2009. 3.25 Event Calendar
EXHIBITIONCOEX INDIAN HALL
To Sunday: “Seoul Photo 2009.” Last year’s successful Seoul Photo Fair has relaunched itself as “Seoul Photo 2009.”
The first specialized photo fair in Asia, it is a gathering of Korea’s professional photographers that attempts to express their love of this artistic genre.
Sweden is the fair’s guest of honor, which means visitors will be able to familiarize themselves with Swedish photographers as well.
Some of the works on display have been produced by photography’s rising stars.
Whether you have studied photography or you’re just in love with cameras, this exhibition will let you travel through a world of wonders.
Samseong Station, line 2, exit 5 or 6
(02) 736-1214, www.seoulphoto.org
MAPO ARTS CENTER
To Sunday: “Anne Frank’s Diary.” This traveling exhibition spotlights Anne Frank, the courageous Jewish girl whose diary has become a window onto the horrors of the Holocaust for millions of children worldwide.
The exhibit includes versions of the diary in 30 different languages and over 80 photographs and works of art related to Anne, and film of her while she was still alive.
The entries in the 13-year-old Anne’s diary, which she addressed to “Kitty,” a character in a series of novels she enjoyed, recorded her everyday life hiding from the Nazi government.
Anne never lost hope, even when she and her family were forced to live cooped up in a small room.
The exhibit has drawn admirers from all over the world, with 30 million people coming to see it in Europe and 50,000 in Japan.
Tickets cost 5,000 won ($3.78).
The exhibit is open Tuesdays to Sundays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Daeheung Station, line No. 6, exit 2
(02) 3274-8600, www.mapoartcenter.or.kr
ARTSONJE CENTER
To April 26: “Tomorrow.” This exhibit by Bae Young-whan is unusual in that it has a product: a modular library capable of bringing culture to underprivileged areas.
Models of libraries made of wood or corrugated cardboard are at the center of the exhibition, which seeks to find the common ground between art and public service.
Yi Jeongheah’s companion exhibit, “Houses of Skin,” explores the projection of identity onto living space through three model houses.
Anguk Station, line No. 3, exit 1
(02) 733-8945, artsonje.org/eng/
SEOUL ARTS CENTER
To May 8: “Karsh Exhibition.” Celebrating the 100th birthday of the late Yousuf Karsh, one of the 20th century’s most celebrated portrait artists, this exhibit comes to Seoul after enjoying great success at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts.
Karsh is most famous for his black and white photos of historic and popular figures such as Audrey Hepburn, Winston Churchill, Albert Einstein, Jacqueline Kennedy, Pablo Picasso and Mother Teresa. Out of Karsh’s 4,000 photos, 70 of his best known pieces thought to be representative of his unique style in shooting his subjects were selected for this exhibit. Significantly, all the photos on display are original vintage prints.
Tickets range from 6,000 won to 8,000 won.
The exhibition is open Mondays from 1 to 8 p.m. and Tuesdays to Sundays from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Nambu Terminal Station, line No. 3, exit 5 or 4
(02) 580-1301, www.sac.or.kr
THEATER
Doosan Art Center
To April 19: “Spectacle Group Suicide.” Don’t let the title fool you, this is no morbid musical. The comical Spectacle Group Suicide will make you laugh like you’ve never laughed before.
Based on the bestselling novel “A Charming Mass Suicide,” by Finish author Arto Paasilinna, Spectacle Group Suicide shows a bunch of suicidal people on the final trip to end their lives.
But ironically, their depressing vacation turns out to be the funniest one yet.
The music will not disappoint either.
Ticket prices range from 44,000 won to 77,000.
The musical is staged at 8 p.m. on weekdays, 3 and 7 p.m. on Saturdays, and 2 and 6 p.m. on Sundays. There are no performances on Mondays.
Jongno 5-ga Station, line No.1, exit 1
(02) 514-5606, www.gibalja.co.kr
THE STAGE
To May 24: “Thrill Me.” The award-winning off-Broadway musical, “Thrill Me” is currently being staged in Seoul.
This well-known Stephen Dolginoff musical is based on the true story of the so-called “thrill killers” Nathan Leopold and Richard Loeb in 1920s Chicago.
Thrill Me received numerous awards in Korea after its first run in 2007, picking up the coveted Best Foreign Musical and Best Male Performance awards.
The chilling and eerie musical received favorable reviews from the local press, many of them noting the excellent casting and thrilling acting. The New York Times labeled the original version of the musical “like a well-placed punch, arresting and a bit breathtaking.”
All tickets are 45,000 won.
The show is staged at 8 p.m. on weekdays and 3 and 6 p.m. on weekends. There are no performances on Mondays.
Sinchon Station, line 2, exit 3
(02) 744-4337 www.thrillme.co.kr
MUSIC
MAPO ARTS CENTER
Saturday: “Jeon Jeduk’s Harmonica Love Song.” The award-winning master of fun, experimental music will be performing in Seoul this weekend.
Although his instrument is just a small silver harmonica, the sounds from the stage will be much larger in scale.
Joined by a band consisting of piano, guitar, bass and drums, Jeon Jeduk will per from an array of music styles, such as jazz, soul, pop, fusion, and more. They will also play popular Korean oldies such as “Gwanghwamun Love Song” and “Thornbush.”
As Jeon takes you through time and space, you’ll discover his fascinating sounds of music.
Tickets range from 30,000 won to 40,000 won.
The concert starts at 7 p.m.
Daeheung Station, line No. 6, exit 2
(02) 3274-8600, www.mapoartcenter.or.kr
MAPO ARTS CENTER
Tuesday: “Yiruma Concert - Love Me.” Korea’s most famous New Age pianist walks onto the Mapo stage for his long-awaited first concert of 2009.
The 30-year-old composer studied at the Purcell School of Music in London, and graduated as a composition major from Kings College of London University. He also has his own radio show on KBS-1, titled “Yiruma’s Music from All Around the World.”
For this concert, Yiruma will play a few of his all-time favorites such as “Kiss the Rain”, “Maybe” and “River Flows in You” plus new acoustic variations of some of his tracks.
Tickets range from 36,000 won to 54,000 won. The show beings at 8 p.m.
Daeheung Station, line No. 6, exit 2
(02) 3274-8600, www.mapoartcenter.or.kr
SEJONG CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
April 17: “The Beautiful Singer Songwriter Series at the Theater - Rachael Yamagata.” The Sejong Center’s series of local and international singer-songwriters brings singer, songwriter and pianist Rachael Yamagata to Korea.
Her unique voice and style has captured the hearts of critics across the world, with The New York Times writing she “keeps her music understated enough to curb melodrama. When she does raise her voice, she’s not belting but crying out.”
Her contemplative music has been compared to that of Norah Jones and Fiona Apple, while her songs have appeared in many popular American television shows, including “How I Met Your Mother,” “ER” and “The OC.”
Tickets cost 50,000 won.
The show begins at 8 p.m.
Gwanghwamun Station, line No. 5, exit 1 or 8
(02) 399-1783, www.sejongpac.or.kr
SEONGNAM ARTS CENTER
April 18: “Rose Jang - Musical Popera Gala Concert.” Popular crossover “popera” diva Rose Jang will be performing on stage later this month.
The Korean vocalist will bring her formidable pipes to bear on hits such as “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina,” “All I Ask From You” from “The Phantom of the Opera”, “All That Jazz” from “Chicago” and many more.
She will also sing “Memories” from the global hit-musical “Cats,” the piece that originally launched her into fully fledged stardom.
There will also be time for autographs and encores.
Ticket prices range from 20,000 won to 70,000 won.
The show begins at 7:30 p.m.
Imae Station, Bundang line, exit 1
(031) 783-8000, www.snart.or.kr
SPORTS
KOREAN BASEBALL FEDERATION
Saturday
LG Twins vs. Doosan Bears
Jamsil, 5 p.m.
Heroes vs. SK Wyverns
Mokdong, 5 p.m.
Hanwha Eagles vs. Lotte Giants
Daejeon, 5 p.m.
KIA Tigers vs. Samsung Lions
Gwangju, 5 p.m.
Sunday
LG Twins vs. Doosan Bears
Jamsil, 5 p.m.
Heroes vs. SK Wyverns
Mokdong, 5 p.m.
Hanwha Eagles vs. Lotte Giants
Daejeon, 2 p.m.
KIA Tigers vs. Samsung Lions
Gwangju, 5 p.m.
Tuesday
Doosan Bears vs. Heroes
Jamsil, 6:30 p.m.
SK Wyverns vs. LG Twins
Moonhak, 6:30 p.m.
Samsung Lions vs. Hanwha Eagles
Daegu, 6:30 p.m.
Lotte Giants vs. KIA Tigers
Sajik, 6:30 p.m.
www.koreabaseball.co.kr
FESTIVALS
ARKO ARTS THEATER
To Saturday: “Seoul International Improvisation Dance Festival 2009” If you have ever felt the urge to move your body and create your own impromptu choreography, this might be the festival for you.
The festival, organized by International Performing Arts Projects, celebrates improvisational dance while also giving participants the chance to show their stuff.
The festival’s main performances will showcase professional dancers from four different countries.
The artists will also give classes and workshops and teach participants, whether novice or professional, how to go with the flow.
So don’t be afraid to show off your dance style because in improvisational dance, there are no rules.
Hyehwa Station, line No. 4, exit 2
(02) 3674-2210, 3310, http://ipap.co.kr
NONSAN STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL, Nonsan, North Chungcheong
Friday to Sunday: If spring to you means scrumptious strawberries, you won’t want to miss this, the 11th year of delicious festivities dedicated to the juicy delicacy in Nonsan, North Chungcheong.
Visitors will be able to make strawberry jam, strawberry rice cakes and even strawberry wine. They will also be able to pick strawberries, practice arts and crafts and of course taste a wide variety of fresh concoctions made from strawberries.
Fireworks displays, Korean traditional music, a song festival and a martial arts performance add to the excitement.
From Nambu Bus Terminal, take a bus to Nonsan.
The festival takes place along the stream just north of Nonsan’s express bus terminal.
Nambu Terminal Station, line No. 3.
(041) 733-0861,
www.nsfestival.co.kr
with the Korea JoongAng Daily
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