Pop music

“All Night Stand”: Just as he did last year, Psy will be returning to the stage for his “All Night Stand” holiday concert series. Psy has held holiday concerts each year for the past decade, with last year’s four-day event attracting a total of 60,000 fans. The man who defined Gangnam style will be hosting a series of shows from Dec. 20-24, with two separate performances on Christmas Eve. The shows will be held at Seoul Olympic Park’s Gymnastics Stadium with ticket prices ranging from 77,000 won to 165,000. For more information, call (02) 3141-3488 or visit www.interpark.com.

“The Swell Season Live in Seoul”: Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova, widely known for their lead roles in the Irish box-office hit indie musical film “Once,” will be reviving their 2007 onscreen chemistry with a special live performance in Seoul. The duo’s single, “Falling Slowly,” landed the film an Academy Award for Best Original Song in 2008. Hansard and Irglova will be performing on Jan. 10 and 11 at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts with ticket prices ranging from 66,000 won to 110,000. For more information, call (02) 3141-3488 or visit www.interpark.com.

“5 Nights ― Hyundai Card Culture Project 17”: As part of Hyundai Card’s ongoing Culture Project, “5 Nights” will be bringing five international rock bands for a five-day concert series. Avenged Sevenfold, Bastille, Starsailor, Rudimental and Asgeir will be making their way to Korea this New Year to rock Seoul in a large-scale, weeklong music festival. The upcoming “5 Nights” rock music series will be held from Jan. 12-17 at the Jamsil Sports Complex Culture Dome Stage. Concertgoers can purchase one-day tickets or a five-day pass, with one-day passes listed at 88,000 won and a week pass priced at 198,000 won. For more information, call (02) 3141-3488 or visit www.interpark.com.

Cyndi Lauper: Celebrating the 30th anniversary of her music career, iconic 1980s pop star Cyndi Lauper will be making her way back to Korea for the first time in 26 years, hosting two solo shows in Seoul. Lauper’s 1983 debut album, “She’s So Unusual,” became the first debut album by a female artist to have four Top 5 hits on the Billboard Hot 100 chart: “Girls Just Want to Have Fun,” “Time After Time,” “She Bop” and “All Through The Night.” The singles made Lauper, often compared to the likes of Madonna, one of the most influential pop stars of her era and landed her a Grammy Award for Best New Artist. The pop icon will be performing live on Jan. 23 and 24 at Seoul Olympic Park’s Olympic Hall. Ticket prices range from 66,000 won to 165,000 won. For more information, call (02) 3141-3488 or visit www.interpark.com.


Dance

“The Nutcracker ― Universal Ballet”: The original production of “The Nutcracker” was created in 1892 by Marius Petipa and choreographed by Lev Ivanov. To this day, the internationally successful ballet piece remains a classic holiday tale. In 1986, Universal Ballet first presented its version of “The Nutcracker” by Adrienne Dellas in Seoul. In 1999, the ballet was reinterpreted here by choreographer Vasily Vainonen. The upcoming performance will be staged at the Universal Arts Center in Seoul until Dec. 31, with ticket prices ranging from 10,000 won to 100,000 won. Tickets can be purchased online at www.interpark.com.

“The Nutcracker” ― Korean National Ballet: The Korean National Ballet will be reprising its 14-year-old version of the classic ballet. In this version, the heroine Clara is rechristened Mary and plays the nutcracker, which is usually portrayed as a wooden doll onstage, is played by a child dancer, bringing the beloved character to life. KNB’s staging of “The Nutcracker” will be held at the Seoul Arts Center until Dec. 28. Ticket prices range from 5,000 won to 90,000 won and can be purchased online at www.kballet.org.

“The Nutcracker” ― Seoul Ballet Theater: The Seoul Ballet Theater will be taking a Korean approach to its latest rendition of “The Nutcracker. James Jeon, the famed founder of SBT, has reinterpreted the classic Russian tale by making the music more up-tempo, as well adding a few cultural elements such as traditional hanbok costumes, Korean folk dances and the “janggu” (Korean drum). The ballet will be held for two days at the Suwon SK Atrium in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province, on Dec. 27 and 28. Ticket prices are listed at 20,000 won and 30,000 won and can be purchased at www.interpark.com. 

“Cavalia”: Big Top, the world’s biggest touring tent, has been erected near Olympic Stadium in Jamsil-dong for the equestrian circus “Cavalia.” Created by Normand Latourelle, one of the cofounders of the famed Cirque du Soleil, Cavalia is an innovative production that boldly explores the boundaries of equestrian arts and acrobatic feats. Staged by the original Canadian cast and some 50 beautiful horses, the show continues through Dec. 28. Tickets cost 50,000 won to 250,000 won. For more information, call (02) 418-2456 or visit www.cavalia.co.kr.


Theater

“Gone with the Wind”: The Korean production of the French musical “Gone with the Wind” will raise its curtain 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 upcoming Korean production will star 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 runs through Feb. 15. For details, call 1577-3363.

“I am My Own Wife”: Based on a play of the same title by American playwright Dough Wright, “I am My Own Wife” is a one-man play that examines the life of German antiquarian Charlotte von Mahlsdorf. She was born as a boy and given the name Lothar Berfelde, but felt more like a girl growing up. She killed her father when her father threatened to shoot her and survived the Nazi and communist regime as a transgender person. Rookie actor Ji Hyun-joon plays the protagonist von Mahlsdorf. The play runs through Dec. 27 at Doosan Art Center Space 111. Tickets are 30,000 won. For details, call (02) 708-5001 or visit www.doosanartcenter.com.

“Richard II”: Shakespeare’s historical play about the life and death of the English king will be staged by the National Theater Company to commemorate the 450th anniversary of the great master’s birth this year. Romanian director Felix Alexa, known for defiant reinterpretations of classic plays, will take the helm of the production to tell a very political story of Richard II’s demise, as a result of his cousin Bolingbroke’s usurpation of the crown. “Richard II” will be staged at the Daloreum Theater of the National Theater of Korea in Seoul from Dec. 18-28. Tickets range from 20,000 won to 50,000 won and English translation is provided during the show. For details, call 1688-5966 or visit www.ntok.go.kr.

“Bongsunhwa”: Based on the novel “Mommy’s Name was Josenpi,” the play “Bongsunhwa (Garden Balsam)” deals with the issue of victims of Japan’s wartime sexual slavery, euphemistically called “comfort women.” Written by the original author of the novel, Yoon Jung-mo, the play not only tells the story of the comfort woman Soon-yi but also of her son and granddaughter. It depicts the issue not as a forgotten part of history, but as a story belonging to people today and an issue that is deeply connected to the current generation. Seoul Metropolitan Theatre is presenting “Bongsunghwa” from Dec. 6-25 at the Sejong M Theater of the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts in Gwanghwamun, central Seoul. Ticket prices range from 20,000 won to 50,000 won. For more information call (02) 399-1114 or visit sejongpac.or.kr.

“O Henry’s Christmas Gift”: Adapted from three of American writer O. Henry’s short stories ― “After Twenty Years,” “Cop and the Anthem” and “The Whirligig of Life” ― this family-friendly theatrical performance will be taking place over the holiday season. The trio of heartwarming stories about family, love and neighbors will run from Dec. 4-28 at Apgujeong Bara Art Hall, near Apgujeong Station, on Line 3. Tickets are 25,000 won. For details, call (02) 764-7462.

“Mr. Show”: Following the successful premiere of “Mr. Show” this spring, the women-only adult show is back for the holiday season. Directed by renowned musical director Kolleen Park, eight good-looking Korean men will perform on stage, dancing and acting their way through eight different themes, while audience members will join the party. The sexy variety show is open only to women aged 19 or over. It runs through Jan. 31 in Seoul at Lotte Card Art Center near Hapjeong Station, on Lines 2 and 6. Tickets are 60,000 won and 80,000 won. For details, visit www.mrshow.co.kr.

“Kinky Boots”: A Broadway musical that bagged six Tony Awards last year is having its first non-English-speaking 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.


Classical music

“Jo Su-mi and Winter Fantasy”: On Dec. 30, the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts will present a special year-end concert with soprano Jo Su-mi. The program will consist of 19 pieces, including classical music, opera arias and well-known numbers from famous musicals and TV dramas. Ticket prices range from 40,000 won to 130,000 won. For details, call (02) 399-1114 or visit www.sejongpac.or.kr. 

Vienna Boys’ Choir: The Vienna Boys’ Choir will be touring five cities in Korea, starting in Jeonju on Jan. 16. In Seoul, the choir will give two concerts at Nowon Arts Center in Junggyebon-dong, northeastern Seoul, on Jan. 23 and at Seoul Arts Center in Seocho-dong on Jan. 25. The program consists of church music, waltzes, folk music and some well-known numbers from film soundtracks. The Jan. 25 concert will start at 5 p.m. at the Concert Hall of Seoul Arts Center. Ticket costs 30,000 won to 100,000 won. For details, call 1577-5266 or visit www.clubbalcony.com.

“Yuhki Kuramoto and Friends”: Korea’s most beloved New Age pianist and composer Yuhki Kuramato will return to Seoul for a Christmas concert, as he has every year since 2008. He will throw two performances on Christmas Day at Seoul Arts Center, both with star violist Richard Yong-jae O’Neill and his DITTO ensemble. Tickets cost 30,000 won to 120,000 won. For more information, call 1577-5266 or visit www.sac.or.kr.

Chung Myung-whun recital: Maestro Chung Myung-whun is holding a solo piano concert at Seoul Arts Center on Dec. 27. Chung was an internationally famed pianist before switching fully to conducting in 1979. The concert’s program consists mostly of short piano pieces by Brahms and Chopin. The concert will start at 2 p.m. Ticket prices range from 44,000 won to 132,000 won. For details, call (02) 558-4588.

Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra: For two nights on Dec. 26 and 27, maestro Chung Myung-whun and his Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra will give two concerts of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 “Choral.” Italian soprano Maria Luigia Borsi is among the soloists to be featured. Tickets cost 10,000 won to 150,000 won. For more information, call 1588-1210.


Exhibitions

“Pompeii: Culture of the Ancient Roman city”: The National Museum of Korea is presenting the special exhibition “Pompeii: Culture of the Ancient Roman City” until April 5. On display are some 300 sculptures, accessories, frescoes and casts that vividly capture the daily lives of Pompeii’s citizens before the tragic eruption of Mount Vesuvius on Aug. 24 in A.D. 79. Admission is 13,000 won for adults, 11,000 won for middle school, high school and university students, 8,000 won for elementary school students and 5,000 won for preschoolers. The museum is closed on Mondays. For more information, visit www.museum.go.kr.

“Dialogue with Morandi”: The National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Korea is presenting works by Italian master painter Giorgio Morandi. The exhibition features 40 or so of Morandi’s oil paintings, watercolors, drawings and etchings, selected from the collection of Museo Morandi in Bologna, Italy. The works were created during the mature phase of his artist’s career, from the 1940s to the 1960s, and portray everyday objects, such as bottles, and landscapes. The exhibition continues through Feb. 25 at the Deoksugung branch of the MMCA in Seoul. For more information, call (02) 2022-0600.

“At the Garden”: Artist Ahn Chang-hong, known for his unique experimental painting style and strong messages, is presenting a new series of flower paintings at his solo exhibition at The Page Gallery in Seoul. For his subject, the artist painted the cockscomb flowers growing in front of his garden. The flamboyant flower paintings express the pain the artist felt on account of accidents that happened this year, including the deadly ferry sinking in April. The exhibition runs until Dec. 28. For more information, call (02) 3447-0049.

“Waterscapes: The Politics of Water”: Kumho Museum of Art, borrowing the word “waterscapes,” first coined by Indian anthropologist Arjun Appaduri, examines the multifaceted subject of water in relation to the increasing global concerns over issues such as water shortages and conflicts, water quality deterioration, unequal distribution of water and corporate control of public water systems. The exhibition mostly features video works by artists of different nationalities, who each approach the subject from a different perspective. The exhibition continues through Sunday at the Kumho Museum of Art on Samcheongno, Jongno-gu, Seoul. It will continue at the Pohang Museum of Steel Art from Jan. 15 to March 29. For more information, call (02) 720-5114.

Linda McCartney Retrospective: Daelim Museum in Seoul is holding a retrospective on photographer Linda McCartney until April 26. The first retrospective here of the celebrated photographer shows McCartney’s earlier works, including portraits of popular musicians such as Eric Clapton and Jimi Hendrix, family photos depicting her happy life with Paul McCartney and their children, and later works that capture the beauty of daily life and nature. Admission is 5,000 won for adults. The museum is located next to Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul. For more information, visit www.daelimmuseum.org.


Festivals

Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival: This festival is one of the most popular winter festivals in Korea, offering diverse winter activities such as ice fishing, ice sledding, ice soccer, curling and ice hockey. The festival takes place in the scenic mountain town of Hwacheon, Gangwon Province, from Jan. 10 to Feb. 1. The lake for fishing can accommodate up to 8,000 visitors a day. The festival runs a separate fishing zone for children and foreign tourists traveling in groups. The admission is 12,000 won for adults and teenagers and 8,000 won for children and the elderly. For more information, visit www.narafestival.com (English available).

Jarasum Singsing Winter Festival: This annual trout fishing festival will be held on Jarasum Island in Gapyeong, Gyeonggi Province, from Jan. 2 to Feb. 1. The festival offers a variety of winter activities for families, couples and friends. Programs include ice trout fishing, snow sledding, ice skating and other winter sports activities. The festival will turn the Gapyeong Bridge into a winter wonderland with snow sculptures, ice flowers and igloo cafes. The festival venue is 250 meters away from Gapyeong Bus Terminal. For more information, visit www.singsingfestival.com (Korean only).

Festival of Light: Boseong, South Jeolla Province, is one of the largest tea-producing areas in South Korea. Festival organizers will set up large Christmas trees, illuminations and a “Milky Way Tunnel of Love” along the narrow trails through the green tea plantations. The light festival runs from Dec. 19 to Feb. 1 at Dahyanggak and Butjae Tea Plantation. For further information, visit festival.boseong.go.kr or call (061) 850-5212.

New Year Festival, Busan: This festival greets the first sunrise of the New Year on Haeundae Beach and at Yongdusan Park, two popular tourist sites. Festivalgoers will bid farewell to 2014 at a bell-tolling event at Yongdusan Park from 11 p.m. on Dec. 31 to 12:30 a.m. on Jan. 1, 2015. The event will resume with the sunrise on Haeundae Beach at 6:40 a.m. Small and large events such as fireworks, concerts and other entertainment will add to the festive mood. For more information, visit festival.busan.kr.