Calendar

Pop music

“Singing in the Smile with Michael Bolton”: American singer-songwriter Michael Bolton is gearing up for two solo concerts in Seoul. The multi-Grammy Award-winning artist is the voice behind some of the greatest American rock ballads, including “How Am I Supposed to Live Without You,” “When a Man Loves a Woman” and “Said I Loved You … But I Lied.” In Bolton’s illustrious musical career, which spans nearly four decades, he has sold more than 75 million records worldwide with more than 15 studio albums to his name ― most of which topped the charts in the States. Bolton will be performing at Seoul Olympic Park’s Gymnastics Stadium on Nov. 21 and 22. Ticket prices range from 77,000 won to 143,000 won. 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 first 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 most well-known singles: “Right Now (Na Na Na),” “I’m So Paid,” “Beautiful” and “We Don’t Care.” Akon will be performing at the 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 duo Tenacious D’s first concert in Korea. The band is known for Black’s thespian-like vocals and the quick-witted crude humor that people have come to expect from the rocker-comedian. In 2012, Tenacious D released its most recent album, “Rize of the Fenix,” which 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.

Psy (YG Entertainment)

“Psy Concert: All Night Stand”: Just as he did last year, Psy will be returning to the stage for four energy-filled nights for his upcoming “All Night Stand” holiday concert series. Inarguably the world’s most famous K-pop star to date, Psy has held some form of a holiday concert annually for the past decade, with last year’s four-day event attracting a combined 60,000 fans. The man who defined Gangnam style will be hosting five shows from Dec. 19 to 24, with two separate performances on Christmas Eve. The shows will be held at Seoul Olympic Park’s Gymnastics Stadium with ticket prices ranging from 77,000 won to 165,000. For more information, call (02) 3141-3488 or visit www.interpark.com.

Dance

“Cavalia”: Big Top, the world’s biggest touring tent, has been erected near Olympic Stadium in Jamsil-dong for the equestrian circus “Cavalia.” Created by Normand Latourelle, one of the cofounders of the famed Cirque du Soleil, Cavalia is an innovative production that boldly explores the boundaries of equestrian arts and acrobatic feats. Staged by the original Canadian cast and some 50 beautiful horses, the show will premiere on Nov. 5 and continue through Nov. 16. Tickets cost 50,000 won to 250,000 won. For more information, call (02) 418-2456 or visit www.cavalia.co.kr.

“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 original Brothers Grimm 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. 

A scene from Angelin Preljocaj’s “Snow White” (JC Carbonne)

“Swan Lake”: The Russia Novosibirsk State Academic Opera and Ballet Theater troupe is making its way to Seoul for its production of one of the ballet world’s classic tales ― “Swan Lake.” The original Russian tale is about a young princess who is turned into a swan after being put under an evil spell. Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov first staged the ballet in 1876 and it has been revised countless times over the years. The upcoming production of “Swan Lake” will be held at the Sejong Center in Seoul for three days, from Dec. 12-14. Tickets range from 50,000 won to 300,000 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 choreographed by Lev Ivanov. To this day, the internationally successful ballet piece remains a classic holiday tale. In 1986, Universal Ballet first presented its version of “The Nutcracker” by Adrienne Dellas in Seoul. In 1999, the ballet was reinterpreted here by choreographer Vasily Vainonen. The upcoming performance will be staged at the Universal Arts Center in Seoul from Dec. 19 to 31.

Classical music

“Eugene Onegin”: Seoul Arts Center presents a concert performance of Tchaikovsky’s poignant opera “Eugene Onegin,” with Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra and an international cast. Baritone Kong Byoung-woo will sing Onegin, opposite soprano Lee Yun-ah as Tatiana. Shao-Chia Lu conducts and James Robinson directs. The performance will start at 7 p.m. at the Concert Hall of Seoul Arts Center, southern Seoul, on Dec. 6. Tickets cost 30,000 won to 150,000 won. For details, call (02) 580-1300 or visit www.sacticket.co.kr. 

A poster for “Eugene Onegin” (Seoul Arts Center)

Lim Hyung-joo recital: Pop-opera star Lim Hyung-joo will hold a solo recital at the main theater of the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts in Seoul on Nov. 26. He will sing his classical crossover hits, including “A Thousands Winds,” as well as new scores from his latest album “Finally.” The concert will start at 8 p.m. Ticket prices range from 60,000 won to 120,000 won. For information, call (02) 2106-2013.

The Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra: Maestro Mariss Jansons will conduct his Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra in two concerts at Seoul Arts Center. On Nov. 18, the world-renowned orchestra will perform Dvorak’s Symphony No. 9 “From the New World” and Mussorgsky’s “Pictures at an Exhibition (arr. Ravel).” The program for the next day consists of Strauss’ “Don Juan” and “Der Rosenkavalier Suite (The Knight of the Rose)” and Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 5. Tickets run from 60,000 won to 320,000 won. For details, call (02) 580-1300 or visit www.vincero.co.kr.

Placido Domingo: Spanish tenor-turned-baritone Placido Domingo, best known here as a member of the legendary Three Tenors with Jose Carreras and the late Luciano Pavarotti, is coming to Seoul for his first solo concert in five years. He will sing both classical and crossover scores, including “Perhaps Love.” The concert will be at the Olympic Park in Jamsil on Nov. 23. Tickets cost 99,000 to 253,000 won. For more information, call 1661-7738.

Jose Carreras: Another legendary Spanish tenor, Jose Carreras, will hold two concerts in Seoul’s Sejong Center for the Performing Arts on Nov. 22-23. The program is filled with Korean favorites such as “Moon River,” “Santa Lucia,” and “Nessun Dorma.” The tenor will also duet with Korean soprano Cathleen Kim. Tickets cost 55,000 won to 440,000 won. For information call 1544-1887.

“Arriving on the Waters like the Moon”: Seoul Metropolitan Opera will premiere an original Korean opera based on a real-life crime story, “Arriving on the Waters like the Moon,” at the Sejong Center’s M Theater in Seoul on Nov. 20. The libretto is written by playwright Ko Yeon-ok and its music is composed by Seoul National University music professor Uzong Choe. The opera will run through Nov. 23. Ticket prices range from 10,000 won to 70,000 won. For details, call (02) 399-1783.

Theater

“The Pillars of Society”: “The Pillars of Society,” Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen’s lesser-known 1877 work, is debuting in Korea as a stage drama. Karsten Bernick, a shipwright in a small coastal town in Norway, is respected in his community for his high moral integrity. However, he has a secret plan to bring a railway to the town, while buying up land along the railway to make profits. But the plan, along with Karsten’s past scandals, is destined to come to light as Johan, Karsten’s brother-in-law, returns to the town after 15 years away. Directed by Kim Kwang-bo, “The Pillars of Society” will run from Nov. 19-30 at LG Arts Center near Yeoksam Station. Tickets are 30,000 won to 50,000 won. For details, visit www.lgart.com.

Cast members rehearse for “The Pillars of Society.” (LG Arts Center)

“Tribes”: A play by English theater director and playwright Nina Raine, “Tribes” is being staged for the first time in Korea by director Park Jung-hee. The play centers on a Jewish British family of five ― Beth and Christopher and their three grown children, including the youngest, Billy, who is deaf. Billy brings his girlfriend Sylvia, a hearing woman born to deaf parents, home for dinner. The family’s interactions with her reveal the meaning of family and communication. “Tribes” will run until Dec. 14 at Seoul Arts Center’s Jayu Theater, near Nambu Bus Terminal Station. Tickets are 35,000 won and 50,000 won. For details, call (02) 580-1300 or visit www.sacticket.co.kr.

“Andrei Serban’s Different Chunhyang”: Based on the pansori (Korean folk narrative) “Chunhyangga,” Korea’s most popular love story is recreated as changgeuk, a form of Korean traditional opera, by renowned director Andrei Serban. The Romanian-born American theater director takes the original story of Seong Chun-hyang, the daughter of a low-class retired female entertainer, and Lee Mong-ryong, the son of a nobleman, and modernizes the settings, dialogues and costumes to suit today’s audiences. “Andrei Serban’s Different Chunhyang” runs from Nov. 20 to Dec. 6 at Daloreum Theater at the National Theater of Korea near Dongguk University Station. Tickets range from 20,000 won to 50,000 won and English translation is provided during the show. For details, call (02) 2280-4114 or visit www.ntok.go.kr.

“Gongmudoha”: The National Gugak Center is presenting an original Korean opera from Nov. 21-30 at its main hall in southern Seoul. Set to gugak, traditional Korean music, the production draws from the eponymous ancient poem, which starts with the famous line “My love, don’t cross that river,” but explores contemporary life questions. Renowned stage director Lee Youn-taek penned the production and is directing it. Tickets cost from 10,000 won to 50,000 won. For more information, visit www.gugak.go.kr or call (02) 580-3300.

“Kinky Boots”: A Broadway musical that bagged six Tony Awards last year is having its first off-Broadway run in Seoul in December. A collaboration between Broadway producers and Korean entertainment firm CJ E&M, the show is based on the 2005 film of the same title, with music and lyrics by Cyndi Lauper. A struggling British shoe factory’s young, straitlaced owner, Charlie, forms an unlikely partnership with Lola, a drag queen, to save the business. The Korean rendition of “Kinky Boots” opens Dec. 5 at Chungmu Art Hall in Seoul. For details, call (02) 2230-6600.

“Once”: The Korean production of “Once” will open Dec. 14 at Seoul Arts Center for a three-month run. Based on the 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, will 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.

Festivals

Pyeongchang Trout Festival: This annual trout fishing event will be held from Dec. 20 to Feb. 8 in Pyeongchang, Gangwon Province, which is one of the coldest regions in Korea and is known for record snowfalls. At the festival, visitors can try ice fishing and a variety of activities from folk pastimes to snow sports such as riding four-wheel ATVs on the ice, snow rafting and sleigh trains. The festival will take place by Oedaecheon Stream across from Jinbu Bus Terminal. For more information, visit festival700.or.kr (Korean only) or call (033) 336-4000.

Visitors catch trout during the Pyeongchang Trout Festival in 2013. (Pyeongchang Trout Festival)

Paju Jangdan Soybean Festival: This festival promotes Jangdan soybeans produced in the border town of Paju, Gyeonggi Province. Soybeans grown in the region have been known for their high nutritional value and nutty flavor. At the festival, visitors can cook a variety of foods with Jangdan soybeans, such as rice cakes and tofu. The festival takes place at Imjingak Plaza from Nov. 21-23. For more information, call (031) 940-5281.

Seoul Lantern Festival: A 1.2-kilometer stretch of Cheonggyecheon Stream will be dotted with colorful lanterns from Nov. 7-23. This year’s lantern festival recreates the tangible and intangible heritage of Korea, including Incheong-jeon (The Hall of Benevolent Government in the UNESCO-registered Changdeokgung Palace), “Hunminjeongeum” (the document describing the Korean alphabet), “Donguibogam (The Principles and Practices of Eastern Medicine)” and the kimchi-making process. Various programs will take place, including a lantern-making craft session for visitors under Gwanggyo Bridge and an art book-making event featuring photos of UNESCO World Heritage sites. For more information, visit seoullantern.visitseoul.net.

Exhibitions

“Memory of Place”: The former Seoul Station building will turn into a big live theater where artists, dancers and musicians will present a variety of arts performances that pay tribute to the history of the place. Each room of the historic building will be dedicated to live performances and interactive exhibitions from Nov. 14 to 30 as part of the seasonal program of Culture Station Seoul 284, the current name of the space. The VIP lounge for train passengers will turn into a water stage where audience members will need to wear boots to watch performances. Different types of performances will be conducted throughout the event period. Due to the small size of the lounge, the number of audience members will be limited to 40 per performance. Reservations for the event opened on Wednesday on www.seoul284.org. For more information, call (02) 3407-3502/3512.

Objects placed randomly at the old Seoul Station evoke memories of the place. (Culture Station Seoul 284)

Linda McCartney Retrospective: Daelim Museum in Seoul is holding a retrospective on photographer Linda McCartney until April 26, 2015. The first retrospective here of the celebrated photographer shows McCartney’s earlier works, including portraits of popular musicians such as Eric Clapton and Jimi Hendrix, family photos depicting her happy life with Paul McCartney and their children, and later works that capture the beauty of daily life and nature. Admission is 5,000 won for adults. The museum is located next to Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul. For more information, visit www.daelimmuseum.org.

“National Song Contest”: The Buk Seoul Museum of Art is presenting a photo exhibition by artist Byun Soon-cheol, who has been documenting the long-running, popular singing audition TV program “National Song Contest.” The exhibition showcases 40 portraits of contestants of the program, revealing their long-cherished passion to sing and dance onstage. The exhibition features a video documenting audience members and contestants of the program from the point of view of the artist. The exhibition continues through January 2015 at the museum in Nowon-gu, Seoul. For more information, call (02) 2124-5270.

Blue jeans: The National Folk Museum of Korea’s ongoing exhibition on blue jeans offers a rare glimpse into how the denim pants moved from work clothes for Californian gold miners in the 19th century to streetwear that can be found in almost every Korean young person’s wardrobe today. Apart from the historic items on display ― mostly pants and things that were associated with the garment ― the exhibition tells a great deal about the wearers through interviews with about 500 people. It continues through Feb. 23, 2015, at the museum on the grounds of Gyeongbokgung Palace, central Seoul. Admission is free. For details, visit www.nfm.go.kr.