A German carnival ball is to be held in Seoul on Feb. 3. Guests are invited to come in costume to the annual event to be held at the Millennium Seoul Hilton hotel from 7:11 p.m.

Carnival is the period of celebration just before the Christian fast period of Lent. Many German cities still host carnival events dating back to the Middle Ages, where people dress in colorful and often topical or politically subversive costumes.

“The carnival is also meant as a tool to unwind and to get rid of stress in your everyday life, it helps to share some joyful happy hours together with friends or people you didn’t know before,” said Maria Seidt, wife of the German ambassador. “In particular, here in Korea, we Germans like to prove that our people may be great car builders ― but know to party as well, in particular with our Korean friends.”

She explained that the ball’s start time 7:11 p.m. was historically significant. Each year the carnival season starts at 11.11 am, and given the 8 hour time difference between Korea and the European country, the Seoul ball will commence at exactly at what will be 11:11 a.m. in Germany.

Entrance to the event costs 90,000 won for adults and 50,000 won for people under 18 years old. The ticket price includes a buffet dinner and drinks.

The event is being organized by the German Embassy, the Korean-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Goethe-Institut Korea and The German Academic Exchange Service Seoul.

Tickets can be purchased from the German Embassy or by going to www.1-skv.kr for more information.