Forum & News

        256. New Specialized Seoul Tours for Foreigners

        255. Business Closings During Chuseok Holiday in 2007

        254. 2007 NCKTPA Season’s Performance ‘Hangawi’

        253. Enjoy the Chuseok Holidays at TIC!

        252. Business Closings During Chuseok Holiday in 2007

        251. Gyeongju Expo to Spread Cultural Light to the World

        250. KTO Opens a Photo Exhibition

        249. Ferry to Jeju-do

        248. Bamboo Forest Offers Shade from Summer Heat

        247. August Event Calendar

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256. New Specialized Seoul Tours for Foreigners

   Author : U.E.C.

Post

When deciding to travel to another country, the first thing one usually does is buy a guide on the country and study it.


The guide, however, is likely to simply introduce well-known tourist attractions that most tourists will seek, in addition to the ABCs of the country in question.


Thus tourists might end up visiting the famous spots the guide recommends, but never get a true glimpse of life in the country. For visitors to Seoul, a guide is hardly needed. Here, visiting every corner of the capital is quite easy.


The Seoul Metropolitan Government will provide foreign visitors with tailor-made tourism services from Oct. 1. The city will run 30 theme-based and 10 recommended tours with interpretation service. Tourists can choose a program based on their individual interests and visit every corner of the capital.


The 30 theme courses provide a detailed look into the 600-year history and traditions of Seoul, state-of-the-art industries and the natural vistas of the Han River and Namsan (Mount Nam). Visitors can choose from touring museums to tasting Korean cuisine, staying at a Buddhist temple, watching performing arts at a secret garden and hitting nightclubs and partying in the capital.


The 10 recommended packages or 10 must-see courses consist of intriguing programs that give foreigners a taste of daily Korean life, such as visits to traditional Korean markets. A guide also provides information on where Koreans shop and eco-friendly places.

In the programs, travelers will go with a bilingual guide who has an interpretation license. Tourists can make reservations for the tailored packages at the Web site english.visitseoul.net/visit2007en/activities/theme/theme.jsp?cid=129. Reservations must come two days prior to the day they arrive in Seoul.

Service on the Web site is available in English, Japanese, Chinese and Korean.

Four hours of interpretation and guide cost 70,000 won and eight hours cost 120,000 won.  For more information or to make reservations, call the Korea Tourist Guide Association at (02) 775-9846.


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Article courtesy of Korea.net

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Monday, 1 October 2007, at 10:41 am

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255. Business Closings During Chuseok Holiday in 2007

   Author : U.E.C.

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2007 Chuseok Holiday Period: Sept. 24 (Mon.) ~ 26 (Wed.), 2007


One of the most significant holidays in Korea is Chuseok, a Korean version of Thanksgiving. This year it falls on September 25 (August 15 on the lunar calendar).


Chuseok is usually celebrated for a total of three days, the day before and after the actual holiday (Sept. 24–26). However, because this year’s Chuseok is right after the weekend, the holidays will start from September 22 to 26 for 5 days. Many places are closed during this holiday period. Therefore, visitors coming to Korea during this season should plan their activities in advance. The following is information on which businesses will be opened and which will be closed during the Chuseok holidays.



Tourist Sites that Will be Opened During Chuseok

- Independence Hall

  TEL: 041-560-0114; Closed on Mondays, but open from Sept. 24 to 26


- Korean Folk Village

  TEL: 031-286-2111; Open all year round


- Namsangol Hanok Village

  TEL: 02-2264-4412; Closed on Tuesdays, but open from Sept. 24 to 26


- Korea National Independence Hall

  TEL: 02-709-3139; Closed on Mondays (If open on a Monday that is a holiday, the following Tuesday will be closed.), but open on holidays


- 63 City Building

  TEL:02-789-5663; Open all year round


- Namsan Cable Car  

  TEL: 02-753-2403; Open all year round


- Hangang River Boat Cruise

  TEL: 02-3271-6900; Open all year round


- COEX Aquarium

  TEL: 02-6002-6200; Open all year round


- Gyeongbokgung Palace

  TEL: 02-732-1932; Closed on Tuesdays, but open on holidays


- Changdeokgung Palace

  TEL: 02-762-0648; Closed on Mondays, but open on holidays


- Changgyeonggung Palace

  TEL: 02-762-4868; Closed on Tuesdays, but open on holidays


- Deoksugung Palace

  TEL: 02-771-9951; Closed on Mondays, but open on holidays


- Jongmyo Royal Shrine

  TEL: 02-765-0195; Closed on Tuesdays, but open on holidays


- Lotte World

  TEL: 02-411-4921; Open all year round


- Lotte World Folk Museum

  TEL: 02-411-4761; Open all year round


- Seoul Land

  TEL: 02-504-0011; Open all year round


- Everland

  TEL: 031-320-5000; Open all year round


Tourist Sites that Will be Closed During Chuseok

- Seodaemun Prison History Hall

  TEL: 02-363-9750; Closed on Mondays, Closed Sept. 25 but open from Sept. 24 to 26


- Insa-dong

  TEL: 02-734-0222; Most shops are closed Sept. 25 while others are closed from Sept. 22-23.



Cultural Places that will be Opened During Chuseok

- The National Theater of Korea

  TEL: 02-2280-4114; Open all year round


- Nanta Theater

  TEL: 02-739-8288; Open all year round


- Korea House

  TEL: 02-2266-9101~3; Open all year round


- The National Museum of Contemporary Art, Korea

  TEL: 02-2188-6000; Closed Jan. 1, Closed on Mondays but open on holidays


- Chongdong Theater

  TEL: 02-751-1500; Closed on Mondays but open on holidays


Cultural Places that will be Closed During Chuseok

- The National Center for Korean Traditional Performing Arts

  TEL: 02-580-3041; Closed Sept. 23, 24 and 26, Open on Sept. 22 and 25


- Seoul Arts Center

  TEL: 02-580-1300; The Exhibition Hall is closed every last Monday of every month.

  Closed during Chuseok



Shopping Places Opened During Chuseok

- COEX Mall

  TEL: 02-6000-0114; Open all year round


- Itaewon

  TEL: 02-797-7319; About 70% of shops are open for business during the holidays.


- Myeongdong Street

  TEL: 02-776-6178; May vary depending on shops, but most shops are open for business during the holidays.


Shopping Places Closed During Chuseok

- Namdaemun Market

  TEL: 02-752-1913; Closed on Sundays, Closed for the holidays (Sept. 24-26) (To be expected)


- Dongdaemun Market

  TEL: 02-2262-0114; Closed on Sundays, Closed for the holidays (Sept. 24-26)


- Cheongdaemun (old name: Freya Town)

  TEL: 02-2048-4800; Closed on Tuesdays, Closed Sept. 25


- Myeongdong Migliore

  TEL: 02-2124-0001; To be determined


- Dongdaemun Migliore

  TEL: 02-3393-0001; Closed on Mondays, To be determined

-
Doosan Tower

  TEL: 02-3398-3000; Closed Sept. 24-25


- Yongsan Electronics Shopping Mall

  TEL: 02-701-8200; Closed for the holidays (Sept. 24-26)


- Techno Mart

  TEL: 02-3424-0114; Closed every second & fourth Tuesday of each month, most shops will be open for business during the holidays.


- Lotte Department Store

  TEL: 02-771-2500; Closed Sept. 25-6


- Shinsegae Department Store

  TEL: 02-727-1234; To be determined


- Hyundai Department Store

  TEL: 02-547-2233; Closed Sept. 25-6


- New Core Department Store

  TEL: 02-530-5000; To be determined


- The Galleria

  TEL: 02-3449-4016; Closed Sept. 25-6


- Kim's Club

  TEL: 02-530-5149~9; Closed Sept. 25



Restaurants Over Choseok

Most restaurants will be closed during the Chuseok holiday (Sept. 22-26), especially on the day of Chuseok (Sept. 25). However, hotel restaurants, franchise restaurants such as Bennigans, Outback Steakhouse, and Vips, as well as some restaurants in the downtown area such as Insa-dong and Gangnam will be open during the holidays.



Bookstores that are Opened During Choseok

- Youngpoong Bookstore Jongno

  TEL: 02-399-5591; Open all year round


- Youngpoong Bookstore Central City

  TEL: 02-595-1497; Open all year round, Open from 13:00 on Sept. 25


Bookstores that are Closed During Choseok

- Kyobo Book Center

  TEL: 02-397-3500; Closed Sept. 25


[Relevant articles]

- Bountiful Korean Thanksgiving Day, Chuseok 2007

- Enjoy the Chuseok Holidays at TIC!

※ The above information is subject to change depending on special circumstances.

Wednesday, 19 September 2007, at 10:48 am

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254. 2007 NCKTPA Season’s Performance ‘Hangawi’

   Author : U.E.C.

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A Full Moon Event during  Chuseok

Monday, 17 September 2007, at 11:02 am

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253. Enjoy the Chuseok Holidays at TIC!

   Author : U.E.C.

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The Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) will hold a Chuseok Holiday event in the basement floor of KTO building from September 17-28 this year.


During this time the TIC will offer various cultural events free of charge including trying on Hanbok costumes, and playing Korean folk games. Especially a regular Hanbok event will take place until September 26, 2007. A corner where visitors can play Korean folk games will be set up from Friday, September 21 for 8 days.


Visitors can try on traditional Hanbok costumes, and take photographs in front of a backdrop of a traditional Korean Hanok village, creating an illusion of actually having visited the village. Visitors also can experience traditional Korean folk games such as tuho (arrow throwing), yut (a board game played tossing four sticks into the air), jegichagi (hackie sacks), paeng-i chigi (top spinning), and sangmo doligi (hat spinning).


The TIC staff are there to help visitors enjoy the events and hand out bok-jumeonis (a Korean fortune purses; literally translated "blessing pockets") to wish visitors good luck in the future. Please feel free to ask a TIC guide and they will take a polaroid photo of you.  


Inquiries : Tourist Information Center (02)729-9497~9499 / Korea Travel Phone (02)1330 24 hours

Monday, 10 September 2007, at 11:04 am

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252. Business Closings During Chuseok Holiday in 2007

   Author : U.E.C.

Post

2007 Chuseok Holiday Period: Sept. 24 (Mon.) ~ 26 (Wed.), 2007


One of the most significant holidays in Korea is Chuseok, a Korean version of Thanksgiving. This year it falls on September 25 (August 15 on the lunar calendar).


Chuseok is usually celebrated for a total of three days, the day before and after the actual holiday (Sept. 24–26). However, because this year’s Chuseok is right after the weekend, the holidays will start from September 22 to 26 for 5 days. Many places are closed during this holiday period. Therefore, visitors coming to Korea during this season should plan their activities in advance. The following is information on which businesses will be opened and which will be closed during the Chuseok holidays.



Tourist Sites that Will be Opened During Chuseok

- Independence Hall

  TEL: 041-560-0114; Closed on Mondays, but open from Sept. 24 to 26


- Korean Folk Village

  TEL: 031-286-2111; Open all year round


- Namsangol Hanok Village

  TEL: 02-2264-4412; Closed on Tuesdays, but open from Sept. 24 to 26


- Korea National Independence Hall

  TEL: 02-709-3139; Closed on Mondays (If open on a Monday that is a holiday, the following Tuesday will be closed.), but open on holidays


- 63 City Building

  TEL:02-789-5663; Open all year round


- Namsan Cable Car  

  TEL: 02-753-2403; Open all year round


- Hangang River Boat Cruise

  TEL: 02-3271-6900; Open all year round


- COEX Aquarium

  TEL: 02-6002-6200; Open all year round


- Gyeongbokgung Palace

  TEL: 02-732-1932; Closed on Tuesdays, but open on holidays


- Changdeokgung Palace

  TEL: 02-762-0648; Closed on Mondays, but open on holidays


- Changgyeonggung Palace

  TEL: 02-762-4868; Closed on Tuesdays, but open on holidays


- Deoksugung Palace

  TEL: 02-771-9951; Closed on Mondays, but open on holidays


- Jongmyo Royal Shrine

  TEL: 02-765-0195; Closed on Tuesdays, but open on holidays


- Lotte World

  TEL: 02-411-4921; Open all year round


- Lotte World Folk Museum

  TEL: 02-411-4761; Open all year round


- Seoul Land

  TEL: 02-504-0011; Open all year round


- Everland

  TEL: 031-320-5000; Open all year round


Tourist Sites that Will be Closed During Chuseok

- Seodaemun Prison History Hall

  TEL: 02-363-9750; Closed on Mondays, Closed Sept. 25 but open from Sept. 24 to 26


- Insa-dong

  TEL: 02-734-0222; Most shops are closed Sept. 25 while others are closed from Sept. 22-23.



Cultural Places that will be Opened During Chuseok

- The National Theater of Korea

  TEL: 02-2280-4114; Open all year round


- Nanta Theater

  TEL: 02-739-8288; Open all year round


- Korea House

  TEL: 02-2266-9101~3; Open all year round


- The National Museum of Contemporary Art, Korea

  TEL: 02-2188-6000; Closed Jan. 1, Closed on Mondays but open on holidays


- Chongdong Theater

  TEL: 02-751-1500; Closed on Mondays but open on holidays


Cultural Places that will be Closed During Chuseok

- The National Center for Korean Traditional Performing Arts

  TEL: 02-580-3041; Closed Sept. 23, 24 and 26, Open on Sept. 22 and 25


- Seoul Arts Center

  TEL: 02-580-1300; The Exhibition Hall is closed every last Monday of every month.

  Closed during Chuseok



Shopping Places Opened During Chuseok

- COEX Mall

  TEL: 02-6000-0114; Open all year round


- Itaewon

  TEL: 02-797-7319; About 70% of shops are open for business during the holidays.


- Myeongdong Street

  TEL: 02-776-6178; May vary depending on shops, but most shops are open for business during the holidays.


Shopping Places Closed During Chuseok

- Namdaemun Market

  TEL: 02-752-1913; Closed on Sundays, Closed for the holidays (Sept. 24-26) (To be expected)


- Dongdaemun Market

  TEL: 02-2262-0114; Closed on Sundays, Closed for the holidays (Sept. 24-26)


- Cheongdaemun (old name: Freya Town)

  TEL: 02-2048-4800; Closed on Tuesdays, Closed Sept. 25


- Myeongdong Migliore

  TEL: 02-2124-0001; To be determined


- Dongdaemun Migliore

  TEL: 02-3393-0001; Closed on Mondays, To be determined


- Doosan Tower

  TEL: 02-3398-3000; Closed Sept. 24-25


- Yongsan Electronics Shopping Mall

  TEL: 02-701-8200; Closed for the holidays (Sept. 24-26)


- Techno Mart

  TEL: 02-3424-0114; Closed every second & fourth Tuesday of each month, most shops will be open for business during the holidays.


- Lotte Department Store

  TEL: 02-771-2500; Closed Sept. 25-6


- Shinsegae Department Store

  TEL: 02-727-1234; To be determined


- Hyundai Department Store

  TEL: 02-547-2233; Closed Sept. 25-6


- New Core Department Store

  TEL: 02-530-5000; To be determined


- The Galleria

  TEL: 02-3449-4016; Closed Sept. 25-6


- Kim's Club

  TEL: 02-530-5149~9; Closed Sept. 25



Restaurants Over Choseok

Most restaurants will be closed during the Chuseok holiday (Sept. 22-26), especially on the day of Chuseok (Sept. 25). However, hotel restaurants, franchise restaurants such as Bennigans, Outback Steakhouse, and Vips, as well as some restaurants in the downtown area such as Insa-dong and Gangnam will be open during the holidays.



Bookstores that are Opened During Choseok

- Youngpoong Bookstore Jongno

  TEL: 02-399-5591; Open all year round


- Youngpoong Bookstore Central City

  TEL: 02-595-1497; Open all year round, Open from 13:00 on Sept. 25


Bookstores that are Closed During Choseok

- Kyobo Book Center

  TEL: 02-397-3500; Closed Sept. 25


[Relevant article]

Bountiful Korean Thanksgiving Day, Chuseok 2007

Thursday, 6 September 2007, at 1:23 pm

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251. Gyeongju Expo to Spread Cultural Light to the World

   Author : U.E.C.

Post

The fifth Gyeongju World Culture Expo (GWC) will begin in September with upgraded cultural events prepared by 35 participating countries.


On the theme “Millennium Light, Millennium Window,” the Gyeongju Expo will be held from Sept. 7 to Oct. 26 at a central park in the Gyeongsangnam-do (South Gyeongsang Province) city known as a “museum without walls.”


Gyeongju, the capital of the Silla Dynasty (57 B.C.-A.D. 935), previously held a joint cultural expo with Cambodia's Angkor Wat from Nov. 2006 to Jan. 2007 to mark the tenth anniversary of diplomatic recognition between Korea and Cambodia. The expo attracted reporters from the BBC and CNN. And while 300,000 visitors were targeted, as of Jan. 4, 319,000 had attended.


Performances, Cultural experiences, Exhibitions

Monday, 27 August 2007, at 10:34 am

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250. KTO Opens a Photo Exhibition

   Author : U.E.C.

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KTO 「Korea and Australia in 1904 Through the Eyes of George Rose 100 Years Ago」 Photo Exhibition

The Korean Tourism Organization is scheduled to hold a Photo Exhibition entitled「Korea and Australia in 1904 Through the Eyes of George Rose 100 Years Ago」 from September 4 to September 19, 2007 in the Tourist Information Center located in the basement floor of the KTO building.


The exhibition will display some of George Rose's (1861-1942) greatest works that made him famous. The exhibition will include 60 some stereograph pictures of George Roses's, which depicts his visit to Korea during the Sino-Japanese War and photos of Australia during the same time period. George Rose takes his guests on a kind of time machine back 100 years through is photographs. The photographs captured the lives of Koreans from Seoul, Jaemulpo, Busan to Pyeongyang, and Jinnampo provinces in 1904 where women can be seen walking along the streets with Jangots (a type of long hood formerly worn by Korean women), women doing laundry, pictures of farmers, the busy ports, the bustling of marketplaces, and pictures of children. Looking at the somewhat stiff expressions of the passerbys in hats posing for the camera makes you wonder how amazed they were to see a camera, such a technologically new device of that time.

Tuesday, 21 August 2007, at 12:30 pm

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249. Ferry to Jeju-do

   Author : U.E.C.

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Jeju-do Island Passenger Ship Service Information

Ferry services are available 3~6 times weekly at the harbors of Incheon, Busan and Mokpo to Jeju-do Island, a UNESCO designated World Natural Heritage. The ferry not only carries passengers, but cars as well, making it possible for travelers to take their vehicles on their trip.

A trip on the ferry allows tourists to enjoy the beautiful ocean scenery along with its magnificent sunrises and sunsets. The ferry services offer a variety of pricing options for a convenient and comfortable trip to Jeju-do Island. Ferry information to Jeju is as follows:

Thursday, 16 August 2007, at 2:24 pm

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248. Bamboo Forest Offers Shade from Summer Heat

   Author : U.E.C.

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There is a perfect place in Korea where tired, burned-out city dwellers can rest and replenish themselves surrounded by the quiet beauty of nature.


It is Damyang, a county in Jeollanam-do (South Jeolla Province), 300 kilometers south of Seoul. Just mentioning the name of the town automatically calls to mind bamboo for many Koreans. There, you can walk all day through a tall bamboo or thick pine forest filled with refreshing winds.  


The sound of bamboo leaves rustling against each other in the whisper of a breeze will win your heart.


What is better is than the rustle of leaves in a cool breeze? The temperature inside a bamboo forest is said to be 5-7 degrees lower than that outside. That means bamboo offers a break from sultry summer heat.


To make sure you find your way to a comfortable spot, visit Damyang's Bamboo Theme Park, about 10 kilometers from downtown Damyang. Six species of bamboo create an impressive forest that stretches about 25 acres, or 10 hectares.


The walk is mesmerizing, especially if you happen to visit the park after rain because you can see budding shoots ranging from the size of a thumb to a lamppost.

Tuesday, 14 August 2007, at 12:55 pm

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247. August Event Calendar

   Author : U.E.C.

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  • Performances                                 


Baribari Chomchom Didimsae 2007

The National Theater of Korea

July 25—August 16

Presenting both traditional dance and new choreography based on traditional motifs, this flagship repertory program of the National Dance Company of Korea has been enormously popular since it was first presented in 2001. With detailed explanations of traditional dances by choreographers and the benefit of being able to compare traditional and modern dance in one place, the program attracts unflagging interest not only from dance specialists but from the general public as well.

Admission is 20,000 won for adults and 10,000 won for students. For more information, call (02) 2280-4115 or visit www.ntok.go.kr/english. To get to The National Theater of Korea, go to Dongguk University Subway station, line 3 and go out Exit 2.

CATS

National Theater of Korea

July 6—Sept. 2

The magical “Cats” presents audiences with an astonishing explosion of dance, music and the marvelous voices of its outstanding cast in one of the most fantastic, innovative musicals ever. “Cats” is based on “Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats” (1939) by T.S. Eliot, a 1948 Nobel Literary Prize laureate and one of history’s most remarkable poets. Andrew Lloyd Webber was inspired by Eliot’s book and went on to develop the musical, which he entitled “Cats.” One of the splendid musical numbers praised by critics, the main song, “Memory,” has been recorded by more than 150 artists ranging from Barbara Streisand and Johnny Mathis to Liberace.


“Cats” takes place in a junkyard, where a motley crew of cats gathered to tell their stories and select the cat most deserving of the journey to the "Heavy-side Layer," or afterlife. Even though the characters in “Cats” do entirely consist of cats, they metaphorically express the full range of human lives.


Dynamic, powerful dance and musical numbers make this performance enjoyable to audiences of any age or background. The original production of “Cats” first opened at the New London Theatre in the West End on May 11, 1981, and was performed for a record-setting 21 years. It opened on Broadway at the Winter Garden Theatre on October 7, 1982, and continued to live up to its motto of playing “Now and Forever” until September 10, 2000. On October 1, 1991, “Cats” became the longest continuously touring show in American theatre history. In four US “Cats” tours, so far it has been running a combined total of 16 years and two months. As a result, “Cats” has achieved the honor of being the longest running musical in the history of Broadway and West End theaters.

Tickets are 40,000 to 140,000 won. For more information, call (02) 501-7888 or visit www.musicalcats.co.kr. If you go to Dongguk University Station, line 3 and exit from 3, you will find The National Theater of Korea.

Andersen Project

LG Arts Center

Sept. 7—9

Canadian theater legend Robert Lepage returns to LG Arts Center with another extraordinary one-man show. In his new solo work, “Andersen Project,” Lepage presents a magical moment from his remarkable theatre art following “Far Side of the Moon” (LG Arts Center, 2003). Freely inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's two timeless fables, “The Dryad” and “The Shadow,” and drawn from the Danishwriter’s visit to France during the Paris World Fair in 1867, “Andersen Project” weaves the stories of a Canadian lyricist visiting Paris for a children’s opera based on an Andersen’s fairy tale, the opera’s director and a young Moroccan immigrant. Those men, separated from the writer by more than a century, are connected through their shared loneliness, sexual confusion and unfulfilled longings.


Commissioned for the bicentenary celebration of Andersen’s birth, this solo work questions sexual identity, unfulfilled fantasies and the thirst for recognition and fame, inspired by Andersen’s own life and writings. Using evocative image technology, Lepage explores some of his most cherished themes: the pull between romanticism and modernism, recognized art and underground art, the personal and the universal, the past and the present. There are very few theatrical experiences that can be called truly essential, but this is one of them.

Admission is: R seats: 60,000, S seats: 50,000, A seats: 30,000 won. For more information, call (02) 2005-0114 or visit www.lgart.com. LG Arts Center is accessible from Yeoksam Station, line 2, exit 7.

Man of La Mancha

LG Arts Center

August 3—September 2

A masterpiece, which has impressed Broadway, “Man of La Mancha” will be performed in August at LG Arts Center. Famous Korean musical stars such as Cho Seungwoo and Kim Sunyoung will be performing for this musical. “Man of La Mancha” was first performed in Broadway in 1965 and has succeeded in becoming extremely popular among audiences. It was nominated in seven categories of the Tony Awards in 1966 and won five awards. It has been performed continuously in Broadway and is regarded as one of the masterpieces in musical history.

Admissions: VIP: 120,000, R seats: 100,000, S seats: 80,000, A seats: 50,000, B seats: 30,000. For more information, call (02) 2005-0114 or visit www.lgart.com. LG Arts Center is accessible from Yeoksam Station, line 2, exit 7.

→For more details, click!

Hwanghaedo Pyeongsan Sonoreum Gut

Theater Pungnyu

August 9

The Hwanghaedo Pyeongsan Sonoreum Gut, which was designated an Important Intangible Cultural Property No. 90 in 1988, reflects the mentality and mythology of Korea's early agricultural society. The performance progresses from ritual to a drama, and is renowned for both its artistry and entertainment value. It’s also a rare folk performance originated from North Korea. The performance is part of a series of performances hosted by the Foundation for the Preservation of Cultural Properties, Korea.

Tickets are free — call up to two days ahead of the scheduled performance to reserve a seat. For more information, including reservations, call (02) 3011-2178~9. Theater Pungnyu is a short walk from either exit 8 of Seolleung Station, line 2 or exit 1 of Gangnam-gu Office Station, line 7.

  • ART EXHIBITIONS                            

Myth in the Mirror

Art Sonje

May 26—September 2

It’s not too late to catch a glimpse of Korea’s hottest celebrities through the lens of photography. Some 12 leading Korean photographers take on loaded topics around celebrities, narcissism and the illusion of images. Celebrities portrayed include Rain, Lee Hyo-ri, Song Hye-gyo and Jang Dong-gun.

For more information, call (02) 733-8945 or visit www.artsonje.org. Art Sonje is located 10 minutes from Anguk Station, line 3, exit 1. Walk in the direction of Pungmun Girls’ High School and make a right.

Nam June Paik: Participation TV

Gyeonggi Cultural Foundation, Suwon

July 3—August 25

An ongoing retrospective of legendary video installation artist Nam June Paik pays tribute to an international video artist who passed away in 2006 at the age of 74, leaving behind a tremendous legacy that affected the landscape of 20th century art. Paik defied convention and established norms to create artwork using modified television sets, constructed video synthesizers and pioneered the use of rapid cuts and fast motion in video displays.

For more information, call (031) 231-8508 or visit www.ggcf.or.kr.

  • FESTIVALS AND EVENTS                     

Seoul Fringe Festival

Hongdae Area

August 14—Sept 1

The Fringe Festival originated in Edinburgh, Scotland, but has since spread to about 70 locations worldwide. The festival provides a venue for young and emerging artists to present their work in genres such as painting, music and performance art. Some 300 groups from seven countries — Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Macao, Japan and India — will be participating. If you’re into the arts, especially alternative art, this is one event you’ll definitely want to attend.

For more information, call (02) 325-8150 or visit the festival’s website (www.seoulfringe.net). Hongik University can be reached via exit 5 of Hongik University Station, line 2.


→ For more details, click here!

International Percussion Festival

Sacheon-si, Gyeongsangnam-do

August 2—5

The International Percussion Festival brings drummers from around the world to the beautiful southcoast city of Sacheon for a celebration of percussion music. Led by Choi Jong-shil, one of the fathers of Samulnori music, the festival also promotes Samcheonpo Nongak, the farmers’ music of the Samcheonpo area, designated by the government as Intangible Asset No. 11. World famous drummers from the United States, Taiwan, Japan, Indonesia, Uzbekistan, France, Brazil and Ghana will attend the festival. In addition to simply enjoying the performances, the festival is also a good place to learn about Korean traditional drumming and the art of percussion worldwide.

For more information, call (055) 831-2466 or visit the festival's website at (www.sacheonpercussion.org). Sacheon is a 4-hour bus ride from Seoul Nambu Terminal.


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Busan International Rock Festival

Daepo Beach, Busan
August 4—5

The Busan International Rock Festival has the distinction of being the world's only free rock festival. Featuring music in the metal, modern rock, punk and other rock genres, the festival features new and established acts from all over the world. Among the international performers who will attend this year's festival are Richie Kotzen and Deicide from the United States, Germany’s Domain, England’s Steranko and Japan’s Kariyushi, Waltz Elegy and Travelers. And of course, there’s always the extraordinary beachside setting. For more information, call (051) 888-3479 or visit the festival's website (www.rockfestival.co.kr). Travelers can now head to Busan in under three hours via KTX from Seoul Station.


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Great Battle of Hansan Festival

Tongyeong-si, Gyeongsangnam-do

August 9—12

This festival marks Admiral Yi Sun-sin’s masterful victory over the Japanese navy at the Battle of Hansan during the Imjin War (1592—1598). The highlight of the festival is the reenactment of the Battle in the waters off Tongyeong, but tons of events are planned for this celebration of Korea’s most revered national hero. The city of Tongyeong, known as the “Naples of Asia,” is a gritty port city famous for its beautiful location and thriving arts scene.

For more information, call (055) 644-5222 or visit the event’s website (www.hsdf.or.kr). Buses to Tongyeong leave from Seoul Nambu Terminal and Seoul Express Bus Terminal in Gangnam. The trip takes about 4 hours and 30 minutes.


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Daejeon Science Festival

Expo Science Park

August 15—19

Korea’s largest science festival provides a heap of educational fun for the entire family. Held in Expo Science Park, the site of Daejeon Expo ‘93, the festival will feature many interactive exhibits to help visitors obtain a better grasp of the world of science. Daejeon is home to Daedeok Science Town, home to Korea’s highest concentration of research institutions. Entry is free.

For more information, call (042) 866-5115. Daejeon is now a mere 50-minute ride by KTX from Seoul Station. From Daejeon Station, take bus 180, 185 or 513 to Daedeok Science Town.


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Suwon Hwaseong Fortress Theatre Festival

Suwon Hwaseong Fortress, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do

August 16—25

This festival, first held in 1996 to mark the 200th anniversary of Suwon Hwaseong Fortress, will bring together theatrical troupes from both Korea and abroad for a celebration of drama against the dramatic backdrop of the fortifications of Suwon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Performances will include both traditional and modern work. Indoor performances will charge an entry fee, while outdoor performances are free.

For more information, call (031) 238-5740 or visit the event’s website (theatre.shcf.or.kr). To get to Suwon Hwaseong Fortress, take a taxi from Suwon Station, line 1.


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Bucheon International Comics Festival

Boksagol Cultural Center, Bucheon-si, Gyeonggi-do

August 16—19

If you’re into comic books, be sure to stop by the Bucheon International Comics Festival, where you can get a feel for where the Korean comic book industry is heading. Comic book fans from all over Korea flock to the festival to meet cartoonists from all over the world and to take in the International Comic Book Fair, which displays and sells all the comic books that have been published in Korea over the last year, as well as foreign comics.

For more information, call (032) 661-3745 or visit the festival’s website (www.bicof.com). To get to the venue, take line 1 to Seongnae Station or take a short cab ride.


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Jeju International Ironman Competition

Jeju World Cup Stadium and Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do

August 26—27

If you’re over 18 and in good shape, you may wish to try your hand (and arms and legs) at the Jeju International Ironman Korea, a triathlon officially recognized by the World Triathlon Council. Some 1,200 athletes participate in the event annually. The triathlon, naturally enough, is broken up into three courses —swimming (3.9km), bicycling (180.2km) and a marathon (42.195km). All three must be completed within 17 hours. This year’s Ironman Competition will be awarding 50 slots to the Ford Ironman World Championship in Hawaii. By the time you read this, the sign-up deadline will have passed, but spectators from all over come to Jeju for the enjoyment of watching and cheering.

For more information, call (02) 558-8544 or visit the event’s homepage (www.ironmankorea.net). Jeju Island is a mere 45 minute flight from Seoul’s Gimpo International Airport.


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Indonesian Film Festival

Korea Foundation Cultural Center

August 10—14

The Indonesian Embassy in Seoul and Korea Foundation Cultural Center are hosting a film festival introducing Korean audiences to Indonesian film. Among the films to be screened are “Love For Share” (2006), “Armageddon is Closing” (2005), “Heart” (2006) and “The Letter” (2005). The films will be subtitled in Korean and English. The first session is at 3:00 pm, while the second is at 7:00 pm. For more information, call the Indonesian Embassy at (02) 783-5675. The Korea Foundation Cultural Center is a five-minute walk from Exit 9, City Hall Station, Line 1 & 2.

Friday, 3 August 2007, at 1:09 pm

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