Exhibitions
"Yun Suk-nam`s Solo Exhibition": Hakgojae Gallery displays 330 pieces from artist Yun Suk-nam`s "Dog Project" series. Yun is one of the most representative feminist artists in Korea. After an inspiring meeting with an old lady who takes care of 1,025 abandoned dogs she found on the street, Yun started to carve wooden dogs until the number reached 1,025. She had to fill the number to transmit to the viewers the exact shock she felt at her first sight of the dogs. This exhibition is to give a service for the repose of the abandoned dogs. The exhibition runs through Feb. 24 at Hakgojae Gallery in central Seoul. For more information, call (02) 720-1524 or visit www.hakgojae.com

"I know someone who believes Love comes before money and status": Belief in true love is the theme of the latest exhibition by Koh Sang Woo, an up-and-coming artist renowned for his unique style of "reversing" photographs and ideas. For this exhibition, Koh not only used negative films, but also used only amateur models that were big and short, instead of more customary slim and tall women. The women in the finished works are not who they used to be, but totally different beings, existing without traces of sex, age, race, or any distinguishing features or standards. A current TV announcer and her poet husband modeled for his latest series. Her marriage was a surprise at the time because famed female TV broadcasters often marry wealthy men. Her special love story inspired Koh. The exhibition runs through Feb. 28 at Gallery SUN contemporary in central Seoul. For more information, call (02) 720-5789 or visit www.suncontemporary.com

"Luci & Orange Museum": A heartwarming story about an abandoned puppy and a girl, both named Luci, is the subject of the exhibition "Luci & Orange Museum" at the Hello Museum, a venue designed especially for kids. Twenty paintings, sculptures and photos by artists such as Maggie Taylor and Louise Bourgeois are displayed and used for the curators to tell the story. The exhibition is based on an 80-minute long docent tour provided by curators who have majored in art education or children`s education. Children not only see art, but get to discuss it, draw their own pictures and make their own fairy tale books. Reservations are needed for the docent tour. The exhibition runs through Feb. 28 at Hello Museum in Yeoksam-dong, southern Seoul. Admission for the docent tour is 22,000 won for kids and 2,000 won for parents. The museum is closed on Mondays. For more information,
call (02) 3217-4222 or visit
www.hellomuseum.com.

"Laurence Dervaux`s Solo Exhibition": People today take their bodies for granted, overworking them. But the human body is one of the most fragile and beautiful things in the world, according to sculptor Laurence Dervaux. The Belgian artist is acclaimed in Europe for her sensational style of depicting the human body. She uses glass, porcelain and various liquids to visualize "life force" and the essence of life and death. The fragile material and vivid colors used for the sculptures make them appear like precious jewels. Through this delicate and precious feel the artist describes her vision of the human body. The exhibition runs through March 1 at Atelier Hermes. It is located in Sinsadong near Dosan Park. For more information,
call (02) 544-7722.

"2008 I AM AN ARTIST": The best part of being young and inexperienced is that one is forgiven for being overly bold. Seventeen up-and-coming artists show off their daring, uninhibited ideas in this exhibition. Started in 1981, the biannual exhibition has brought to light more than 300 artists in the past 27 years, including world famous installation artist Lee Bul. A total of 250 pieces, ranging from paintings and installations to sculptures, photographs, and animations are showcased in their separate spaces. The exhibition runs through March 8 at the National Museum of Contemporary Art in Gwacheon, Gyeonggi Province. Tickets are 3,000 won. For more information, call (02) 2188-6000 or visit www.moca.go.kr

"Timeless": Emotions like love, loneliness and comfort do not follow a certain trend, but will always be deep inside all hearts. Artists Sylvain Tremblay and Samy Briss depict these universal, eternal feelings on canvas in their own ways. Their work is currently on display at the exhibition "Timeless." Tremblay is a representative artist of Canada, gaining attention in major cities across Europe. His works easily arouse viewers` sympathies through the thin, long human figures in his work. They are expressed without any eyes, nose nor mouth, but their gestures or the background colors hint at the characters` sentiments. Samy Briss, Romania based artist, focuses on a certain emotion: consolation. The Byzantine style influenced his work, giving it a serene and sacred feel. The exhibition runs through March 10 at Opera Gallery Seoul in Cheongdam-dong, southern Seoul. For more information, call (02) 3446-0070 or visit www.operagallery.com

"Wander on the Sky": Can you imagine wandering through art in a gallery so high its windows show clouds outside? This is possible at 63 Sky Art in Yeouido, southwestern Seoul, the world`s highest museum, located on the 60th floor of the 63 building, a major landmark in the capital city. The exhibition "Wander on the Sky," started last week, displaying 63 pieces of sky-themed art. More than 30 well-known artists, including Lee U Fan, Zou Wei, Andy Warhol and Paik Nam-june have their paintings, sculptures, photos, videos and installations presented. It runs through March 15. Tickets are 12,000 won for adults, 11,000 won for adolescents and 10,000 won for children. For more information, call (02) 789-5663 or visit www.63.co.kr

"The Modern Korea Rediscovered": National Museum of Contemporary Art, Deoksugung presents a rare chance to see 232 pieces by 105 Korean modern artists in one place. Works by renowned artists such as Park Soo-keun, Lee Jung-seob, Kim Hwan-ki and Cheon Kyeong-ja are on display. The exhibits give viewers a glimpse of what Korea was like and what Koreans felt during the country`s turbulent history. It runs through March 22, 2009. The museum is located in Deoksugung, near City Hall station in Seoul (subway lines 1 and 2). Admission is free but tickets to Deoksugung are 1,000 won. For more information,
call (02) 757-1800 or visit
www.koreamodern.com

"Arcadia: Heaven for Artists": One can now see the original works of Pablo Picasso, Joan Miro, Henri Matisse and Marc Chagall all in one Seoul gallery, thanks to the Pompidou Center. An exhibition of masterpieces from the French institution is running at Seoul Museum of Art in central Seoul. It features 79 pieces of world renowned artists, including ones displayed for the first time in Korea. The Pompidou Center is the most famous museums for contemporary art in France. This exhibition reveals the story on how images of Arcadia, or heaven, were depicted and idealized by Parisian artists after the 20th century. It is composed of 10 parts, each showing different aspects of the Arcadia. The exhibition runs through March 22 next year at Seoul Museum of Art. Admission is 12,000 won for adults, 9,000 won for students and 7,000 won for children. The museum is closed Mondays. For more information, call (02) 325-1077 or visit www.pompidou2008.kr

Concerts
"Yundi Li Piano Recital": Star Chinese piaist Yundi Li holds his first recital in Korea in six years on Feb. 15 and 18 at Goyang Aramnuri Theater and Seoul Arts Center, respectively. Li will play the Chopin and Mozart, as well as Schumann-Liszt`s "Widmung" and Mussorgsky`s "Pictures at an Exhibition." Tickets are from 20,000 won to 100,000 won. For more information, call (02) 318-4304.

"Laurence Lesser and Paik Hye-sun": World-renowned cellist Laurence Lesser and Korean pianist Paik Hye-sun play the Beethoven cello and piano sonata on Feb. 19 and 20 at Kumho Arts Hall in Jongno-gu, Seoul. The concert is a part of Kumho Cultural Foundation`s World Master`s Series. Tickets are 8,000 won to 30,000 won. For details, call (02) 6303-7700 or go to www.kumhoarthall.com

"Kim Won Piano Recital": Korean pianist Kim Won, more active in Europe, releases his first major debut album and holds a recital on Feb. 21 at Seoul Arts Center. Kim will perform repertoires from his new album including Stravinsky`s "Three Movements from Petrouchka" and Schumann`s Symphonic Etudes. The recital will be at 8 p.m. Tickets are from 30,000 won to 70,000 won. For more information, call (02) 541-6234.

"Jason Mraz Live in Seoul": Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Jason Mraz returns to the capital for a concert at the Olympic Park Olympic Hall on Feb. 21. The genre-mashing singer will kick start his world tour in promotion of his third studio album. For information on tickets, visit www.interpark.co.kr

"Richard Yongjae O`Neill": Acclaimed Korean-American violist O`Neill will give a concert where he will play from his recently released Baroque album "Mysterioso" with period music ensemble Alte Musik Koln on Feb. 27 at Seoul Arts Center. Programs will include Heinrich Ignaz Biber`s "Passacaliglia" and Georg Philipp Telemann`s viola concerto. Tickets run from 30,000 won to 100,000 won. For details,
call (02) 318-4301 or go to
www.clubbalcony.com

"Travis Live in Seoul": The Scottish pop-rock quintet will perform at the Seoul Olympic Park Olympic Hall on March 1. This is a swift return for the band after headlining the second day of the Incheon Pentaport Rock Festival in July. For more information contact (02) 3444-9969

"Madame Butterfly": Italy`s renowned Trieste Verdi Theater brings one of Giacomo Puccini`s most well-known opera "Madame Butterfly" to Seoul. The work will staged March 12-15 at Sejong Center for the Performing Arts. Prominent director Giulio Ciabatti leads the production. The theater`s performance in Korea is a part of a cultural exchange program between the theater and Seoul Metropolitan Opera. Tickets are from 30,000 won to 250,000 won. For details, call (02) 1544-1887.

"Sarah Brightman Symphony Korea Tour": The internally acclaimed "popera" soprano and songstress Sarah Brightman will have a three-city tour on March 13, 16, and 20. Famous for lead roles in the musical "The Phantom of the Opera," and "Cats," Brightman will have her first show in Seoul at the Olympic Park Gymnasium, the second show will be in Ilsan at the Goyang Kintex Hall, and her last performance will be in Busan at the Busan Bexco. For information on tickets, contact (02)1544-1555 or visit
www.interpark.co.kr

"Matthias Goerne Recital": German baritone Matthias Goerne who received world`s attention through his warm and soft cover of "Winterreise" holds reitals on March 13 and 14 at Sejong Center for the Performing Arts. Goerne will perform diverse lieder including "Hoffnung" and "Das Weinen" The recital is the first of the center`s 2009 Invitational Festival of Famous Vocalists. Tickets are 60,000 won to 120,000 won. For more information, call (02) 399-1114.

"Rich White Day Concert": Singer and musical actor Rich holds his concert on March 14, White Day. The singer who released his first single album last year will perform tunes from the album, as well as the premiere of the title song from his second single which will be released in March. The concert will be at Yae Hall in Apgujeong-dong, Seoul, at 7 p,m. Tickets are 40,000 won. To find out more, call (02) 468-2258 or go to www.richworld.co.kr

"Yuki Kuramoto White Day concert": One of Korea`s most revered and loved Japanese new age pianist and composer Yuki Kuramoto will perform at the Seoul Arts Center on March 14. The main theme of the forthcoming concert will be romance to commemorate "White Day." For more information on tickets, contact (02) 751-9606~10

"Maksim Mrvica Live in Seoul": The popular Croatian pianist Maxim Mrvica will hold his second concert in Korea on March 18 a the Olympic Park Fencing Stadium in Seoul. As a cross-over classical-techno pianist, Maxim has held sold-out shows all over the world. All five of the techno-classical piano sensation`s concerts in Seoul were sold out. For more information on tickets, contact (02) 548-8690

"X-Japan Live in Korea": Considered the Guns N` Roses of Asia, the timeless Japanese hard rock band X-Japan will perform at the Olympic Gymnastics Gymnasium on March 21~22. Famous for their operatic rock ballad "Endless Rain," the hard rockers will perform to their legions of Korean fans. For more information contact (02) 783-0114

"John Legend Live in Seoul": The neo-soul crooner John Legend will perform music from his latest album, "Revolver" at the Olympic Hall on March 29. Known for his heartbreaking lyrics and aching love ballads, Legend is a favorite of the United States President Barack Obama and will look to melt the hearts of all Seoulites. For more information on tickets visit
www.interpark.co.kr

"Oasis Live in Seoul": The Brit-pop and alternative rock bad-boys Oasis will perform in Seoul at the Olympic Park Gym on April 1. The Manchester-based band will perform music off their latest record, "Dig out your soul," along with their past hits that popularized the band to Korean music lovers. For more information on tickets, contact (02) 3444-9969 for booking in English and (02) 1544-1555.

"Madame Butterfly": Italy`s renowned Trieste Verdi Theater brings one of Giacomo Puccini`s most well-known operas, "Madame Butterfly," to Seoul. The work will staged March 12-15 at Sejong Center for the Performing Arts. Prominent director Giulio Ciabatti leads the production. The theater`s performance in Korea is a part of a cultural exchange program between the theater and Seoul Metropolitan Opera. Tickets are from 30,000 won to 250,000 won. For details, call (02) 1544-1887.

"Rich White Day Concert": Singer and musical actor Rich holds his concert on March 14, White Day. The singer who released his first single album last year will perform tunes from the album, as well as the premiere of the title song from his second single which will be released in March. The concert will be at Yae Hall in Apgujeong-dong, Seoul, at 7 p.m. Tickets are 40,000 won. To find out more, call (02) 468-2258 or go to www.richworld.co.kr

Musicals
"White Bubble Show": Canadian bubble artist Fan Yang`s "White Bubble Show" returns to Korea. Yang first staged his show here in 2004 and has had many returns. The show will run through Feb. 22 at Theater Yong in National Theater of Korea in Yongsan-gu, Seoul. For details, call (02) 733-5004 or go to
www.whitebubbleshow.com

"Jekyll and Hyde": The local production of the hit musical that helped now top-ranked actor Cho Seung-woo achieve stardom returns to theater. The show delicately depicts the dualism in human nature, while presenting brilliant tunes like "This is the moment" and "Once Upon a Dream." Three actors will take on the leading role, including Ryu Jeong-han, who was nominated for best actor at last year`s Korea Musical Awards. The musical runs through Feb. 22 at LG Arts Center. Tickets are from 40,000 won to 120,000 won. For details, call (02) 556-8556.

"Romeo et Juliette": The original team of "Romeo et Juliette" is showing for the second time in Korea. The musical will feature hit tunes including "Aimer" and "Les Rois du Monde," which are composed of chansons in sweet melodies with some powerful beats and a touch of rock. The show will be staged until Feb. 27 at Sejong Center for the Performing Arts in Seoul. Tickets are from 60,000 won to 200,000 won. For details, call (02) 02-766-2022.

"The Ballerina Who Loved the B-boy": The well-known non-verbal b-boying (break-dancing) show which has gained success both here and abroad returns at a new venue. The show centers on a ballernina who falls in love with a b-boy she met at a square while she is rehearsing. It will be staged through Feb. 28 at Ewha 100th Memorial Hall in Jeong-dong, Seoul. Tickets are 40,000 won and 50,000 won. For details, call (02) 2266-2727 or go to www.showbboy.com

"Cafe In": The homemade romantic comedy musical tells a love story between a female barista who learns how to love from a player sommelier, while providing useful information about coffee and wine. Popular musical director Sung Jae-jun and musical director Won Mi-sol duo, who together created numerous hit musicals including "Polaroid" and "Music in My Heart," collaborated on the show. It will run untill Feb. 28 at Live Theater in Daehangno, Seoul. Tickets are 35,000 won and 45,000 won. For details, call (02) 3448-4340.

"Grease": The Korean version of the hit Broadway musical has become one of the longest running shows here. The story of teenage dreams and heartaches is simple in plot and light in mood, and those points are proving to be exactly what draws people. Also great 50`s rock `n` roll songs are always a people favorite. The show is scheduled to run through March 1 at Naru Arts Center in Jayang-dong, Seoul. Park Jung-min from boy band SS501 is playing the lead role, Danny. Tickets are 40,000 won and 60,000 won. For more information, call (02) 556-8556 or check out grease.odmusical.com

"Don Juan": Already having had a successful Korean premiere in 2006, "Don Juan" is showing as a Korean production at Seongnam Arts Center. The musical centers on the Spanish nobleman who sees women only as a means to an end, plus the complex relationships he gets involved in. The show features not only lively Latin music, including songs like "Du Plaisir" and "Los Amigos," but also eye-catching flamenco dances. TV and film actor Joo Ji-hoon, who starred in the movie "Antique" and the TV drama "The Palace" will make his theater debut in the show. It will run through March 8 at Seongnam Arts Center in Bundang, Gyeonggi Province. Tickets are from 30,000 won to 110,000 won. For details, call (02) 501-1377.

"Radio Star": This musical, based on the 2006 movie of the same name, deals with the friendship between an old rocker and his loyal manager-cum-friend. Popular 90`s singer Kim Won-jun and comedian Jung Jun-ha play the role of the rocker and manager, respectively. The show will be staged from March 3 through April 5 at Chungmu Arts Hall in Heungin-dong, Seoul. Tickets are 60,000 won and 70,000 won. To find out more, call (02) 1544-5955.

"Dreamgirls": Broadway show "Dreamgirls," better known to the Korean public as the 2006 movie version starring pop stars Beyonce Knowles and Jennifer Hudson, which was loved by viewers for its catchy tunes and touching story, premieres in Korea starting Feb. 27. In the Seoul show, the main characters Deena will be played by musical actress Jung Sun-ah, who has proven her talent in hit shows including "Nine" and "Xanadu," while Effie will be played by both musical actresses Hong Ji-min and Cha Ji-yeon. The show will be staged until July 26 at Charlotte Theater in Jamsil-dong, Seoul. For details, call (02) 556-8556 or go to www.musicaldreamgirls.co.kr

"Rent": The Korean production of popular musical that shot Cho Seung-woo to stardom returns for its sixth run at KEPCO Arts Center in Yangjae-dong, Seoul. The show concerns the passion and love of poor young people in New York City who desire to become artists. Cho Min-ah from female pop group Jewelry will be playing Mimi, the goal-driven dancer. The show is on an open run. Tickets are from 40,000 won to 60,000 won. For details, call (02) 1544-1555 or go to www.iseensee.com

Dramas
"Agnes of God": The three-people play starring well-known veteran theater actress Yoon Suk-hwa is back on stage. Yoon plays the role of the atheist-psychiatrist Martha Livingston. The play evolves around a controversial incident in which a nun gives birth to a baby - which she says is a virgin birth - but the baby dies. As an investigation follows, the play gives insight into the complex moral and spiritual issues faced by the faithful. The work is showing at the Installation Theater Jungmiso in Daehangno, Seoul. Tickets run from 25,000 won to 50,000 won. For more information, call (02) 3672-3001.

"Magic Room": This play within a play contains magic show elements. Actors play actors in the comedy, and turn into various characters through magic. The show also tells a story - two leading characters nearing their death come to truly understand each other through honesty. The piece will run through tomorrow at Daehangno Arts Play Theater 2 in Seoul. Tickets are 25,000 won and 30,000 won. For details, call (02) 741-0408.

"I Love You": A stage adaptation of the hit online cartoon by Kang Full (Kang Do-young) has started its second run in Daehangno, Seoul. The story spotlights two elderly couples - one a milkman and a woman who gathers and sells discarded newspapers to make a living; the other a valet in a parking lot who devotedly looks after his senile wife. The play will be staged at The Good Theater in Daehangno until March. 1. Tickets are 35,000 won. For more information, call (02) 742-9005.

"Turn Away and Leave": The love story of a gangster and the doctor who takes care of him has previously been made into hit movie "The Promise" (1998) and TV drama "Lovers" (2006). The play version features the well-known TV and film actors Yoo Oh-sung and Song Sun-mi, who will each play the gangster Gong Sang-do and the doctor Chae Hee-ju, respectively. The piece will run through March 8 at Wonder Space Theater in Daehango, Seoul. Tickets are 35,000 won. For details, call (02) 762- 9190.

"The 39 Steps": Comic Play adaptation of Hitchcock thriller "The 39 Steps" will be staged at Dongsoong Arts Center in Daehangno, Seoul, starting Feb. 21. The play centers around a British gentleman named Richard Hannay who is falsely accused of a crime and pursued by an international secret society. One of the actors portrays the main character Hannay, while the woman actor plays three parts, and the other two male actors take on the roles of about 130 people, continuously and quickly moving on and off stage during the 100-minute performance. It will run through March 19. Tickets are from 15,000 won to 35,000 won. For details, call (02) 2250-5999.

"Dandelion Becomes Wind": The last work in a series of plays put on by theater venture company Yeongeukyeoljeon 2 starts a repeat run at PMC Jayu Theater in Daehangno, Seoul. The play is about an old couple who have an honest talk with each other regarding their life. Well-known actors Cho Jae-hyun, Jung Woong-in and Ahn Nae-sang alternate in the leading role of Jung-gi. The play will run through Jun. 7. Tickets are 25,000 won and 35,000 won. A discount of 20 percent is available for married couples. For details, call (02) 766-6007.

Dance
"In-I": "In-I," which is performed and directed by popular French stage and film actress Juliette Binoche - who is best known for starring in movie "Blue," - and British choreographer Akram Khan, premieres in Korea. The stage will be at LG Arts Center in Seoul on March 19 and continue through March 21. Since introducing the work at National Theater in Britain in August 2009, the duo has been touring the world. Tickets are from 40,000 won to 100,000 won.

Festivals
"Daehango Hope Theater Project": Seoul Foundation for Culture and Arts holds Daehangno Hope Theater Project through March 1, featuring such family plays as "The World Flutters as the Baby Wobbles" and "Vienna`s Music Box."
Well-known theater actors Kim Gap-soo, Jung bo-suk and Yoo Oh-sung and actress Hwang Jung-min are involved in the promotion of the festival. They will hold an event to meet theater fans on today as well as a photo exhibition during which they will present their pictures, related to Daehangno, through Feb. 28. The project will also invite 100 underprivileged families, including North Korean defectors, for free viewings. For details and venues, call (02) 743-9333 or go to www.daehangno.co.kr

"Seoul First Play Festival": Seoul First Play Festival presents five new plays at Woosuk Repertoire Theater through April 5. The SFPF is aiming to initiate a change in the theater market - now largely dominated by hit repertoires. Notable among the five is "Moonlight Trunk," which will be staged through Feb. 22. The play deals with young people in the 21st century, who are portrayed as full of anxiety and worry at a time in life when they should be most active and happy. All tickets are 15,000 won. For further information on the festival, call (02) 762-0810.