoul Arts Center. Ticket prices range from 60,000 won to 120,000 won. For details, call (02) 577-1987.


Festivals

Gurye Sansuyu Flower Festival: The festival celebrates the arrival of spring with yellow sansuyu flowers blossoming on the Mount Jirisan range in Gurye, South Jeolla Province. The festival, scheduled to run from March 21-29, holds concerts of various music genres from Korean folk music, classical music to trendy K-pop. Visitors have close access to places that tell rich history of the Mount Jirisan region such as Hwaeomsa Temple, Nogodan Peak and Seomjingang River. For more information, visit sansuyu.gurye.go.kr.

Everland Snow Festival: Everland is hosting a winter festival until March 1, offering various winter activities. The Safari World has been turned into a winter wonderland where visitors can see wild animals such as tigers and bears playing in snow-covered settings. At the sledding facility, children and adults can try various types of sleds. In the outdoor garden, multimedia light shows will be held on Friday and Saturday night for the duration of the festival. For more information, visit www.everland.com.

2015 Gwangyang International Maehwa Festival: This flower festival, which runs from March 14-22, celebrates the start of spring with apricot blossoms in Seomjin village, located on the bank of the Seomjingang River in South Jeolla Province. Started in 1997, the festival has attracted up to 1 million visitors each year. Visitors will have a chance to enjoy various music and dance performances while surrounded by apricot blossoms. The city of Gwangyang and the area near Seomjingang River are also culinary destinations, with popular local dishes including Gwangyang bulgogi, grilled marinated beef and jaecheopguk soup made with freshwater clams from the river. For more information, visit www.gwangyang.go.kr/gymaehwa.


Pop Music

 “Naturally 7 Live in Korea”: Naturally 7 is an American seven-member male a cappella group that performs a style which the members refer to as “vocal play” ― mimicking instruments with their voices. The group formed in 1999 in New York City but remained relatively unknown before it caught a break, being selected as the opening act for Michael Buble’s ongoing Crazy Love Tour. Naturally 7 will be performing live in Seoul at Blue Square in Yongsan-gu on March 4. Ticket prices range from 77,000 won to 110,000 won. For more information, call (02) 3141-3488 or visit www.interpark.com.

Ed Sheeran: Up-and-coming English singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran is making waves in the music industry as one of the decade’s notable breakthrough artists. In 2011 he released his debut album, “+,” which went certified quintuple platinum in the U.K. The album featured the hit singles “The A Team” and “Lego House” and helped him snag the Best British Male Solo Artist and British Breakthrough Act awards at the 2012 Brit Awards. Earlier this year he released his second album, “X,” and landed himself a Grammy nod for Best New Artist. Sheeran will be performing his first concert in Korea on March 8 at Seoul Olympic Park’s SK Olympic Handball Stadium. Ticket prices are listed at 121,000 won and 143,000 won. For more information, call (02) 3141-3488 or visit www.interpark.com.

“Christina Perri The Head of Heart Tour in Seoul”: Christina Perri is an American singer-songwriter known for her 2010 debut single “Jar of Hearts.” The song appeared on the popular dancing reality show “So You Think You Can Dance,” and went on to sell more than 3 million copies worldwide. A year later she released her debut album “Lovestrong” and went on to release her hit single “A Thousand Years.” The song was featured in the Blockbuster film “Breaking Dawn Part 2” of the Twilight Saga. “A Thousand Years” went quadruple platinum. Last year Perri released her second studio album, “Head or Heart.” The singer-songwriter will be giving a special performance, which includes a meet-and-greet session for VIP ticket holders, on March 10. General standing ticket prices are listed at 99,000 won with VIP tickets listed at 154,000 won. For more information, call (02) 3141-3488 or visit www.interpark.com.


Classical Music

“Schubert for Two”: Violinist Kim Su-yoen and pianist Lim Dong-hyek will be performing a duet concert at the Seoul Arts center on Feb. 28 at 8 p.m. The program features three of Schubert’s most renowned pieces: Fantasie for Violin and Piano in C major, D. 934, Rondo Brilliant in B minor, D. 895, and Violin Sonata in A major, D. 574. A studio-recorded version is soon to be released. Ticket prices range from 30,000 won to 100,000 won. For inquiries, call (02) 1577-5266 or 070-8879-8485.

“Woonyoung, A Court Lady”: The Seoul Opera Ensemble will premiere “Woonyoung, A Court Lady,” an original Korean opera and tragic love story, at the National Theater of Korea in Seoul on Feb. 14 and 15. The opera is a modern take on the ancient Korean novel “The Story of Woonyoung” and inspired by a prominent painting from the Joseon era called “Mongyudowondo,” with music written by up-and-coming composer Lee Geun-hyung. Ticket prices range from 30,000 won to 100,000 won. For details, call (02) 741-7389.

Korea Symphony Orchestra: Conductor Lim Hun-joung and Korea Symphony Orchestra will perform masterpieces by Mozart and Bruckner on Feb. 26 at Seoul Arts Center, with pianist Kim Tae-hyung as soloist. The program consists of Mozart’s Symphony No.36 in C major, K.425, “Linz,” and Bruckner’s Symphony No. 6 in A major, WAB 106. Tickets cost 20,000 to 50,000 won. For details, visit www.sacticket.co.kr.

“Canto Antigo”: Violinist Zia Hyunsu Shin will perform with classical guitar duo Lee Song-ou and Oliver Fartach-Naini at Seoul Arts Center on Feb. 14. The program features some pieces from their recently released album “Canto Antigo” as well as “Oblivion” and “The Four Seasons of Buenos Aires” by Argentine composer Astor Piazzolla. Ticket costs 30,000 won to 70,000 won. For details, 1577-5266 or visit www.clubbalcony.com.

Steve Barakatt & Herald Philharmonic: New age composer and pianist Steve Barakatt will present his symphonic work “Ad Vitam Aeternam” to Seoul audiences on March 8 at Seoul Arts Center. Accompanied by the Herald Philharmonic Orchestra and its conductor Kim Bong-mee, the Canadian musician will also play some of his greatest hits, such as “Rainbow Bridge” and “Flying.” The concert will start at 5 p.m. at the Concert Hall of Seoul Art Center. Ticket prices start from 40,000 won. For details, call (02) 580-1300.

The Sixteen: The Sixteen, a U.K.-based choral ensemble famous for performing early music and baroque masterpieces, is coming to Korea for its first concert. Accompanied by its founder and conductor Harry Christophers, the group will perform a wide repertoire, extending from 16th-century Italian composers Palestrina and Allegri to contemporary James McMillan. The concert will take place on March 13 at LG Arts Center. Ticket starts from 40,000 won. For details, visit www.lgart.com


Dance

“Multiplicity. Forms of Silence and Emptiness”: Kicking off the 2015 ballet season, the Universal Ballet Korea will be staging Nacho Duato’s “Multiplicity, Forms of Silence and Emptiness” as its season opener. The 1999 ballet is one of Duato’s best-known works and landed the choreographer the prestigious Benois de la Dance prize. As a homage to one of classical music’s greatest, Johann Sebastian Bach, the two-act ballet tells the story of Bach’s music by combining both baroque music and modern choreography. The dance touches up Bach and his music in the first act before transitioning to the last phases of Bach’s life including his death. The Universal Ballet Korea’s upcoming performance of “Multiplicity. Forms of Silence and Emptiness” will be held at the LG Arts Center in Seoul from March 19 to 22. For more information, visit www.universalballet.com.

“Giselle”: The Korean National Ballet will be kicking off its 2015 season with its opening performance of one of the ballet world’s most classic and beloved tales of love and heartbreak in “Giselle.” Bringing back the production to this year’s repertoire, “Giselle” is one of the most reprised and haunting ballet masterpieces of the Romantic era, touching upon a full spectrum of human emotions including happiness, love, heartache, pain and fiction’s ultimate example of forgiveness. Giselle is an emotionally and physically fragile village girl who falls hopelessly in love with her prince charming but her world shatters after finding out that she was not the only woman in his life. The KNB’s production of “Giselle” will be held at the Seoul Arts Center from March 25 to 29. For more information, visit www.kballet.org.

“Taming of the Shrew”: One of William Shakespeare’s most iconic comedic tales of love and cunning deceit, the ballet rendition of the “Taming of the Shrew” will be staged by the Korean National Ballet as part of the company’s 2015 repertoire. The plot follows the storyline of the less-than-desirable Katherina ― “the shrew” ― who frightens away any potential romantic suitors, while her younger and far more desirable sister, must halt her searches for a husband until her sister is married off first. The two-act ballet based one of Shakespeare’s classics will be performed from April 29 to May 3 at the Seoul Arts Center. For more information, visit www.kballet.org.


Exhibitions

Gana Art Collection: Gana Foundation for Arts and Culture presents its modern art collection, which includes some of the significant artworks of modern Korean artists. The vast collection includes early modern works of Korean painters and sculptors, including Park Su-geun and Lee Ung-no. Works of foreign artists, including Anselm Keifer and Antony Gormley, are also on exhibit. The prints by foreign artists that portray the lives of Koreans in the early 1900s offers interesting viewpoints foreigners had of the country that was largely unknown to the rest of the world. The exhibition runs through March 1 at Gana Insa Art Center in Insa-dong, Seoul. For more information, call (02) 736-1020.

“New Wave: The Road of Memories”: A group exhibition of Asian artists will run at and.N gallery from Feb. 3-21. The exhibition invites emerging artists from South Korea, China, Taiwan, India and Indonesia whose works have gained international recognition. Six artists showcase some 20 paintings that portray their individual memories. South Korean artist Shim Bong-min depicts childhood memories in gray concrete apartment settings. Chinese artist Liu Xia captures the past memories in still-life paintings. U.K.-based Hong Kong artist Stephanie Ho portrays modern busy lifestyles with edited images of people in different poses. The gallery opens from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. from Tuesday to Saturday. It closes on Sunday and Monday. For more information, call (02) 542-7710.

“Millet, Barbizon and Fontainebleau”: Four masterpieces of Jean-Francois Millet depicting farmers and shepherds will be on view in Seoul for the first time. The touring exhibition started in Boston and stopped through Japan before arriving in Seoul on Jan. 23 with 64 paintings, including major works of Millet and his contemporaries of the Barbizon School, the critical art movement that bridged realism and impressionism. The exhibition runs from Jan. 23 to May 10 at Soma Museum in Seoul. Admission is 14,000 won for adults, 10,000 won for teenagers and 8,000 won for children. For more information, visit www.milletseoul.com or call 1588-2618.

“Polar Heir”: Photographer Han Sung-pil is holding a solo exhibition on human exploitation in the Arctic and Antarctica. On display are pictures he took during trips to the North and South Poles from 2013 to 2014, especially to places where early European explorers settled and competed to extract natural resources or catch whales. The exhibition runs through Feb. 22 at Arario Gallery in Jongno-gu, Seoul. For more information, call (02) 541-5701.