“Art Deco Masterpieces”: Kukje Gallery presents an extensive collection of key furniture and interior pieces by the most prominent designers of Art Deco including Emile-Jacques Ruhlmann, Jean-Michel Frank, Alberto and Diego Giacometti for the first time in Korea. The exhibition runs through Aug. 15 at Kukje Gallery in Sogyuk-dong, central Seoul. Tickets range from 5,000 won to 10,000 won. For more information, call (02) 735-8449 or visit www.kukjegallery.com.

“On the Line”: Organized by the museum and the Ministry of National Defense, the exhibition features over 170 photos by 10 Korean photographers, including Joo Myung-duck, Kang Woon-gu, Koo Bohn-chang and Nanda. The exhibits are not the records of the past, but a mirror of the present. Because the photographers’ ages range from 30 to 70, visitors can see how the recognition of the war and its influence today greatly varies according to different age groups. The exhibition runs through Aug. 20 at Daelim Contemporary Art Museum in Tongui-dong, central Seoul. Tickets are 1,000 won. For more information, call (02) 333-0664 or visit www.ontheline.co.kr.

“Geumsoon: Overcome Adversity”: The National Folk Museum of Korea is holding an exhibition to commemorate the Korean War. It is divided into four parts. The first section looks back on the Korean War through the eyes of non-Koreans using films and photos shot by foreigners, the second part reminds the viewers how the refugees had to suffer, while the third section showcases the influence of Western culture after the war. The final section sheds light on the tragedy that many dispersed families and displaced people still have to live with. Most of the exhibits are personal items donated or on loan from people who survived the war. The exhibition runs through Aug.23 at the National Folk Museum of Korea in Samcheong-dong, central Seoul. For more information, visit www.nfm.go.kr.

“Capture the Moment”: About 150 Pulitzer Prize-winning photographs are on display at Hangaram Design Museum in Seoul Arts Center. As the exhibition spans nearly 60 years, from 1942 to 2010, visitors can take a look back on the most historical moments of the last half decade such as the Korean War, the Iraq War and the collapse of the World Trade Center. Some photos will reveal unseen sides of many world leaders. The exhibition runs through Aug. 29 at Hangaram Design Museum in Seoul Arts Center in Seocho-dong, southern Seoul. Tickets range from 6,000 won to 10,000 won. For more information, call (02) 2000-6293 or visit www.pulitzerkorea.com.

“Walker Evans”: Museum of Photography, Seoul is holding an exhibition on the American documentary photographer for the first time in Korea. More than 140 of Evans’ works are on display, including the pictures he took while he worked for the Farm Security Administration. The exhibition runs through Sept. 4 at The Museum of Photography, Seoul in Bangi-dong, eastern Seoul. Tickets range from 5,000 won to 7,000 won. For more information, call (02) 418-1315 or visit www.photomuseum.or.kr.

“Pop: Art Super Star Keith Haring 2010”: Even if you have not have heard of the name Keith Haring, you will probably recognize the artist’s style ― works composed of simple and active figures, black bold lines and vivid colors. The late American artist is remembered as one of the greatest pop artists of the 20th century. To commemorate the 20th anniversary of Haring’s death, Asia’s biggest retrospective exhibition on the artist is underway at Soma Museum of Art. The exhibition runs through Sep. 5. The museum is located in Seoul Olympic Park. Tickets are 12,000 won for adults, 10,000 won for adolescents and 8,000 won for kids. For more information, call (02) 3210-4222 or visit www.haring.co.kr.

“From Turner to Impressionists: The collection of British landscape paintings”: Seoul Arts Center offers over 110 modern paintings by British artists from the 18th and the 19th centuries, including William Turner, John Constable, John Millais, Edward Stott and Henry Herbert La Thangue. The exhibition runs through Sept. 26 at Hangaram Design Museum in Seoul Arts Center in Seocho-dong, southern Seoul. Tickets range from 4,000 won to 11,000 won. For more information, call (02) 325-1077 or visit www.british2010.co.kr

“Kim Hong-do Exhibition”: Leeum Samsung Museum of Art has opened an exhibition of works by Joseon-period painter Kim Hong-do. It showcases 18 works by the legendary Joseon painter, carefully selected from the museum’s vast collection. Kim is regarded as the most talented painter of the Joseon period, known by all levels of society for his portrayals of Taoist and Buddhist figures, still-life, bird and animal paintings, and landscapes. The exhibition runs through Oct. 10 at Leeum Samsung Museum of Art in Hannam-dong, central Seoul. Tickets are 10,000 won for adults and 6,000 won for students. For more information, call (02) 2014-6900 or visit www.leeum.org.

“Theo Jansen - Animals modular”: Animal-like creatures, called “Strandbeests,” created by Dutch artist Theo Jansen are on show for the first time in Korea at Gwacheon National Science Museum in Gwacheon, Gyeonggi Province. Of 25 Strandbeests Jansen has created, 17 of them, including “Animaris Vulgaris,” and “Animaris Ordis,” which was specially made for a BMW TV commercial, will be on display. The exhibition will also show Jansen’s latest piece, “Animaris Umerus,” for the first time. The exhibition runs from Saturday through Oct. 17 at Gwacheon National Science Museum in Gwacheon, Gyeonggi Province. The museum is located near Seoul Grand Park Station on Subway Line No. 4, Exit 5. Tickets range from 4,000 won to 13,000 won. For more information, visit www.theojansen.co.kr.


[Concert]


“Summer IS+land”: K-pop artists SG Wannabe, MC Mong, Min Kyung-hoon, Shin Jung-hwan and Maybe will hold a concert welcoming the heat of summer at the Yonsei Culture and Art Center on July 24. Each singer will not only have his/her own stage, but also perform with other artists to mix it up. Tickets cost 55,000 to 66,000 won. For more information, call 1544-1555.

"Danny Jung, 11 am": The first Korean saxophonist to be listed on the Billboard chart, Danny Jung will look to bring his cool and breezy renditions of both local and international pop songs popular with locals to cool down the summer heat to the Goyang Aram Nuri Arts Complex on July 29. A graduate of Berklee College of Music, Lee has worked with many Korean celebrities such as soprano Sumi Jo and a legendary rock star Seo Tai-ji. Tickets cost 15,000 won. For more information, call 1577-7766.

"2010 Bobby Kim Tour Concert": Neo-soul and "Godfather" of soul Bobby Kim will kick start a nationwide tour starting at the Incheon Culture & Arts Center on Sunday. The rapper/singer will perform songs from his three solo albums as well as tracks by other artists. Tickets cost from 55,000 won to 88,000 won. Call (032) 322-1544.

"Hoyoung 2 Ocean": Taking on a concept of the summer season, pop star and former G.O.D. member Son Ho-young will stage a solo show under the theme of “vacation” at the KT&G Sangsang Art Hall in Seoul from July 8-25. Tickets cost 77,000 won. For more information, call (02) 3404-4314 or visit www.sangsangarthall.com.


“L’Enfant et les Sortileges”: The Korea National Opera is staging an opera mixed with ballet for youth with issues familiar to the young, such as not wanting to do homework. The production company promises a time more exciting than a day spent at the amusement park. The performance will take place at the Towol Theater of the Seoul Arts Center from July 10 to 18 at 7:30 p.m.
For more information, call 010-6479-5371.

“The 7th Great Mountains International Music Festival”: This annual classical music lovers’ festival will take place from July 23 to Aug. 13 at the Daekwallyeong and all around Gangwon Province. The program ranges from Mozart to Shostakovich.
Reservations can be made through www.gmmfs.com or www.clubbalcony, and for more information, call (033) 249-3374.

“Saxophonist Danny Jung”: Saxophonist Danny Jung will melt the audience’s hearts with a romantic performance through soothing and easy listening songs, such as “Make A Wish,” “September,” “Nothing’s Gonna Change My Love For You,” and “One Last Cry.”
Jung’s performance at the Aram Nuri Arts Center in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province on July 29 will begin at 11 a.m.
All tickets cost 15,000 won.
For more information or reservations, call 1577-7766.

“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 AramNuri Arts Center in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province.
Tickets range from 20,000 won to 30,000 won.
For more information or reservations, call 1577-7766.

“Cellist Chang Han-na’s Absolute Classic”: World renowned cellist Chang Han-na will be holding a concert as the conductor on Aug. 8 and 20 at the Seongnam Art Center. The orchestra Chang is to lead will be comprised of members selected through a competitive audition process.
For more information, call (031) 783-8022.

“London Eye 2010 Featuring the London Philharmonic Orchestra”: The London Philharmonic Orchestra will be performing at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts on Sept. 16 at 7:30 p.m. The program features Beethoven “Leonore III,” Mozart “Symphonia Concertante” and Tchaikovsky “Symphony No. 5. Violist Richard Yongje O’Neill will be one of the performers to take the stage.
Tickets range from 50,000 won to 200,000 won.
For more information, call (02) 318-4301~4.

London Eye 2010 Featuring Violinist Sarah Chang”: World-class violinist Sarah Chang will perform the Brahms “Violin Concerto in D Major, Op. 77” with the London Philharmonic Orchestra on Sept. 17 at the Seoul Arts Center Concert Hall at 8 p.m.
Tickets range from 50,000 won 280,000 won.
For more information, call (02) 318-4301~4.

“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 “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.


“This is Modern”: The Universal Ballet has prepared three works as part of its “This is Modern” program organized for the summer scheduled to take place from July 16 to 18 at the Universal Arts Center in Seoul’s Gwangjin-gu area. The program features “All Shall Be,” “In the Middle, Somewhat Elevated,” and “Minus 7.”
The first performance on July 16 will begin at 8 p.m., the second one will be performed at 3 p.m. and at 7 p.m., and the final one on July 18 will begin at 3 p.m.
Tickets range from 10,000 won to 60,000 won. A couple package costs 150,000 won.
For inquiries or reservations, log onto www.uac.co.kr or call 1544-1555, or 1588-7890, or 1544-6399.

The Korea National Ballet presents “A Night with Roland Petit”: The Korea National Ballet presents “L’Arlesienne,” “Le Jeune Homme et la Mort,” and “Carmen.” The performances will be held from July 15 to 18 at the Seoul Arts Center Opera House.
As a World Cup special in celebration of the Korean team moving onto the 16th round of the FIFA World cup, the Korea National Ballet will give a 50-percent discount for the all seats of the July 16th performance.
For more information, call (02) 587-6181.

“Legend of Flower”: Touted as the ultimate blockbuster Korean cultural dinner show, it is offering audiences from all over the world a captivating experience along with a savory Korean cuisine dinner menu. The Sheraton Grande Walkerhill invites you to come and stimulate your senses through this extraordinary and original Korean presentation. It is a must-see masterpiece capturing the essence of “Hallyu,” or the Korean Wave.
There are two shows running per day from Monday to Saturday at 5 p.m. and at 7:30 p.m. The running time is 85 minutes just for the performance, and 120 minutes including the dinner.
For reservations and inquiries, call (02) 455-5000.


[Musicals]


“Miss Saigon”: The musical that gained huge success in its 2006 premiere run here will continue its encore shows until Sept. 12 at the Seongnam Arts Center and Chungmu Arts Hall in central Seoul. The show tells a tragic love story between a U.S. soldier and a Vietnamese bar girl during the Vietnam War. Lee Gun-myung and Korean-American Michael Lee double in the leading roles while actresses Kim Bo-kyung and Lim Hye-young share the role of the female lead. Tickets run from 20,000 won to 110,000 won. For details, call (02) 518-7343.

“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 the 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 run from 20,000 won to 45,000 won. For details, call (02) 501-7888.

“The Phantom of the Opera”: The Korean production of the mega-hit West-end musical is playing through Aug. 8 at Charlotte Theater in Jamsil-dong, Seoul. A British troupe performed here in 2005 featuring popular musical actor Brad Little as the phantom. This year’s show will be more spectacular than previous years, with a revamped set and stage settings. Musical actress Kim So-hyun from the show’s 2001 premiere run stars as Christine. Tickets run from 40,000 won to 140,000 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 lifestyle, friendship and loves of young people. For more information, call (02) 02-764-8760.

[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 won to 40,000 won. For details, call (02) 766-6007.

“Beautiful Farewell”: Veteran television and screen actresses Jung Ae-ri and Song Eun-sook headline this stage adaptation of the 1996 hit television mini-series of the same name. Directed by Lee Jae-kyu and penned by award-winning television scribe Noh Hee-kyung, the play tells of a terminally ill mother who must come to grips with her impending death and how her two children and husband cope with the inevitable loss. The play is currently showing and will run until July 18 at the Eda Theater No. 1 in Daehangno. For more information on tickets, contact 02-766-6007.

“Nobody Else But You”: Based on the hit Japanese comedic 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.

 

“Together with you”: The term May-December romance takes on a whole new meaning in “Together with you,” an upcoming play from The Best Play, Inc. about a 70-year old man’s love affair with a twentysomething. Based on the hit Japanese play of the same name, the Korean version stars Song Young-chang as the older man and Lee Se-eun as his young lover. Chu Gui-jung, Kim Yooyoung, and Seo Hyun-chul co-stars. Show runs July 23-Oct. 31 at the Eda
1 theater in Daehangno, Seoul.


“Keochang International Festival of Theatre" (July 30-Aug. 15): Forty-two theatrical groups from 10 countries will present plays at outdoor theaters in Wicheon, Geochang County, South Gyeongsang Province, during the 22nd Keochang International Festival of Theatre. For more information, call (055) 943-4152 or visit www.kift.or.kr.


[Festivals]

Haso Baekryon White Lotus Festival (July 3-Aug. 15)

The Haso Baekryon (White Lotus) Festival at Gimje, North Jeolla Province, offers various sights and activities near the 66,000-square-meter Baekryeonji Pond, where white lotuses will be in bloom. Visitors can watch performances of Korean traditional music and dance, participate in folk games, and view exhibitions of stone tiles, photos, calligraphy and Buddhist paintings. Visitors will also be able to taste and buy “baekryon tea” made of green tea and white lotus leaves.
For more information, call (063) 542-8943 or visit www.baekryon.com or http://eng.muan.go.kr.


Boryeong Mud Festival (July 17-25):

The 13th Boryeong Mud Festival will be held at Daecheon Beach on South Korea‘s western coast. The festival offers a chance to bathe in a massive mud tub, get mud massages, compete in the “Mud King” contest and participate in a mud photo contest. Various mud cosmetic products will be available at discounted prices.
For information, call (041) 930-3820 or visit www.mudfestival.or.kr.


Buyeo Seodong Lotus Festival (July 10-19)

Seodong was a prince of the Baekje Kingdom who became King Mu, the 30th monarch. The Seodong Lotus Festival is held around the Gungnamji Pond in Seodong Park, Buyo, South Chungcheong Province, which bears the legend of Seodong‘s birth. A night-time parade featuring Prince Seodong and Princess Seonhwa, performances of traditional music and dance, experiences of Baekje culture and a photo contest are among the highlights.
For more information, call (041) 830-2921 or visit http://uccdaum.co.kr/buyeo.


Hamyang Wild Ginseng Festival (July 23-27)

Hamyang, South Gyeongsang Province, is a major production base of wild ginseng at the foot of Mount Jiri. The festival‘s offerings include academic symposiums, exhibitions and a marathon. Visitors can also tour a wild ginseng plantation and purchase herb and mud packs containing germanium.
For more information call 055-960-5174 or visit http://sansam.hygn.go.kr.


Pohang International Fireworks Festival (July 23-26)

Colorful fireworks will embroider the sky over Pohang, North Gyeongsang Province, on the east coast on the evenings of July 23-26. Fireworks companies from Canada, Poland, Japan and Korea will showcase their products for an hour starting at 8:40 p.m. on July 24.
Visitors can also attend performances of music and dance, a singing competition and movie screenings.
For more information call (054) 270-2114 or visit http://festival.ipohang.org.



김후란journalist00000@heraldcorp.com