Dance

“Swan Lake”: Internationally acclaimed ballet company Mariinsky Ballet will be in Korea to stage the Tchaikovsky classic “Swan Lake.” 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 the prince is tricked by the sorcerer. The Russian troupe was founded in the 18th century and is now considered one of the world’s greatest ballet companies. The show runs from Nov. 11-13 at Sejong Center in Seoul. Tickets range from 50,000 won to 270,000 won. For more information, call (070) 7124-1740 or visit www.uac.co.kr.

“Remember Me” & “Caught”: American contemporary dance company Parsons Dance Company is performing in Seoul. Founded in 1985, the New York-based troupe tours internationally in addition to its annual season in New York. For the upcoming Seoul performance, the troupe is showcasing “Caught,” one of its major performances, which features more than 100 leaps in six minutes by a solo dancer who is repeatedly trapped in mid-motion by the strobe lights, to create an illusion of flight. It is also performing “Remember Me,” which is a full-length dance-theater work and rock-dance opera, featuring the troupe’s lead vocalists and music of the Grammy-nominated band, East Village Opera Company. The show runs from Nov. 21-24 at LG Arts Center in Seoul. Tickets range from 40,000 won to 100,000 won. For more information call (02) 2005-0114.

“Prince Hodong”: The Korea National Ballet stages “Prince Hodong,” an original work based on Korean traditional tale “Princess Nakrang and Prince Hodong,” from Nov. 10-11 at the National Theater of Korea in Jangchung-dong, Seoul. Based on the Korean cultural text, the ballet depicts war, love, betrayal and death. The show was performed in Italy last year as the opener for the San Carlo Dance Festival. For more information, call (02) 587-6181 or visit www.kballet.org.

“Dear Nongae”: The National Dance Company of Korea is presenting their original work“Dear Nongae,” which is based on the life of the famous 16th-century “gisaeng,” female entertainer, Nongae. Nongae lived in Jinju, South Gyeongsang Province, during the Japanese invasion of Korea (1592-1598). She is said to have seduced Japanese general Keyamura Rokusuke and led him to a cliff, embraced him and jumped, killing the general as well as herself. The show is choreographed by local choreographer and former dancer Yoon Seong-joo. She is said to have combined Korea’s traditional dance with ballet movements for the show. “Dear Nongae” runs from Nov. 16-18 at the National Theater of Korea in Jangchung-dong, Seoul. English subtitles are available. Tickets range from 20,000 won to 70,000 won. For more information, call (02) 2280-4115.

Theater

“Les Miserables”: “Les Miserables,” the musical adaptation of Victor Hugo’s 1862 novel, is being staged in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province. Considered one of the great pieces of literature of the 19th century, the novel tells the story of Jean Valjean, a hapless French peasant who serves 20 years in prison for stealing a piece of bread for his starving family. The show is a Korean production, and features the country’s top musical star Jeong Seong-hwa in the leading role. The show runs from Nov. 3-25 at Yongin Poeun Art Hall. Tickets range from 50,000 won to 110,000 won. For more information, visit eng.yicf.or.kr. 

“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.

“Long Day’s Journey into Night”: American playwright Eugene O’Neill’s 1956 work “Long Day’s Journey into Night” is being staged in Seoul. The piece, which tells the story of a dysfunctional family, is based on O’Neill’s personal experience with his own family. In the play, three of its male characters are alcoholics, while its female character Mary is addicted to morphine. The current run is directed by Japanese theater director Tamiya Kuriyama and performed by the National Theater of Korea. The show is being performed in Korean with English subtitles. The show runs until Nov. 11 at the National Theater of Korea in Jangchung-dong, Seoul. Tickets range from 20,000 won to 50,000 won. For more information, call 1688-5966.

“Rudolf”: A Korean adaptation of the famous European musical “Rudolf” will be staged in Seoul for the first time. The show is about Rudolf, Crown Prince of Austria (1858-1889), and his extramarital affair with Baroness Mary Vetsera. The piece is written based on the widespread assumption that the crown prince and his mistress committed suicide together at his Mayerling hunting lodge in 1889. Korea’s musical stars Im Tae-gyeong, Ahn Jae-wook and Park Eun-tae are sharing the role of the prince. The show runs from Nov. 10 to Jan. 27, 2013, at Chungmu Art Hall in central Seoul. For more information, call (02) 6391-6333.

“Phantom of the Opera”: Tickets are available for the upcoming run of the world’s beloved musical, “Phantom of the Opera.” The show opens on Dec. 7 at Blue Square’s Samsung Electronics Hall in Hannam-dong, Seoul. Composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber, the musical tells the story of the beautiful soprano Christine, and a mysterious, disfigured musical genius who becomes obsessed with her. Australian actress Claire Lyon will play Christine, while veteran Broadway actor Brad Little will perform as the Phantom. The show was first staged in Korea in 2001, and its last Korean run was in 2010 in Daegu. Tickets range from 50,000 won to 160,000 won, and a 15 percent discount is available for those who have seen the show in Korea in the past. For more information, visit www.phantomoftheopera.co.kr or call 1577-3363.

“Aida”: Korea’s Seensee Company once again presents the Korean adaptation of Elton John and Tim Rice’s musical “Aida.” The show was first staged in Seoul in 2005, and its second run was held in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province, in 2010. Based on Giuseppe Verdi’s Italian-language opera of the same title, the show tells the story of Aida, Nubia’s princess who gets taken into slavery in Egypt. She soon gets attention from Radames, captain of the Egyptian army, who is expected to succeed to the country’s throne after the Pharaoh’s death. For the 2005 run, idol star-turned-musical actress Ock Ju-hyun starred as the beautiful and captivating Aida. This year, actress Cha Ji-yeon and pop singer Sonya are sharing the lead role. “Aida” runs from Dec. 2 to April 28, 2013, at D-Cube Art Center in Seoul. Tickets range from 60,000 won to 120,000 won. For more information, call 1544-1555.

Exhibitions

“Jeongdong in 1900”: The Seoul Museum of History is holding an exhibition reviewing the Jeong-dong, the center of the Daehan Empire (1897-1910) and a foreign enclave at the time, and the Universal Exposition of Paris 1900, which first introduced Korea to the world. The first section focuses on the Daehan Empire ― showcasing tea pots and other paraphernalia that Emperor Gojong (1863-1897) used to serve foreign envoys. Photographs and keepsakes of foreign residents in Seoul at the time including Walter Hillier, the first British consul to the empire, are also on exhibit. In the second section, a total of 38 pieces that were exhibited at the Universal Exposition and later kept at different museums and galleries in France are showcased. The exhibition marking the 10th anniversary of the museum will be held till Jan. 20 next year. For more information, call (02) 724-0274.

“The Best Under Heaven: The Celadons of Korea”: Under the theme “The Best Under Heaven: The Celadons of Korea,” the National Museum of Korea is showcasing a total of 350 pieces of celadon ware from Korea and abroad. They include 18 pieces of National Treasure, 11 Treasures and two pieces designated as significant cultural properties by Japan. This special exhibition is based on the research achievements on the peninsula’s long ceramic tradition which has undergone remarkable development since the 1990s. The purpose of the exhibition lies in outlining the development of Goryeo celadon-wares. The exhibition runs until Dec. 16. For more information, call (02) 2077-9499.

“Van Gogh in Paris: A Dialogue with Modernism”: Van Gogh’s paintings from his Paris years are on exhibit in Seoul. The exhibition features about 60 paintings on loan from the Van Gogh Museum of Amsterdam, including the late artist’s famous self-portraits and landscape paintings. It also displays historical research and data about the artist and his works, including x-radiographs of his paintings. It continues through March 24 next year at Hangaram Design Museum in Seoul Arts Center. The exhibition is closed on the last Monday of each month. Tickets are 15,000 won for adults; 10,000 for students aged 13-18; and 8,000 won for children aged 7-12. There will be discounts for group visitors. Fore more information, call (02) 724-2900.

“-verse”: Choi Jae-eun, a Korean artist based in Japan and Germany, is holding an exhibition that offers a fresh perspective on the relationship between human beings and the sky. The 56-year-old artist is well-known for her philosophical reflection on nature and experimental approach to contemporary art. Choi explores themes of the finite and infinite and the flow of time at the new exhibition in Seoul, representing the ideas through diverse works such as photography, film and installation. The exhibition continues through Nov. 22 at Kukje Gallery in Samcheong-dong, Seoul. For more information, call (02) 735-8449.

“Anish Kapoor”: Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art holds the first exhibition of works by British sculptor Anish Kapoor. The first major show by Kapoor in Korea encompasses the artist’s major works from the early years of his career to the present. Some of the works include large-scale sculptors with unfathomable holes, three-dimensional monochromic paintings and stainless-steel sculptures that reflect or distort images. In the museum garden stands Kapoor’s huge stainless-steel sculptor “Tall Tree and the Eye,” which replaced the French sculptor Louis Bourgeois’ “Maman.” The exhibition continues through Jan. 27, 2013, at Leeum in Seoul. Admission is 8,000 won for adults and 5,000 won for students. For more information, call (02) 2014-6900.

“Dung-seob, Go to Renaissance!”: Seoul Museum, a private museum founded by pharmacy business magnate and art collector Ahn Byung-gwang, holds its inaugural exhibition focusing on Korea’s modern painters such as Lee Jung-seob, Han Mook and Park Ko-suk until Nov. 21. The exhibition sheds light on painters who were active in the 1950s-70s and contributed to the cultural renaissance in Korea. Along with the special exhibition, another exhibition featuring some top names such as abstract painter Yoo Young-guk, media artist Paik Nam June and painter Chun Kyung-ja will be held throughout the year. Seoul Museum is located in Buam-dong, northern Seoul. For more information, call (02) 395-0100 or visit www.seoulmuseum.org.

“Deoksugung Project”: The National Museum of Contemporary Art, Korea and Deoksugung Office of the Cultural Heritage Administration launched the Deoksugung Project with 12 contemporary artists who presented their own interpretations of royal history in the forms of installation, sculpture, video and performance throughout the Deoksugung grounds. The artworks will be installed inside the palace buildings, and the Deoksugung office allows visitors to step inside the buildings during the festival which runs till Dec. 12. Entrance to Deoksugung is free for elementary, middle and high school students and 1,000 won for adults. Guided tours on the Deoksugung grounds will be offered at 12:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. every day. For more information, call (02) 2188-6000 or visit www.moca.go.kr.

Festivals

“Gunsan International Migratory Bird Festival”: 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. The bird-watching festival runs from Nov. 21-25 at Geumgang Bird Park, Gunsan, North Jeolla Province. For more information, call (063) 453-7213 or visit http://www.gmbo.kr.

“Yangchon Dried Persimmon Festival”: Yangchon in South Chungcheong Province boasts high-quality dried persimmon thanks to long hours of sunshine, breezy wind and drastic temperature changes from day to night. The festival invites visitors to taste the nation’s best-quality dried persimmon and participate in various hands-on experiences with friends and family members. Activities planned include persimmion peeling, throwing dried persimmon seeds, and craft using straws. The event will take place at Yangchon-ri Stadium from Dec. 8-9. For more information, visit http://gotgam.nonsan.go.kr or call (041)741-3119.

“Seoul Lantern Festival”: Until Nov. 18, Cheonggye Stream in central Seoul will be an extravaganza of light and water with about 30,000 lanterns lighting up the autumn nights. Visitors will enjoy more lanterns than last year, with the spectacle starting at Cheonggye Plaza and stretching down a 1.3-km section of the stream to Gwansugyo Bridge. During the festival, visitors can expect to see lanterns made by artists from countries such as China, Japan, Taiwan and New Zealand, as well as local citizens. Programs will include lantern making and an introduction of the lanterns and festival in four languages ― Korean, English, Chinese and Japanese. Visitors will also have the chance to enjoy traditional Korean music and other performances. For more information, call (02) 3788-0882 or visit www.visitseoul.net.

“Seosan Chrysanthemum Festival”: Seosan is located on the west coast and is a good place to grow chrysanthemums thanks to its mild weather. Various chrysanthemums and wild flowers are currently in full bloom in the 100,000-square-meter Hannongwon garden. Programs include an exhibition of more than 10,000 chrysanthemum products from 200 varieties, a handicraft exhibition and performances of traditional folk games. Visitors may also taste food and tea made with chrysanthemum flowers and buy local specialties including rice, garlic and dried red pepper at discounted prices. The festival runs until Nov. 11 at Gagu-ri, Gobuk-myeon, Seosan, South Chungcheong Province. For more information, call (041) 660-2498 or visit www.seosantour.net.

Classical music

“Mariss Jansons & Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra”: Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra led by the world-class conductor Mariss Jansons is holding concerts on Nov. 20-21 at Seoul Arts Center Concert Hall in southern Seoul. The orchestra ranked 6th in the world by Gramophone magazine will perform Beethoven Symphonies Nos. 2 and 3 on Tuesday and Nos. 6 and 7 on Wednesday. Tickets cost from 70,000 won to 350,000 won. Reservations can be made at www.sacticket.com, www.yes24.com and www.interpark.com. For more information, call (02)599-5743.

“Radu Lupu Recital”: Romanian piano legend Radu Lupu is holding two concerts in Seoul. The first will be his recital featuring Schubert pieces on Nov. 17 at 7 p.m. at Seoul Arts Center and the second will be held on Nov. 19, 8 p.m. with the Korean Symphony Orchestra at the same venue featuring Beethoven’s symphonies. Lupu rose to fame when he won the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition, George Enescu International and Leeds International Pianoforte Competition. He is dubbed the last heir of Russian pianism and is famous for his careful but daring interpretation of Schubert and other Romantic pieces. Tickets are priced from 50,000 won. Reservation is available at www.interpark.com or www.sacticket.co.kr. For more information call (02)541-3183.

“Yo-Yo Ma Cello Recital”: World-class cellist Yo-Yo Ma will hold his recital at Seoul Arts Center in southern Seoul on Nov. 13. Ma will be accompanied on the piano by Kathryn Stott, who has toured with him for 35 years. Ma is the first ethnic Asian recipient of the Avery Fisher Award and has won more than 15 Grammies. Ma will perform Strainsky’s “Suite Italienne”; Villa-Lobos’ “Alma Brasileira”; Piazzolla’s “Oblivion”; Guarnierir’s “Dansa Negra”; de Falla’s “7 Canciones Populares Espaolas, G. 40” among others. Tickets are priced from 50,000 won to 180,000 won. Reservations can be made at www.clubbalcony.com, www.interpark.com or www.sacticket.co.kr.

The Sejong Center for the Performing Arts is featuring three of Mozart’s most famous operas ― “The Magic Flute,” “Cosi fan Tutte” and “Don Giovanni” in November. “Don Giovani” will be staged on Nov. 17 led by Kim Joo-hyun, former music director of the Korea National Opera; while “Cosi fan Tuttee” will be led by conductor Park In-wook, professor of Sejong University, on Nov. 18; and “The Magic Flute” will be featured on Nov. 19 by Hogen Yun. All performance will be presented by Gyeonggi Philharmonic Orchestra and the Sejong Metropolitan Chorus. Ticket prices range from 10,000 won to 80,000 won. For more information, call (02) 399-1114.

Pop music

“Owl City: The Midsummer Station World Tour”: The one-man electronica show Adam Young of Owl City will hold a concert in Seoul on Nov. 10 at V-Hall in Hongdae at 7 p.m. Owl City rose to fame with the 2009 debut album Ocean Eyes, which included the quadruple-platinum hit single “Fireflies.” Young is not only the lead vocal but does all the programming, keyboards, piano, synthesizers, guitars, bass guitar, drums, percussion and vibraphone for his tracks. Tickets are 88,000 won. For more information, call (02) 3141-3488 or visit www.interpark.com.

“Norah Jones Live in Seoul”: American singer-songwriter Norah Jones, who rose to stardom with her hit song “Don’t Know Why,” will hold a Seoul concert on Nov. 17 at Jamsil Indoor Stadium. Jones launched her solo music career with the release of the critically acclaimed album “Come Away with Me” (2002), a fusion of jazz, pop and country music. This album sold more than 26 million copies and earned Jones five Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year, Record of the Year and Best New Artist. Her fifth studio album, “Little Broken Hearts,” was released on April 27. Tickets range from 99,000 won to 165,000 won. For more information, call (02) 3141-3488 or visit www.interpark.com.

“40th Anniversary of the Rocket Man Tour”: The legendary rocket man himself, Sir Elton John, will return to Seoul after eight years with a live performance celebrating his 40-year career in the music industry. The solo concert will be held at Olympic Park Gymnastics Arena on Nov. 27 at 8 p.m. The legendary singer, songwriter, composer and pianist has sold more than 250 million albums making him one of the most successful artists of all time. Tickets range from 77,000 won to 250,000 won. For more information, call (02) 3141-3488 or visit www.interpark.com.

“Sting: Back to Bass Tour”: The composer, singer, author, actor and activist Sting will be performing live in Seoul on Dec. 5 at Olympic Park Gymnastics Arena. In 1977, Sting went on to form the globally successful rock band “The Police.” Since the mid-’80s, Sting has released 13 solo albums and when combined with his work with The Police, he has sold nearly 100 million albums and won 10 Grammy Awards. Tickets to the Back to Bass Tour range from 77,000 won to 198,000 won. For more information, call (02) 3141-3488 or visit www.interpark.com.