2008. 8.7 Event Calendar
Published: 06 Aug. 2008, 21:03
SEOUL MUSEUM OF ART
To Aug. 23: “Your Mind’s Eye: Digital Spectrum.” This exhibition at MoA in central Seoul sheds light on diverse aspects of Op Art, or optical art, from the 1960s to the present-day perspective of our contemporary media environment.
The exhibition is designed to allow viewers to participate in visual perception activities and experience art as a form of entertainment. The world is merely what our eyes intend to discover. This can be seen in the new perception and meaning under the media environment of the computer, which reflects a recent philosophical phenomenon lacking absolute belief and worth. The museum is open from 10 a.m. Tuesdays through Sundays, closing at 9 p.m. on weekdays and 6 p.m. on weekends and holidays.
Admissions is 8,000 won ($7.80) to 12,000 won.
City Hall Station, line No. 1, exit 1, line No. 2, exit 11, 12; Gwanghwamun Station, line No. 5, exit 5; Seodaemun Station, line No. 5, exit 5
(02) 2124-8800, www.seoulmoa.org
GANA ART GALLERY
To Aug. 31: “Vik Muniz: The Eighth Photo Festival.” Photography is a useful tool to record multiple angles of life and a form of art closest to our daily lives.
For the Eighth Photo Festival, Gana Art is holding a solo exhibition of works by renowned Brazilian photographer Vik Muniz. Muniz first took an interest in photography as a tool to record his sculptures. By using unique materials such as thread, sugar, ink, wire, caviar, diamonds and dust, Muniz created images which he then photographed. His photographs capture images that we recognize as familiar but strange at the same time. Muniz explores the relationship between the photographic record of reality and its representation through art.
The exhibition presents more than 30 works, including his Gordian Puzzle series, as well as a video clip of Muniz describing his work and process.
Admission ranges from 2,000 won to 3,000 won.
Gyeongbokgung Station, line No. 3, exit 3
(02) 720-1020, www.ganaart.com
SM STAR HALL
Ongoing: “Evil Dead: The Musical” Based on the horror/comedy movie, “Evil Dead: The Musical” returns. Despite concerns that this musical would be too shocking for Korean audiences, it unexpectedly sold out on its first run.
One day Ash, his girlfriend Linda, little sister Sheryl, his best friend Scott and Scott’s girlfriend Shelly go on a trip together. They happen to stumble on a cottage to spend the night, where they discover a book named “Evil Dead.” Suddenly zombies awake from the forest and the friends become zombies one by one. In solving the mystery some friends are lost, but our hero Ash keeps battling his way through the gore.
Tickets cost 40,000 won.
The musical is staged at 8 p.m. from Tuesday to Thursday, 4 and 8 p.m. on Fridays and 3 and 7 p.m. on weekends.
Hyehwa Station, line No.4, exit 2
(02) 1588-1555, www.interpark.co.kr
SEJONG CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
Aug. 22 to Sept. 14: “My Fair Lady.” First staged on Broadway in 1956, “My Fair Lady” has since been regarded as an all-time classic musical. The Korean version, complete with unforgettable songs, flashy costumes and surprisingly realistic staging, will star Kim So-hyun and Lim Hye-young in the role of Eliza Doolittle and Lee Hyung-chul as Henry Higgins.
Based on English playwright George Bernard Shaw’s “Pygmalion,” the musical is about a young woman named Eliza who sells flowers on the dirty London streets. With a little bit of luck, she ends up receiving speech lessons from Professor Higgins. But as she later discovers, she is just part of a bet the professor has wagered to prove that he can turn her into a respectable lady. Will she be taken advantage of or can she blossom into an independent woman?
Tickets range from 20,000 won to 120,000 won.
Performances start at 8 p.m. on weekdays and 3 and 7 p.m. on weekends.
Gwanghwamun Station, line No. 5, exit 1 or 8
(02) 399-1111, www.sejongpac.or.kr
SANGMYUNG ART HALL
To Oct. 26: “Audition.” Is it a musical or a concert? The creative musical “Audition” is returning for its third encore performance, and is truly a think-outside-the-box musical. There is no boundary between actors and musicians, with the actors singing and playing their instruments live.
The story itself is about a struggling rock band that performs on a diverse range of concert stage sets. The six members of the band play every day as they search for inspiration, and just like any other band, they are constantly struggling to make better music. With a romance and an unfortunate accident thrown into the plot, the teenage band’s future is always in doubt. But the energy and ambition of these youngsters will steal the show.
Tickets cost 30,000 won.
The musical is staged at 8 p.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, 4 and 8 p.m. on Wednesdays, 4 and 7:30 p.m. on Saturdays and 3 and 6:30 p.m. on Sundays.
Hyehwa Station, line No.4, exit 1
(02) 765-8108, www.interpark.co.kr
HONGIK UNIVERSITY
Aug. 15: “Han Hee-jung: Your Document.” Han released her first album last month and is celebrating with a concert. The album, featuring such songs as “Glow,” “I Need a Vacation,” “A Walk” and “Drama,” shows why the artist has been noted as one of the most promising musicians in Korea for 2008.
From her beginning in groups The The and Blue Dawn, Han has transformed her K-pop style to indie music. For her first album, Han composed tracks, wrote lyrics, played instruments and produced. The album showcases her trademark low-key and unexpectedly complex vocal range.
Tickets are 23,000 won.
The concert begins at 7p.m.
Hongik University Station, line No. 2, exit 5
(02) 3142-2981, www.interpark.co.kr
SEOUL ARTS CENTER
Aug. 20: “Amazing Voice 2008.” A cappella groups from around the world, including The Real Group, Idea of North, M-Pact and Rajaton will perform on one stage in southern Seoul this month.
The Real Group from Sweden is a renowned a cappella group, while M-Pact is a leader in the contemporary American a cappella scene. Finland’s Rajaton and Australia’s Idea of North are also unique and humorous vocal groups. When these singers perform as one, their voices become beautiful instruments.
Tickets range from 30,000 won to 120,000 won.
The concert begins at 8 p.m.
Nambu Bus Terminal Station, line No. 3, exit 5
(02) 599-5743, www.vincero.co.kr
SHERATON WALKERHILL HOTEL
Aug. 22: “Buga Kingz Cool Summer Poolside Party.” The Buga Kingz, featuring the “godfather” of Korean hip hop,” Bobby Kim, are headlining a pool party concert at the Sheraton Walkerhill Hotel in eastern Seoul later this month with a tropical theme.
Concert-goers will be able to swim in the pool while enjoying the performances, which include famous Korean hip-hop acts Dynamic Duo and Lee Ssang. The House Rulez, a five-member group with one of the most unique styles that incorporates house music, jazz and dance music, will also feature in the concert as special guests.
Tickets cost 77,000 won.
The concert starts at 7:30 p.m.
Gwangnaru Station, line No. 5, exit 2
(02) 512-9496, www.interpark.co.kr
OLYMPIC PARK
Aug. 23: “M Concert.” Minwoo, former star of the Korean boy band Shinhwa, is now a successful solo artist who goes by the name M.
After three solo albums and a year spent working on a new sound, M is ready to release his fourth album, following up on his successful 2007 album “Explore M.”
The popular artist writes his own lyrics and is known for his charismatic on-stage performance. M’s fans are eagerly looking forward to seeing the new direction that his music will take.
Tickets range from 55,000 won to 77,000 won.
The concert starts at 6 p.m.
Mongchontoseong Station, line No. 8, exit 1 or Olympic Park Station, line No. 5, exit 3
(02) 1544-1555, www.interpark.co.kr
BUSAN SEA FESTIVAL
To Sunday: The first Busan Sea Festival kicked off in 1996, and has been held in August every year since at various Busan beaches, like the popular Haeundae and Gwangalli beaches.
The event consists of many programs and high-quality cultural performances, such as the Busan International Rock Festival, Hyun-In Song Festival, Summer Funny Land, plus other events and marine activities. The festival also includes smaller fun events such as fin swimming classes, Summer Funny Land and assorted nightly concerts.
(051) 888-3392, www.seafestival.co.kr
THE GREAT BATTLE OF HANSAN FESTIVAL, South Gyeongsang
Wednesday to Aug. 17: Held in Tongyeong, South Gyeongsang, the festival celebrates Admiral Yi Sun-sin, who led the Korean Navy to victory against the Japanese in The Great Battle of Hansan in 1592.
Highlights of the festival include the reenactment of the ancient Korean military test covering horseback riding and archery, an exhibit of model warships and a hands-on experience of steering a vessel in a water-filled tank. There will also be music concerts on the outdoor stage by the sea with nightly fireworks displays. The city of Tongyeong also has a famous seafood market that is popular with tourists.
To get there, take a bus to the Tongyeong Bus Terminal from either the Nambu or Express bus terminals in Seoul. Buses leave every 30 minutes and take four and a half hours. Tickets cost between 18,000 won and 29,700 won.
Express Bus Terminal Station, line No. 3 or 7, or Nambu Bus Terminal Station, line No. 3
(055) 644-5222, www.hsdf.or.kr
HI SEOUL SUMMER FESTIVAL
From Saturday: The first Hi Seoul Summer Festival Kicks off this weekend with a variety of performances and events on the bank of the Han River in Yeouido.
The Han River Birdman Contest will take place on Saturday and Sunday. It is a flying competition in which participants will compete for the titles of Funniest Flight and Furthest Flight, using non-power-driven, self-made flying contraptions. A prize of 100 million won ($98,300) will be awarded to anyone who successfully crosses the 1.6-kilometer-wide river. The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The Han River Fantasy Show will be held from Saturday to Tuesday. The acrobatic aerial theater troupe, The Shenzo Electric Stunt Orchestra, will come together with balloon sculptures, images and music for a performance of musical skills and dangerous stunts, done 14 meters above the ground. The show is performed from 8 to 9 p.m.
The Monster Ballet will take place from Saturday to Tuesday in which heavy machinery will dance to the choreography of Kim Yong-geol from the Paris Opera Ballet.
Featuring heavy machinery weighing more than 1.5 tons, the ballet represents the importance of harmony between man and nature. Kim was the lead dancer of the Korea National Ballet before becoming the first Asian soloist at the Paris Opera Ballet. The performance runs from 9 to 9:30 p.m.
Yeouinaru Sation, line No. 5, exit 2 and 3
(02) 3290-7060, www.hiseoulfest.org
THE SEOUL FRINGE FESTIVAL, Hongdae Area
Aug. 14 to 30: The Seoul Fringe Festival, an annual festival hosting theater and other cultural events which first began in 1998, is celebrating its 11th anniversary this year.
The 17-day festival will be held at venues near the Honggik University area, in parks, cafes, clubs and galleries.
The event will feature artists from various genres performing in plays, ballet and mime.
All told, there will be 230 teams from in and out of the country. What makes the festival special is that there will also be some performances in which many genres are combined on one stage. “Image Musical Memory,” which has both mime and musical characteristics, will be performed by Hidden Picture Theater, and other teams will be trying out new, unique performances.
Honggik University Station, line No. 2, exit 5
(02) 325-8150, www.seoulfringefestival.net
To Aug. 23: “Your Mind’s Eye: Digital Spectrum.” This exhibition at MoA in central Seoul sheds light on diverse aspects of Op Art, or optical art, from the 1960s to the present-day perspective of our contemporary media environment.
The exhibition is designed to allow viewers to participate in visual perception activities and experience art as a form of entertainment. The world is merely what our eyes intend to discover. This can be seen in the new perception and meaning under the media environment of the computer, which reflects a recent philosophical phenomenon lacking absolute belief and worth. The museum is open from 10 a.m. Tuesdays through Sundays, closing at 9 p.m. on weekdays and 6 p.m. on weekends and holidays.
Admissions is 8,000 won ($7.80) to 12,000 won.
City Hall Station, line No. 1, exit 1, line No. 2, exit 11, 12; Gwanghwamun Station, line No. 5, exit 5; Seodaemun Station, line No. 5, exit 5
(02) 2124-8800, www.seoulmoa.org
GANA ART GALLERY
To Aug. 31: “Vik Muniz: The Eighth Photo Festival.” Photography is a useful tool to record multiple angles of life and a form of art closest to our daily lives.
For the Eighth Photo Festival, Gana Art is holding a solo exhibition of works by renowned Brazilian photographer Vik Muniz. Muniz first took an interest in photography as a tool to record his sculptures. By using unique materials such as thread, sugar, ink, wire, caviar, diamonds and dust, Muniz created images which he then photographed. His photographs capture images that we recognize as familiar but strange at the same time. Muniz explores the relationship between the photographic record of reality and its representation through art.
The exhibition presents more than 30 works, including his Gordian Puzzle series, as well as a video clip of Muniz describing his work and process.
Admission ranges from 2,000 won to 3,000 won.
Gyeongbokgung Station, line No. 3, exit 3
(02) 720-1020, www.ganaart.com
SM STAR HALL
Ongoing: “Evil Dead: The Musical” Based on the horror/comedy movie, “Evil Dead: The Musical” returns. Despite concerns that this musical would be too shocking for Korean audiences, it unexpectedly sold out on its first run.
One day Ash, his girlfriend Linda, little sister Sheryl, his best friend Scott and Scott’s girlfriend Shelly go on a trip together. They happen to stumble on a cottage to spend the night, where they discover a book named “Evil Dead.” Suddenly zombies awake from the forest and the friends become zombies one by one. In solving the mystery some friends are lost, but our hero Ash keeps battling his way through the gore.
Tickets cost 40,000 won.
The musical is staged at 8 p.m. from Tuesday to Thursday, 4 and 8 p.m. on Fridays and 3 and 7 p.m. on weekends.
Hyehwa Station, line No.4, exit 2
(02) 1588-1555, www.interpark.co.kr
SEJONG CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
Aug. 22 to Sept. 14: “My Fair Lady.” First staged on Broadway in 1956, “My Fair Lady” has since been regarded as an all-time classic musical. The Korean version, complete with unforgettable songs, flashy costumes and surprisingly realistic staging, will star Kim So-hyun and Lim Hye-young in the role of Eliza Doolittle and Lee Hyung-chul as Henry Higgins.
Based on English playwright George Bernard Shaw’s “Pygmalion,” the musical is about a young woman named Eliza who sells flowers on the dirty London streets. With a little bit of luck, she ends up receiving speech lessons from Professor Higgins. But as she later discovers, she is just part of a bet the professor has wagered to prove that he can turn her into a respectable lady. Will she be taken advantage of or can she blossom into an independent woman?
Tickets range from 20,000 won to 120,000 won.
Performances start at 8 p.m. on weekdays and 3 and 7 p.m. on weekends.
Gwanghwamun Station, line No. 5, exit 1 or 8
(02) 399-1111, www.sejongpac.or.kr
SANGMYUNG ART HALL
To Oct. 26: “Audition.” Is it a musical or a concert? The creative musical “Audition” is returning for its third encore performance, and is truly a think-outside-the-box musical. There is no boundary between actors and musicians, with the actors singing and playing their instruments live.
The story itself is about a struggling rock band that performs on a diverse range of concert stage sets. The six members of the band play every day as they search for inspiration, and just like any other band, they are constantly struggling to make better music. With a romance and an unfortunate accident thrown into the plot, the teenage band’s future is always in doubt. But the energy and ambition of these youngsters will steal the show.
Tickets cost 30,000 won.
The musical is staged at 8 p.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, 4 and 8 p.m. on Wednesdays, 4 and 7:30 p.m. on Saturdays and 3 and 6:30 p.m. on Sundays.
Hyehwa Station, line No.4, exit 1
(02) 765-8108, www.interpark.co.kr
HONGIK UNIVERSITY
Aug. 15: “Han Hee-jung: Your Document.” Han released her first album last month and is celebrating with a concert. The album, featuring such songs as “Glow,” “I Need a Vacation,” “A Walk” and “Drama,” shows why the artist has been noted as one of the most promising musicians in Korea for 2008.
From her beginning in groups The The and Blue Dawn, Han has transformed her K-pop style to indie music. For her first album, Han composed tracks, wrote lyrics, played instruments and produced. The album showcases her trademark low-key and unexpectedly complex vocal range.
Tickets are 23,000 won.
The concert begins at 7p.m.
Hongik University Station, line No. 2, exit 5
(02) 3142-2981, www.interpark.co.kr
SEOUL ARTS CENTER
Aug. 20: “Amazing Voice 2008.” A cappella groups from around the world, including The Real Group, Idea of North, M-Pact and Rajaton will perform on one stage in southern Seoul this month.
The Real Group from Sweden is a renowned a cappella group, while M-Pact is a leader in the contemporary American a cappella scene. Finland’s Rajaton and Australia’s Idea of North are also unique and humorous vocal groups. When these singers perform as one, their voices become beautiful instruments.
Tickets range from 30,000 won to 120,000 won.
The concert begins at 8 p.m.
Nambu Bus Terminal Station, line No. 3, exit 5
(02) 599-5743, www.vincero.co.kr
SHERATON WALKERHILL HOTEL
Aug. 22: “Buga Kingz Cool Summer Poolside Party.” The Buga Kingz, featuring the “godfather” of Korean hip hop,” Bobby Kim, are headlining a pool party concert at the Sheraton Walkerhill Hotel in eastern Seoul later this month with a tropical theme.
Concert-goers will be able to swim in the pool while enjoying the performances, which include famous Korean hip-hop acts Dynamic Duo and Lee Ssang. The House Rulez, a five-member group with one of the most unique styles that incorporates house music, jazz and dance music, will also feature in the concert as special guests.
Tickets cost 77,000 won.
The concert starts at 7:30 p.m.
Gwangnaru Station, line No. 5, exit 2
(02) 512-9496, www.interpark.co.kr
OLYMPIC PARK
Aug. 23: “M Concert.” Minwoo, former star of the Korean boy band Shinhwa, is now a successful solo artist who goes by the name M.
After three solo albums and a year spent working on a new sound, M is ready to release his fourth album, following up on his successful 2007 album “Explore M.”
The popular artist writes his own lyrics and is known for his charismatic on-stage performance. M’s fans are eagerly looking forward to seeing the new direction that his music will take.
Tickets range from 55,000 won to 77,000 won.
The concert starts at 6 p.m.
Mongchontoseong Station, line No. 8, exit 1 or Olympic Park Station, line No. 5, exit 3
(02) 1544-1555, www.interpark.co.kr
BUSAN SEA FESTIVAL
To Sunday: The first Busan Sea Festival kicked off in 1996, and has been held in August every year since at various Busan beaches, like the popular Haeundae and Gwangalli beaches.
The event consists of many programs and high-quality cultural performances, such as the Busan International Rock Festival, Hyun-In Song Festival, Summer Funny Land, plus other events and marine activities. The festival also includes smaller fun events such as fin swimming classes, Summer Funny Land and assorted nightly concerts.
(051) 888-3392, www.seafestival.co.kr
THE GREAT BATTLE OF HANSAN FESTIVAL, South Gyeongsang
Wednesday to Aug. 17: Held in Tongyeong, South Gyeongsang, the festival celebrates Admiral Yi Sun-sin, who led the Korean Navy to victory against the Japanese in The Great Battle of Hansan in 1592.
Highlights of the festival include the reenactment of the ancient Korean military test covering horseback riding and archery, an exhibit of model warships and a hands-on experience of steering a vessel in a water-filled tank. There will also be music concerts on the outdoor stage by the sea with nightly fireworks displays. The city of Tongyeong also has a famous seafood market that is popular with tourists.
To get there, take a bus to the Tongyeong Bus Terminal from either the Nambu or Express bus terminals in Seoul. Buses leave every 30 minutes and take four and a half hours. Tickets cost between 18,000 won and 29,700 won.
Express Bus Terminal Station, line No. 3 or 7, or Nambu Bus Terminal Station, line No. 3
(055) 644-5222, www.hsdf.or.kr
HI SEOUL SUMMER FESTIVAL
From Saturday: The first Hi Seoul Summer Festival Kicks off this weekend with a variety of performances and events on the bank of the Han River in Yeouido.
The Han River Birdman Contest will take place on Saturday and Sunday. It is a flying competition in which participants will compete for the titles of Funniest Flight and Furthest Flight, using non-power-driven, self-made flying contraptions. A prize of 100 million won ($98,300) will be awarded to anyone who successfully crosses the 1.6-kilometer-wide river. The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The Han River Fantasy Show will be held from Saturday to Tuesday. The acrobatic aerial theater troupe, The Shenzo Electric Stunt Orchestra, will come together with balloon sculptures, images and music for a performance of musical skills and dangerous stunts, done 14 meters above the ground. The show is performed from 8 to 9 p.m.
The Monster Ballet will take place from Saturday to Tuesday in which heavy machinery will dance to the choreography of Kim Yong-geol from the Paris Opera Ballet.
Featuring heavy machinery weighing more than 1.5 tons, the ballet represents the importance of harmony between man and nature. Kim was the lead dancer of the Korea National Ballet before becoming the first Asian soloist at the Paris Opera Ballet. The performance runs from 9 to 9:30 p.m.
Yeouinaru Sation, line No. 5, exit 2 and 3
(02) 3290-7060, www.hiseoulfest.org
THE SEOUL FRINGE FESTIVAL, Hongdae Area
Aug. 14 to 30: The Seoul Fringe Festival, an annual festival hosting theater and other cultural events which first began in 1998, is celebrating its 11th anniversary this year.
The 17-day festival will be held at venues near the Honggik University area, in parks, cafes, clubs and galleries.
The event will feature artists from various genres performing in plays, ballet and mime.
All told, there will be 230 teams from in and out of the country. What makes the festival special is that there will also be some performances in which many genres are combined on one stage. “Image Musical Memory,” which has both mime and musical characteristics, will be performed by Hidden Picture Theater, and other teams will be trying out new, unique performances.
Honggik University Station, line No. 2, exit 5
(02) 325-8150, www.seoulfringefestival.net
with the Korea JoongAng Daily
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