around town

Classical concerts

Rogers and Hammerstein Cinema Orchestra Series II
Sejong Center
Oct.12

"The Sound of Music", "The King and I" and "Oklahoma!" are musicals featuring the work of Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein. The world renowned stage music will be performed by Suwon Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by George Daugherty. Tickets cost 30,000 to 100,000 won. For more information, call (02) 3991-700 or visit www.sejongpac.or.kr.

Pop and Jazz

The Way of Love
Olympic Hall, Olympic Park
Nov. 24-25

Having traveled to Hong Kong, Taiwan and Japan, popular K-pop group 2AM will mark their last performance of the tour in Seoul. 2AM is a four-member boy band managed by JYP Entertainment. The most recognized song by the group is "Can't Let You Go Even If I Die". Its members are Jo Kwon, Lee Changmin, Lim Seulong and Jeong Jinwoon. Tickets cost 66,000 to 99,000 won. For more information, call (02) 410-1601 or visit www.olympicpark.co.kr.

Dance

SIDance 2012 Wendy Houstoun
Seoul Arts Center*
Oct. 20

Organized by the International Dance Council, The Seoul International Dance Festival introduces Korean dance to international stages. SIDance this year is a World Dance Festival, with performances by world- renowned international companies including the Cullberg Ballet, a Swedish contemporary dance company. The festival, which began on Oct. 9, will mark its end with a performance by Wendy Houston. Tickets cost 20,000 to 30,000 won. For more information, call (02) 3216-1185 or visit www.sac.or.kr.

Swan Lake
Sejong Center
Nov. 11-13

Mariinsky Ballet is a classical ballet company based in Russia. It was founded in the 18th century by the Imperial Russian Ballet. The Company, one of the world's leading ballet companies, will perform "Swan Lake" in Seoul. Prince Siegfried and Princess Odette's marriage promise is broken when an evil genius attempts to destroy their love. Tickets cost 50,000 to 270,000 won. For more information, call (02) 3991-700 or visit www.clubbalcony.com.

The Nutcracker
Universal Art Center
Dec. 21-31

With more than 620 performances and 67 million people having watched it, the Universal Ballet's "The Nutcracker" has been a world favorite for 27 years. The Universal Ballet was originally founded in Korea, performing classical story ballets. This performance will be the perfect holiday gift for the entire family. Tickets cost 10,000 to 100,000 won. For more information, call (070) 7124-1740 or visit www.uac.co.kr.

Plays & Musicals

Les Miserables
Yongin Poeun Art Hall
Nov. 3-25

The musical "Les Miserables", based on the novel by Victor Hugo, was first launched in London 25 years ago. This is the first license d Korean production of the second-longest running musical in history. The story is set in 19th century France, a time when the struggle for redemption and revolution was rampant. Tickets cost 50,000 to 110,000 won. For more information, call (031) 260-3355 or visit www.eng.yicf.or.kr.

Hero
Blue Square
Oct. 16- Nov. 18

The musical "Hero" is about Ahn Jung-geun, a Korean independence activist, who assassinated Ito Hirobumi, the first Prime Minister of Japan, when Korea was on the verge of annexation by Imperial Japan. Tickets cost 110,000 to 120,000 won. For more information, call (02) 2250-5925.

Aida
D-Cube Arts Center
Dec. 2- April 28, 2013

Seesee Company presents "Aida", a musical with melodies by Elton John and lyrics by Tim Rice originally performed by Disney Theatrical Productions on Broadway. Aida was first conceived of for production as an animated film for Disney that became highly successful, finally becoming a musical with four Tony Awards and named as one of the top 10 theater productions by Time Magazine. Tickets cost 60,000 to 120,000 won. For more information, call (02) 2211-3000 or visit www.d4art.co.kr.

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Clubs

The Octagon
Nonhyeon-dong

Near the New Hilltop Hotel in Nonhyeon-dong this club is notable for its stylish interior and elite clientele. The venue offers a club stage, lounge bar and dining area to satisfy any night out after work or on the weekend. Near exit 4 of Hakdong Station on subway line No. 7. For more information, call (02) 516-8847.

Club Volume
Itaewon

Offering the finest venue for specially-themed weekly events and world-class DJs, Club Volume is located in the Crown Hotel near Noksapyeong subway station. Club Volume was listed by TIME magazine among the "10 things to do in 24 hours in Seoul". For more information, call 1544-2635.

Dojo
Kyoungridan

Work hard, play hard, sleep later! Lying underground Noxa in the thriving Kyoungridan neighborhood, Dojo is the latest edition to the clubbing nightlife in Seoul. Popular local DJs offer nonstop tunes for energetic dancing until dawn with weekday drink specials and enthusiastic crowds of longtime expats. For more information, call (02) 790-1334.

W.E. Listen
Samcheong-dong

This cafe reinterprets traditional Korean desserts. The menu not only offers American-style coffee but also sweet potato, sweet bean latte, a "hotteok" pancake set, multi-grain lattes and more. Located near exit 1 of Anguk Station on subway line No. 3. For more information, visit www.westneast.co.kr or call (02) 739-0919.

Berlin Cafe & Lounge
Itaewon

Almost hidden atop a hill at the mouth of Itaewon, this terrace with a view offers deliciously themed dinner platters, strong cocktails and DJs on the weekends. The kitchen is open late and the waiting staff is attentive. The modern decor, floral touches and artistic ambience add to the dining experience. For more information, call (02) 749-0903.

Once in a Blue Moon
Apgujeong-dong

Once in a Blue Moon is one of the best known and well established jazz clubs in the city. It features live jazz sets from two different bands every night, usually starting at 7:30 p.m. It is located on the street between the Hakdong intersection and the Galleria department stores in the posh district of Apgujeong-dong. For more information, call (02) 549-5490.

Naos Nova
Huam-dong

A wine bar and restaurant spread out on three floors called, Hell, Heaven and Earth with high ceilings and unique lighting, Naos Nova offers a "new sanctuary" of respite from hectic daily life in a hip and stylish setting. The owner speaks both French and English. Located in Huam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul. For more information, visit www.naosnova.com or call (02) 754-2202.

Platoon Kunsthalle
Apgujeong-dong

Platoon Kunsthalle is a cultural space offering various facilities, including a large, open hall, library lounge, art studios, and a bar and restaurant for multi-purpose events. It is open from Monday to Saturday from 11 a.m to 1 a.m. and DJ nights are on Thursday and Friday from 10 p.m. Located near exit 10 of Hakdong Station on subway line No. 7. For more information, visit www.kunsthalle.com.

Gachi
Apgujeong-dong

Salsa enthusiasts can dance the night away here. To get to Gachi, get off at Apgujeong Station line No. 3 and get out at exit 5. After walking past six streets, look for the Matilda Club and Bar on the seventh street, turn left and look for Gachi's red-and-white sign. Gachi is open from Mondays to Fridays 6 p.m. to 12 a.m., Saturday and Sunday, 2 p.m. to 12 a.m. For more information, call (02) 540-7087.

Kyotofu
Itaewon

With a stark, modern interior and unique menu options made from tofu-based ingredients, this restaurant and sake lounge offers a casual dining experience. Fancy cocktails and delectable desserts are plentiful. For more information, call (02) 749-1488.

Traditional

Cultural shows
Korea House
Open run

Korea House regularly holds a series of traditional performances featuring dance, "pansori" (Korean opera) and more. Tickets cost 50,000 won. Located near exit 3 of Chungmuro Station, subway lines No. 3 and 4. For more information, call (02) 2266-9101.

Kim Duk-soo's Traditional Yeonhui Performance "Pan"
Gwanghwamun Art Hall
Open run

"Pan", which opened in May 2008, is a traditional Korean performance showing a Korean clown's joyful and pleasant emotions in harmony with traditional instruments, drama and circus acts. Since its first performance in 2008, the theater has prepared a new version of the show and opened it to the public in 2009. Tickets cost 30,000 to 50,000 won. Located near exit 1 of Gyeongbokgung Station on subway line No. 3. For more information, call (02) 722-3416.

Art Exhibitions

Sang Nam Lee Light + Right
PKM Trinity Gallery
Through Oct. 12

PKM Trinity Gallery presents a solo exhibition of artist Lee Sang-nam. The exhibition displays about 40 paintings and 40 drawings, which all convey geometric icons and marks layered on the panels that represent modern society in many shapes and colors. Admission is free. For more information, call (02) 734-9467 or visit www.pkmgallery.com.

Ham Jin: Planet
PKM Gallery Bartleby Bickle & Meursault
Through Oct. 26

"Planet" is a solo exhibition featuring large scale sculptures by Ham Jin, one of the most accomplished young sculptors in Korea. Known as a miniature sculpting artist, he explores a new area in sculpting involving larger dimensions and greater depth. Located near exit 1 of Anguk Station on line No. 3. Admission is free. For more information, call (02) 734- 9467.

2012 Korea Artist Prize
National Museum of Contemporary Art, Korea
Through Nov. 11

Without a definite theme, "2012 Korea Artist Prize" presents art works of four artists - Gim Hong-sok, Moon Kyung-won and Jeon Joon-ho as a team, Lim Min-ouk and Yee Soo-kyung. Because the artists were asked to present any works they were able to manifest, the exhibition introduces works of four distinct themes. Located near exit 2 of Seoul Grand Park Station on line No. 4. Tickets cost 5,000 won. For more information, call (02) 2188-6114 or visit www.moca.go.kr/engN.

Remember Me
Gallery Hyundai
Through Oct. 14

"Remember Me" is the largest group exhibition presented by Gallery Hyundai, and involves six internationally well-known artists such as Chung Seo-young, Ai Weiwei, and Simon Dybbroe Moller. The exhibition introduces a variety of art styles, including video, paintings, and much more. Admission is free. Located near exit 1 of Anguk Station on line No. 3. For more information, call (02) 734-6111 or visit www.galleryhyundai.com.

Testing Testing 1.2.3: Selections from the SongEun Collection
SongEun Art Space
Through Dec.11
In celebration of the 50th anniversary of Samtan, SongEun Art Space presents an exhibition solely devoted to acknowledging work by artists old and new. With two divisions in the exhibition, one is a selected collection of young Korean artists who were supported by SongEun in the past. The other consists of work by recognized and pivotal international artists from many genres in art. Admission is free. For more information, call (02) 3448-0100 or visit www.songrunartspace.com.

Modern Masterpieces from the Museum Collection: Poetry and Dreams
National Museum of Art, Deoksugung
Through Dec. 2

The 1950s to the early 20th century was a period of extreme difficulty in Korea that was followed by massive improvements and transformation. The National Museum of Contemporary Art focuses on works by Korean artists who drew inspiration, hope and changes during this era of Korean adversities. The exhibition present s around 100 works by more than 50 artists. Admission is free. For more information, call (02) 2188-6114 or visit www.moca.go.kr.

Deoksugung Project
National Museum of Art, Deoksugung
Through Oct. 28

In order to solidify the historical significance of Deoksu Palace, artwork by contemporary Korean artists is to be installed there. A total of nine various pieces, ranging from sculpture to visual art, portray different perspectives on how the artists perceive history. Tickets cost 3,000 won. For more information, call (02) 2188-6114 or visit www.moca.go.kr.

Life: A User's Manual
Culture Station Seoul 284
Through Nov. 4

"How does art create and change our life?" The French author Georges Perec's "La Vie Mode d'Employ", discusses the importance of design and life. The exhibition features more than 70 pieces of design, art, and architecture in relation to human life. Admission is free. For more information, call (02) 3407-3500 or visit seoul284.org.

Donghee Koo: Residency Artist
Doosan Gallery
Through Nov.8

Doosan Gallery presents Koo Dong-hee's solo exhibition, which invites the audience to her perception of uncertainty. Her works display contradictions and absurdities in her ordinary life, expressing her thoughts on art. Admission is free. For more information, call (02) 708- 5050 or visit www.doosangallery.com.

Thinking About Rene Magritte
KT&G SangSang Madang
Through Oct. 31

Renowned photographer Kim Jung-man holds an exhibition expressing surrealism paintings through photography. As the title "Thinking About Rene Magritte" indicates, Kim pays homage to the surrealist by reenacting his paintings such as "This is not a Pipe" in 23 photographic works. A short documentary featuring Kim's working process is also on display at the exhibit. Located near exit 9 of Hongik University Station on line No. 2. For more, visit www.sangsangmadang.com or call (02) 330-6200.

Kids

Garuya Garuya
COEX Artium
Open run

This children's exhibition allows visitors to play with flour. Activities include baking bread, playing with utensils used for flour, making dough, drawing pictures using flour and more. Closed on Mondays and only children over 24 months are allowed. Tickets cost 17,000 to 23,000 won. Discounts are also available. For more information, call (02) 738-8289.

Cocomong Eco Park
Open run

The Cocomong Eco Park focuses on the importance of developing children's senses so they can pay more attention to the world around them. Tickets cost 18,000 won. For more information, call 1661-0568.