“Suspicious Paradise”: The dance show is inspired by the Demilitarized Zone, which looks like a paradise with untouched nature but is also a place deeply scarred by the Korean War. Organized by Korea National Contemporary Dance Company, it aims to offer a fresh experience to the younger generation who not know much about the war. It will run from Aug. 5 to 7 at Seoul Arts Center’s Towol Center in Seocho-dong, southern Seoul. Tickets range from 10,000 to 16,000 won. For more information, call (02) 580-1300 or visit www.sacticket.co.kr. 

“KKIRI DANCE FESTIVAL 2011”: KKIRI DANCE FESTIVAL 2011 introduces 12 dance performances created by young South Korean choreographers in their 20s to 30s. Viewers can enjoy a wide range of dances from Korean traditional, modern to ballet. The festival runs on every weekend through Aug. 7 at Arirang Art Hall in Donam-dong, eastern Seoul. Tickets range from 8,000 won to 10,000 won. For more information, call (02) 927-3414 or visit www.arihall.com.

“Mid-time Fantasy Dance Performance”: The National Theater of Korea holds a Korean traditional dance performance every Tuesday at 11 a.m. There are eight different repertoires including a fan dance and a dance with “jango,” a type of Korean drum. The performance is being staged as an open run at the National Theater of Korea in Jangchung-dong, central Seoul. Admission is 10,000 won. For more information, call (02) 2280-4114 or visit www.ntok.go.kr.

“Miso”: Translated as “beautiful smile,” the musical “Miso” offers a compact presentation of everything Korean culture first-timers could wish for. It blends ten different kinds of traditional dances, five traditional games and a wedding ritual into the main story line based on a well-known folktale, “The Tale of Chunhyang.” There are very few spoken lines throughout the whole performance, making it ideal for audiences of diverse nationalities. “Miso” is showing as an open run at Chongdong Theater in Jeong-dong, central Seoul. Tickets range from 30,000 won to 50,000 won. For more information, call (02) 751-1500 or visit www.koreamiso.com.