Festival

Ten Million Chrysanthemum Festival: Iksan, North Jeolla Province, invites visitors to one of the biggest chrysanthemum festivals in Korea. At the festival, arrangements of more than 120,000 flowers will be exhibited in a 35,000-square-meter garden in Iksan Central Park and Iksan Jewelry Museum from Oct. 24 to Nov. 2. Crafts and culinary programs will offer a chance to make bracelets and paper crafts and to cook pancakes and cookies using chrysanthemums. For more information, call (063) 859-5797 or visit gukhwa.iksan.go.kr.

Gunsan International Migratory Bird Festival: Magnificent scenes of thousands of migratory birds dancing in droves will unfold over the well-preserved expanse of mudflats and reed fields in Gunsan, North Jeolla Province, during the 11th Gunsan International Migratory Bird Festival from Nov. 14-16. The festival offers a rare chance to observe more than 50 species of winter migratory birds from the bird-watching corridor on the embankment of the Geumgang River. Programs include a migratory bird watching tour, releasing birds that have recovered from injuries and a bird drawing contest. For more information, visit www.gmbo.kr.

Icheon Rice Cultural Festival: For thousands of years rice has been the key staple grain for Korean people, and Icheon, a town east of Seoul, is famous for its high-quality rice that was served to the kings and queens of Korea. Programs will include a reenactment of the procession that took place to transport rice to Hanseong (the old name for Seoul) and present it to the king and a straw-crafts contest. A huge rice cauldron that can cook rice for thousands of people will also be displayed. Various performances of traditional music, dance and folk plays will entertain visitors, who will also have a chance to buy some of this year’s rice and experience the traditional agricultural culture of the region. The festival will be held at Seolbong Park, Icheon, Gyeonggi Province, from Oct. 22-26. For more information, visit www.ricefestival.or.kr or call (031) 644-4125. (Yonhap)

Exhibition

Lee Bul: Artist Lee Bul is presenting two gigantic installations in her new exhibition at the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art in Seoul. One, titled “Civitas Solis (The City of the Sun),” occupies the largest exhibition hall of the museum. Mirror fragments cover all sides of the room and form corridors to create a labyrinth of mirrors. Viewers are then led to another room containing the other creation. A rocket-like installation, “Aubade III,” emits mist into the air to look like an abandoned spaceship. The exhibition is the first of a series of art shows that the state-run MMCA is planning to hold in partnership with local conglomerate Hyundai Motor Group. It runs through March 1, 2015, at the Seoul branch of the MMCA. For more information, visit www.mmca.go.kr. 

“Dead Man”: The exhibition starts with a question that haunted artist Kim Sung-yoon: “What will artists do when the world faces apocalypse?” The artist launches his latest “Dead Man” series against the background of a zombie virus outbreak. The apocalyptic setting is reflected in his dark portrait paintings such as “Dancer becoming Zombie” and “Study for Zombie.” The paintings are also characterized by their understated tone and color, achieved through drawing with charcoal and using subtle gradations of colors. Inspired by Lucio Fulci’s movie “Zombie 2” and Edward W. Said’s “On Late Style: Music and Literature Against the Grain,” the artist pursues a dark, anxious ambience in portrait paintings of men. The exhibition runs through Oct. 31 at Gallery Hyundai in Jongno-gu, Seoul. For more information, call (02) 22287-3500.

“Life of Always a Mirror”: Artist Kim Sung-hwan, well-known for his interdisciplinary works and his exhibition at Tate Modern in 2012, is holding a solo exhibition at Art Sonje Center in Seoul. Titled “Life of Always a Mirror,” the exhibition integrates video works, drawings, installations, architecture and performance in a single exhibition space. The artist presents video works, including “A-DA-DA,” which he made after watching a student stutter in a college class, and “Temper Clay,” which reads Shakespeare’s “King Lear” from the point of view of property distribution and places it in the context of Korean modern history. Kim presents mirror installations that reflect his video works and drawings. The exhibition runs through Nov. 30 at Art Sonje Center in Jongno-gu, Seoul. For more information, call (02) 733-8945.

Gwangju Biennale: The 10th Gwangju Biennale kicked off on Sept. 5 with 413 works by 111 artists from 38 countries under the theme of “Burning Down the House.” The biennale examines the potential of art as a movement by exploring contemporary artists’ efforts to address personal and public issues, according to Jessica Morgan, artistic director of Gwangju Biennale 2014. The exhibition will continue through Nov. 9 at the Gwangju Biennale Exhibition Hall and other venues throughout the city. For more information, visit www.gwangjubiennale.org.

Theater

“Gorgon”: A Japanese play based on a real murder case in 1993, “Gorgon” has been adapted to fit the Korean stage by Da Theater Company. The play centers on a lady who lost her husband when he was murdered through an act of arson by his mistress. As the lady is left alone and ends up taking care of the mistress’ daughter, the play explores themes of infidelity, desire, crime and a destroyed family. “Gorgon” runs through Oct. 26 at Art Space Seoul, near Hyehwa Station on Line 4. Ticket prices are 25,000 won. For details, call (02) 764-7462.

“On Golden Pond”: Based on American playwright Ernest Thompson, “On Golden Pond” will be staged with veteran actors and actresses including Lee Soon-jae, Na Moon-hee and Shin Goo. The play is about aging couple Ethel and Norman, who spend each summer at their vacation home on Golden Pond in Maine. When they are visited by their daughter Chelsea, whom they haven’t seen for years, and her fiance, Norman tries hard to mend his strained relationship with Chelsea while preparing for his death. The play illustrates different kinds of relationship and the meanings of life and death. “On Golden Pond” runs through Nov. 23 at Daemyung Culture Factory, near Hyehwa Station on Line 4. Ticket runs from 40,000 won to 65,000 won. For details, call (070) 7712-4388.

“Frankenstein”: British playwright Nick Dear’s stage adaptation of “Frankenstein,” based on Mary Shelley’s novel of the same name, will be staged in Korea, directed by renowned director Cho Kwang-hwa. One evening, young scientist Victor Frankenstein successfully creates a human-like creature, who is innocent at heart, but grotesque in form. Terrified by his creation, Victor abandons his creature and flees. The creature wanders around the world, enduring rejection by mankind and loneliness, while earnestly looking for his creator. “Frankenstein” runs through Nov. 9 at CJ Towol Theater at Seoul Arts Center. Tickets run from 30,000 won to 60,000 won. For details, call (02) 585-1300 or visit http://www.sac.or.kr.

“Woyzeck”: A musical adaptation of Woyzeck, a play by German playwright Georg Buchner from 1836-37, is currently being staged at LG Arts Center in southern Seoul. For the show, producer Yun Ho-jin, the man behind Korea’s two most successful original musicals, “Last Empress” and “Hero,” put together an international creative team, including a British band called the Singing Loins, which composed its score. The story is about Woyzeck, a poor, downtrodden solider who kills his unfaithful lover, Marie, and faces tragic consequences. Musical actors Kim Soo-yong and Kim Dae-hyun will play the troubled protagonist, opposite Sophie Kim as Marie. It runs through Nov. 18. Tickets run from 40,000 won to 80,000 won. For details, visit www.lgart.com

“Once”: The Korean production of musical “Once” will open on Dec. 14 at Seoul Arts Center for a three-month run. Based on a 2006 film of the same title, the original Broadway musical won eight Tony Awards in 2012, including the trophy for the year’s Best Musical. For its Korean version, veteran rocker Yoon Do-hyun will play the lead role. He will play Guy, an Irish street musician and vacuum cleaner repairman who falls in love with Girl, a Czech flower seller. Yoon will rotate with musical actor Lee Chang-hee for the role, and two emerging musical actresses, Jeon Mi-do and Park Ji-yeon play Girl. “Once” will run from Dec. 14 through March 29 at the 1,000-seat CJ Towol Theater in Seoul Arts Center. Tickets cost 60,000 won to 120,000 won. For details, call (02) 577-1987.

“Rudolf”: The Seoul-based EMK Musical Company is once again staging “Rudolf,” an Austrian musical about Rudolf, crown prince of Austria (1858-1889), and his extramarital affair with Baroness Mary Vetsera. The piece is based on the widespread assumption that the crown prince and his mistress committed suicide together at his Mayerling hunting lodge in 1889. Musical stars Im Tae-gyeong and Ahn Jae-wook, who played the ill-fated prince in the 2012 premier, return for the role. “Rudolf” runs from Oct. 11 to Jan. 4, 2015, at D-Cube Art Center, located near Exit 1 of Sindorim Station on Lines 1 and 2. Tickets cost 60,000 won to 130,000 won. For more information, call (02) 6391-6333.

Pop music

Jeff Bernat: Up-and-coming R&B singer-songwriter and producer Jeff Bernat is making his way back to Korea with a special three-day concert series to be held in Seoul next month. This will be the artist’s second visit to Seoul this year after performing a sold-out show at Uniqlo AX Hall earlier in January. Bernat’s popular single “Call You Mine” was featured in the Korean drama “You Are My Destiny,” gaining him recognition among local fans. Bernat is slated to perform on Oct. 17, 18 and 19 at the Lotte Card Art Center. The shows will also include guest performances by local talents Eric Nam and Esna. Tickets to Bernat’s upcoming concerts can be purchased online for 99,000 won. For more information, call (02) 3141-3488 or visit www.interpark.com. 

Grand Mint Festival: This year’s annual two-day Grand Mint Festival will feature veteran rock band Sister’s Barbershop, popular acoustic duo 10cm, Glen Check, Romantic Punch, Verbal Jint, the Peppertones, Peterpan Complex and many more. The upcoming festival will be held at Olympic Park in Seoul, and will have five different stages. The 2014 Grand Mint Festival will be held on Oct. 18 and 19. Ticket prices are listed at 88,000 won for a one-day pass and 140,000 won for a two-day pass. For more information, call (02) 3141-3488 or visit www.interpark.com.

“Akon Super Stage”: Popular American hip-hop artist and producer Akon will be coming to Seoul in November to perform a collaborative concert with local hip-hop artists Bumkey, San E and YDG. Akon made a name for himself as a hip-hop artist after the release of his debut album “Trouble,” featuring the hit single “Locked Up.” In 2006, Akon released his second album, “Konvicted,” which was nominated for three Grammy Awards. Two years later he unveiled his platinum-selling album “Freedom,” which included some of his best-known singles: “Right Now (Na Na Na),” “I’m So Paid,” “Beautiful” and “We Don’t Care.” Akon will be performing at Jamsil Indoor Stadium in Seoul on Nov. 27. Ticket prices range from 50,000 won to 130,000 won. For more information, call (02) 3141-3488 or visit www.interpark.com.

Tenacious D: Rock musician and Hollywood actor Jack Black, best known for his role as Dewey Finn in the blockbuster hit “School of Rock,” will be coming to Seoul along with bandmate Kyle Gass for the comedy rock group Tenacious D’s first concert in Korea. The band is best known for Black’s thespian-like vocals and the quick-witted crude humor that people have come to expect from the rocker-comedian. Tenacious D’s most recent album, “Rize of the Fenix” (2012), received a Grammy Award nomination for Best Comedy Album in 2013. The duo is slated to perform two live shows at Seoul Olympic Park’s Olympic Hall on Dec. 5 and 6. Ticket prices range from 99,000 won to 121,000 won. For more information, call (02) 3141-3488 or visit www.interpark.com.

Dance

“The Seventh Symphony & The Rite of Spring”: The Korean National Ballet is prepping for its upcoming staging of the “The Rite of Spring” by Igor Stravinsky and Uwe Scholz’s “Seventh Symphony.” The presentation will combine the dance performance for Beethoven’s famous Symphony No. 7 and the classic choreography of “The Rite of Spring,” which was originally created by Vaslav Nijinsky for the initial 1913 performance in Paris. The KNB’s upcoming performance of “The Seventh Symphony & The Rite of Spring” will be staged from Oct. 16 to 19 at the Seoul Arts Center’s Opera Theater. Tickets range from 5,000 won to 80,000 won. For more information, call (02) 3141-3488 or visit www.interpark.com.

“Snow White”: As part of Hyundai Card Culture Project 16, the ballet version of “Snow White” is making its way to Seoul this winter. Based on the Grimm brothers’ version of the classic fairytale, “Snow White” has been reinterpreted as a romantic contemporary ballet. The magical and enchanting ballet features choreography by Angelin Preljocaj and music by Gustav Mahler. “Snow White” will be performed at the Seoul Arts Center Opera Theater from Nov. 14-16. Tickets range from 30,000 won to 150,000 won. For more information, call (02) 3141-3488 or visit www.interpark.com. 

“The Nutcracker”: The original production of “The Nutcracker” was created in 1892 by Marius Petipa and choreographer Lev Ivanov,and it remains one of the all-time classic holiday tales. In 1986, the Universal Ballet first presented its version of “The Nutcracker” by Adrienne Dellas in Seoul. In 1999, the local performance of the ballet was reinterpreted by choreographer Vasily Vainonen, and it will be staged once again at the Universal Arts Center from Dec. 19 to 31. Tickets range from 10,000 won to 100,000 won. For more information, call (02) 3141-3488 or visit www.interpark.com.

Classical music

“Pierrot Lunaire”: A rarely performed chamber work of 20th-century composer Arnold Schoenberg will be performed at Seoul’s Kumho Art Center on Oct. 23. “Pierrot Lunaire” (Op. 21) is a melodrama for voice, flute, clarinet, violin, cello and piano, which sets 21 short poems by the Belgian writer Albert Giraud to music. The five musicians who will tackle the piece include pianist and conductor Lee Dai-uk and his twin daughters ― one playing the cello and the other the clarinet. Also on the program are Hakola’s Capriole for Bass Clarinet and Cello and Brahms’ Trio for Clarinet, Cello and Piano in A minor (Op.114). Ticket runs from 9,000 won to 40,000 won. For details, call (02) 6303-1977.

“Otello”: Following Gounod’s “Romeo et Juliette” in early October, the Korea National Opera is presenting another Shakespeare-themed opera, Verdi’s “Otello,” from Nov. 6-9 at Seoul Arts Center. British stage director Stephen Lawless, who helmed the KNO’s 2012 production of Strauss’ “Die Fledermaus,” is returning for the four-act opera. Renowned opera conductor Graeme Jenkins will lead the Korea Symphony Orchestra in the pit. Tenor Clifton Forbis, a seasoned Otello, will sing opposite soprano Serena Farnocchia as his loving wife Desdemona, with the other pair being Korean tenor Rudy Park and soprano Kim Eun-joo. Ticket prices range from 10,000 won to 150,000 won. For details, call (02) 586-5284. 

Zubin Mehta in Ulsan: Zubin Mehta will conduct the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra in Ulsan on Oct. 22. The one-night-only concert will be held at the 900-seat concert hall of Hyundai Arts Center, associated with Hyundai Heavy Industries Co., which has its headquarters in the city. The program will include Schubert’s Symphony No. 6 in C major (D. 589) and Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 5 in E minor (Op. 6). Tickets cost 100,000 to 200,000 won. For more information, call (052) 202-6300 or visit www.hhiarts.co.kr.

Murray Perahia and ASMF: The London-based chamber orchestra the Academy of Saint Martin in the Fields is coming to Korea for two concerts in November, together with celebrated pianist Murray Perahia. Perahia will join the concerts, to be held at Seoul Arts Center on Nov. 10 and 11, as a conductor and piano soloist. The program includes Beethoven’s piano concerto “The Emperor” on Nov. 10 and Haydn’s Symphony No. 94 in G major (“Surprise”) on Nov. 11. Ticket prices range from 50,000 won to 200,000 won. For details, call 1577-5266 or visit www.clubbalcony.com.

“Aida 1963”: Famed opera director Franco Zeffirelli’s 1963 production of Verdi’s opera “Aida” at La Scala in Milan will be revived in Seoul in celebration of the 130th anniversary of the establishment of Korea-Italy diplomatic relations. It will be staged at the Seoul Arts Center in southern Seoul from Nov. 25 to 30. Tickets prices range from 77,000 won to 330,000 won. For more information, call (02) 722-5822.

Chung Myung-whun piano recital: Maestro Chung Myung-whun is holding his first recital tour of Korea as a pianist rather than as a conductor. He will play at Seoul Arts Center in Seoul on Dec. 27 and in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, and Daejeon early next year. The program consists mostly of short piano pieces by Brahms and Chopin. Ticket prices range from 44,000 won to 132,000 won. For details, call (02) 558-4588.