Exhibitions
"Artists and Moon Jars": A person praying or making a wish under a full moon would not make an unusual sight in Korea. The moon has been long part of the Korean spiritual tradition and a symbol of abundance and fortune. Perhaps with the hope of pulling the moon closer, Korean ancestors made "moon jars" out of white porcelain. The jar`s mystical moon-like features, implication of abundance, and the painstaking process of making one continues to inspire many artists today. Gallery Hyundai Gangnam Space has gathered moon jar-themed works by a host of artists. Paintings, photographs and actual moon jars of 16 artists are displayed at the exhibition. Works by famous Korean artists such as Koo Bohn Chang, To Sang Bong, Kim Whanki and Kang Ik-Joong can be seen there. The exhibition runs through Feb. 10 at Gallery Hyundai Gangnam Space in southern Seoul. For more information, call (02) 519-0800 or visit www.galleryhyundai.com

"Ancient Futures": This exhibition at Seoul Museum of Art NamSeoul in Namhyeon-dong tries to tell nature`s side of the story regarding human`s ceaseless pursuit for progress. More than 60 works of artwork from various genres created by 15 artists seem a retort to humans, "now look what happened!" On the first floor, pieces of nature such as rocks and insect wings - often considered trifle and meaningless - are magnified, sculpted and photographed under the theme "Ecological Imagination - Principles of Life." Upstairs in the "A Symbolized World - Paradise Regained" section, artists give consideration on the thin line between the concept of artificial and natural. This exhibition may not be a comforting display of dreamy art depicting flowery scenery, but gives visitors something to think about. It runs through Feb. 15, 2009 at Seoul Museum of Art NamSeoul in southern Seoul. Free of admission. Closed Mondays. For more information, call (02) 598-6247 or visit
www.seoulmoa.org

"Kuwabara Shisei": The Museum of Photography is exhibiting documentary photos of Korea recorded by Japanese photographer Kuwabara Shisei. For half of his life, Shisei has photographed the country. His recent work includes documents on Korea`s presidential election last year, later published as a photo essay. Shisei was once deported because of his fearless exploration of the darker corners of the society, which the government was trying to conceal. Thanks to his boldness, we can see what shantytowns and villages near military camps looked like in the 1960s and 1970s. At this exhibition, Shisei displays 66 of his photos. Most of them are being shown for the first time. Some of Shisei`s photos of North Korea are also on display. The exhibition runs until Feb. 21. For more information, call (02) 418-1316 or visit www.photomuseum.or.kr

"Korean Art 1910-1960": Art aficionados can take in early to modern Korean art in one sitting at the National Museum of Contemporary Art. The "Korean Art 1910-1960" exhibition on the third floor traces the early development of modern Korean art. Not only does this exhibition showcase the highly valuable works of Park Soo-keun - his work "A Wash Place" sold for a record 4.52 billion won ($4.51 million) last May - it also displays the works of Korea`s first female painter of note, Na Hae-suck, as well as one of Korea`s first impressionists, Oh Jiho, and the leading artist, Lee Jung-sup. The "Korean Art 1910-1960" exhibition runs through Feb. 22, 2010. To get to the National Museum of Contemporary Art, go to the Seoul Grand Park Subway Station, line 4, exit 4. A shuttle bus runs from there to the museum every 20 minutes, starting from 9:40 a.m. Tickets for adults are 1,000 won for adults and 500 won for adolescents. Admission is free for children and the elderly. Opening hours are daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The museum closes at 9 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. For more information, call (02) 2188-6000 or visit www.moca.go.kr

"Laurence Dervaux`s Solo Exhibition": People today take their bodies for granted, overworking them. But the human body is one of the most fragile and beautiful things in the world, according to sculptor Laurence Dervaux. The Belgian artist is acclaimed in Europe for her sensational style of depicting the human body. She uses glass, porcelain and various liquids to visualize "life force" and the essence of life and death. The fragile material and vivid colors used for the sculptures make them appear like precious jewels. Through this delicate and precious feel the artist describes her vision of the human body. The exhibition runs through March 1 at Atelier Hermes. It is located in Sinsadong near Dosan Park. For more information,
call (02) 544-7722.

"2008 I AM AN ARTIST": The best part of being young and inexperienced is that one is forgiven for being overly bold. Seventeen up-and-coming artists show off their daring, uninhibited ideas in this exhibition. Started in 1981, the biannual exhibition has brought to light more than 300 artists in the past 27 years, including world famous installation artist Lee Bul. A total of 250 pieces, ranging from paintings and installations to sculptures, photographs, and animations are showcased in their separate spaces. The exhibition runs through March 8 at the National Museum of Contemporary Art in Gwacheon, Gyeonggi Province. Tickets are 3,000 won. For more information, call (02) 2188-6000 or
visit www.moca.go.kr
"Wander on the Sky": Can you imagine wandering through art in a gallery so high its windows show clouds outside? This is possible at 63 Sky Art in Yeouido, southwestern Seoul, the world`s highest museum, located on the 60th floor of the 63 building, a major landmark in the capital city. The exhibition "Wander on the Sky," started last week, displaying 63 pieces of sky-themed art. More than 30 well-known artists, including Lee U Fan, Zou Wei, Andy Warhol and Paik Nam-june have their paintings, sculptures, photos, videos and installations presented. It runs through March 15. Tickets are 12,000 won for adults, 11,000 won for adolescents and 10,000 won for children. For more information, call (02) 789-5663 or visit www.63.co.kr

"The Modern Korea Rediscovered": National Museum of Contemporary Art, Deoksugung presents a rare chance to see 232 pieces by 105 Korean modern artists in one place. Works by renowned artists such as Park Soo-keun, Lee Jung-seob, Kim Hwan-ki and Cheon Kyeong-ja are on display. The exhibits give viewers a glimpse of what Korea was like and what Koreans felt during the country`s turbulent history. It runs through March 22, 2009. The museum is located in Deoksugung, near City Hall station in Seoul (subway lines 1 and 2). Admission is free but tickets to Deoksugung are 1,000 won. For more information, call (02) 757-1800 or visit
www.koreamodern.com

"Arcadia: Heaven for Artists": One can now see the original works of Pablo Picasso, Joan Miro, Henri Matisse and Marc Chagall all in one Seoul gallery, thanks to the Pompidou Center. An exhibition of masterpieces from the French institution is running at Seoul Museum of Art in central Seoul. It features 79 pieces of world renowned artists, including ones displayed for the first time in Korea. The Pompidou Center is the most famous museum of contemporary art in France. This exhibition reveals the story on how images of Arcadia, or heaven, were depicted and idealized by Parisian artists after the 20th century. It is composed of 10 parts, each showing different aspects of the Arcadia. The exhibition runs through March 22 next year at Seoul Museum of Art. Admission is 12,000 won for adults, 9,000 won for students and 7,000 won for children. The museum is closed Mondays. For more information, call (02) 325-1077 or visit www.pompidou2008.kr

Concerts
"Digitalism Live at Club Eden": German electro-punk duo Digitalism will hold a DJ set at Club Eden today. This will be the duo`s first performance in Korea. Along with Justice and LCD Soundsystem, Digitalism are considered one of the innovators of the electro-punk genre. For more information contact 02-6447-0042

"Yoon Do-hyun Band Live in Mokpo": Already edging toward their 10-year anniversary, Yoon Do-hyun Band, considered one of the premier rock bands in Korea, will play a show in the southwestern tip of the peninsula in Mokpo at the Citizens Gymnasium on Feb. 7 and 8. For more information on tickets, contact (02) 1544-1925

"Night and Dream": Well-known pianist Suh Haikyung holds her recital under the title "Night and Dream" on Feb. 12 at Seoul Arts Center at 8 p.m. Suh will present some lyrical and romantic repertoires including Schumann`s "Kinderszenen," Schubert`s "Nacht und Traume" Debussy`s "The Children`s Corner." Tickets are from 20,000 won to 80,000 won. For details, call (02) 3461-0976.

"Yundi Li Piano Recital": Star Chinese piaist Yundi Li holds his first recital in Korea in six years on Feb. 15 and 18 at Goyang Aramnuri Theater and Seoul Arts Center, respectively. Li will play the Chopin and Mozart, as well as Schumann-Liszt`s "Widmung" and Mussorgsky`s "Pictures at an Exhibition." Tickets are from 20,000 won to 100,000 won. For more information,
call (02) 318-4304.

"Jason Mraz Live in Seoul": Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Jason Mraz returns to the capital for a concert at the Olympic Park Olympic Hall on Feb. 21. The genre-mashing singer will kick start his world tour in promotion of his third studio album. For information on tickets, visit www.interpark.co.kr

"Richard Yongjae O`Neill": Acclaimed Korean-American violist O`Neill will give a concert where he will play from his recently released Baroque album "Mysterioso" with period music ensemble Alte Musik Koln on Feb. 27 at Seoul Arts Center. Programs will include Heinrich Ignaz Biber`s "Passacaliglia" and Georg Philipp Telemann`s viola concerto. Tickets run from 30,000 won to 100,000 won. For details, call (02) 318-4301 or go to
www.clubbalcony.com

"Travis Live in Seoul": The Scottish pop-rock quintet will perform at the Seoul Olympic Park Olympic Hall on March 1. This will mark a swift return for the band after headlining the second day of the Incheon Pentaport Rock Festival in July. For more information contact (02) 3444-9969

"Matthias Goerne Recital": German baritone Matthias Goerne who received world`s attention through his warm and soft cover of "Winterreise" holds recitals on March 13 and 14 at Sejong Center for the Performing Arts. Goerne will perform diverse lieder including "Hoffnung" and "Das Weinen" The recital is the first of the center`s 2009 Invitational Festival of Famous Vocalists. Tickets are 60,000 won to 120,000 won. For more information, call (02) 399-1114.

"Sarah Brightman Symphony Korea Tour": The internationally acclaimed "popera" soprano and songstress Sarah Brightman will go one a three-city tour on March 13, 16, and 20. Famous for lead roles in the musical "The Phantom of the Opera," and "Cats," Brightman will have her first show in Seoul at the Olympic Park Gymnasium, the second show will be in Ilsan at the Goyang Kintex Hall, and her last performance will be in Busan at the Busan Bexco. For information on tickets, contact (02)1544-1555 or visit www.interpark.co.kr

"Yuki Kuramoto White Day concert": One of Korea`s most revered and loved Japanese new age pianist and composer Yuki Kuramoto will perform at the Seoul Arts Center on March 14. The main theme of the forthcoming concert will be romance to commemorate "White Day." For more information on tickets, contact (02) 751-9606~10

"X-Japan Live in Korea": Considered the Guns N` Roses of Asia, the timeless Japanese hard rock band X-Japan will perform at the Olympic Gymnastics Gymnasium on March 21~22. Famous for their operatic rock ballad "Endless Rain," the hard rockers will be sure to rock the faces off the legions of Korean fans. For more information contact (02) 783-0114

"John Legend Live in Seoul": Crooner John Legend will perform music from his latest album, "Revolver," at the Olympic Hall on March 29. Known for his heartbreaking lyrics and aching love ballads, Legend is a favorite of the United States President Barack Obama and will look to melt Seoulites` hearts. For ticket information visit
www.interpark.co.kr

"Oasis Live in Seoul": The Brit-pop and alternative rock bad-boys Oasis will perform in Seoul at the Olympic Park Gym on April 1. The Manchester-based band will perform music off their latest record, "Dig out your soul," along with their past hits that popularized the band to Korean music lovers. For more information on tickets, contact (02) 3444-9969 for booking in English and (02) 1544-1555.

Musicals
"Sex is Zero": The musical adaptation of the popular same-titled movie and its sequel - released in 2002 and 2007, respectively, is showing at Mapo Arts Center in Seoul. It deals with a love story between a law student, Dal-soo, who falls in love with the college`s most popular cheerleader, Yoon-jung. Actors from the movie, Choi Sung-guk and Yoo Chae-young - and singer-turned-actor Choi Jung-won - star in the show. It will run through tomorrow. For more information,
call (02) 764-4450.

"200-Pound Beauty": The 2006 movie-turned-musical features central character Kang Han-byul - played by singer and actress Choi Sung-hee, aka Bada from girl group S.E.S. - the fat and unattractive nameless singer who gains confidence and success as a singer after having cosmetic surgery. The show will be staged until Feb. 1 at Chungmu Art Hall in Heungin-dong, Seoul. Tickets run from 40,000 won to 90,000 won. For details, call (02) 3485-8721.

"Famous Artist Show": Popular live tribute show from Las Vegas "Famous Artist Show" premieres in Korea. Targeting theatergoers in their 30s and older, the show presents performances of impersonators singing songs of famed stars including Elvis Presley, Madonna, Beatles and Michael Jackson. The show will be held at Universal Arts Center in Neung-dong, Seoul until Feb.7. Tickets are from 77,000 won to 180,000 won. For details, call (070) 7123-1679 or go to
www.spectrumasiaent.com

"White Bubble Show": Canadian bubble artist Fan Yang`s "White Bubble Show" returns to Korea. Yang first staged his show here in 2004 and has had many returns. The show will run through Feb. 22 at Theater Yong in National Theater of Korea in Yongsan-gu, Seoul. For details, call (02) 733-5004 or go to
www.whitebubbleshow.com

"Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde": The local production of the hit musical that helped now top-ranked actor Cho Seung-woo achieve stardom returns to theater. The show delicately depicts the dualism in human nature, while presenting brilliant tunes like "This is the moment" and "Once Upon a Dream." Three actors will take on the leading role, including Ryu Jeong-han, who was nominated for best actor at last year`s Korea Musical Awards. The musical runs through Feb. 22 at LG Arts Center. Tickets are from 40,000 won to 120,000 won. For details, call (02) 556-8556.

"Romeo et Juliette": The original team of "Romeo et Juliette" will begin performing Jan. 29 for the second time in Korea. The musical will feature hit tunes including "Aimer" and "Les Rois du Monde," which are composed of chansons in sweet melodies with some powerful beats and a touch of rock. The show will be staged until Feb. 27 at Sejong Center for the Performing Arts in Seoul. Tickets are from 60,000 won to 200,000 won. For details, call (02) 02-766-2022.

"The Ballerina Who Loved the B-boy": The well-known non-verbal b-boying (break-dancing) show which has gained success both here and abroad returns at a new venue. The show centers on a ballernina who falls in love with a b-boy she met at a square while she is rehearsing. It will be staged through Feb. 28 at Ewha 100th Memorial Hall in Jeong-dong, Seoul. Tickets are 40,000 won and 50,000 won. For details, call (02) 2266-2727 or go to www.showbboy.com

"Cafe In": The homemade romantic comedy musical tells a love story between a female barista who learns how to love from a player sommelier, while providing useful information about coffee and wine. Popular musical director Sung Jae-jun and musical director Won Mi-sol duo, who together created numerous hit musicals including "Polaroid" and "Music in My Heart," collaborated on the show. It will run untill Feb. 28 at Live Theater in Daehangno, Seoul. Tickets are 35,000 won and 45,000 won. For details, call (02) 3448-4340.

"Don Juan": Already having had a successful Korean premiere in 2006, "Don Juan" will be shown as a Korean production from Feb. 6 at Seongnam Arts Center. The musical centers on the Spanish nobleman who sees women only as a means to an end, plus the complex relationships he gets involved in. The show features not only lively Latin music, including songs like "Du Plaisir" and "Los Amigos," but also eye-catching flamenco dances. TV and film actor Joo Ji-hoon, who starred in the movie "Antique" and the TV drama "The Palace" will make his theater debut in the show. It will run through March 8 at Seongnam Arts Center in Bundang, Gyeonggi Province. Tickets are from 30,000 won to 110,000 won.
For details, call (02) 501-1377.

"Dreamgirls": Broadway show "Dreamgirls," better known to the Korean public as the 2006 movie version starring pop stars Beyonce Knowles and Jennifer Hudson, which was loved by viewers for its catchy tunes and touching story, premieres in Korea starting Feb. 27. In the Seoul show, the main characters Deena will be played by musical actress Jung Sun-ah, who has proven her talent in hit shows including "Nine" and "Xanadu," while Effie will be played by both musical actresses Hong Ji-min and Cha Ji-yeon. The show will be staged until July 26 at Charlotte Theater in Jamsil-dong, Seoul. For details, call (02) 556-8556 or go to www.musicaldreamgirls.co.kr

"Rent": The Korean production of popular musical that shot Cho Seung-woo to stardom returns for its sixth run at KEPCO Arts Center in Yangjae-dong, Seoul. The show concerns the passion and love of poor young people in New York City who desire to become artists. Cho Min-ah from female pop group Jewelry will be playing Mimi, the goal-driven dancer. The show is on an open run. Tickets are from 40,000 won to 60,000 won. For details, call (02) 1544-1555 or go to www.iseensee.com

Dramas
"Educating Rita": The hit play from the theater venture group Yeongeukyeoljeon2 is now re-running at Daehangno. Choi Hwa-jung and Yoon Joo-sang play the two main characters, Rita and Frank, like they did in the Korean premiere of the piece in 1991. The piece features the process where Rita - a newlywed hairdresser who goes to college because of her desire for education - and Frank, a professor at the college, come to understand and change each other. It will run through Feb. 1 at Dongsoong Arts Center in Seoul. Tickets cost from 25,000 won to 45,000 won. For details, call (02) 766- 6007.

"Closer": Better known to the pulbic as the 2004 movie adaptation starring Julia Roberts and Jude Law, the play by British playwright Patrick Marber is on its eighth run in Korea. Previous seasons of the play including the one starring popular TC actress Kim Ji-ho were also well-received by the audience. Danny Ahn from boy band G.O.D. will be playing a central character this season. The play will run through Feb. 8 at SM Arts Center in Daehangno, Seoul. Tickets are 25,000 won and 35,000 won. For more information, call (02) 764-8760.

"Agnes of God": The three-people play starring well-known veteran theater actress Yoon Suk-hwa is back on stage. Yoon plays the role of the atheist-psychiatrist Martha Livingston. The play evolves around a controversial incident in which a nun gives birth to a baby - which she says is a virgin birth - but the baby dies. As an investigation follows, the play gives insight into the complex moral and spiritual issues faced by the faithful. The work will be staged through Feb. 14 at the Installation Theater Jungmiso in Daehangno, Seoul. Tickets run from 25,000 won to 50,000 won. For more information, call (02) 3672-3001.

"Magic Room": This play within a play contains magic show elements. Actors play actors in the comedy, and turn into various characters through magic. The show also tells a story - two leading characters nearing their death come to truly understand each other through honesty. The piece will run through Feb. 15 at Daehangno Arts Play Theater 2 in Seoul. Tickets are 25,000 won and 30,000 won. For details, call (02) 741-0408.

"I Love You": A stage adaptation of the hit online cartoon by Kang Full (Kang Do-young) has started its second run in Daehangno, Seoul. The story spotlights two elderly couples - one a milkman and a woman who gathers and sells discarded newspapers to make a living; the other a valet in a parking lot who devotedly looks after his senile wife. The play will be staged at The Good Theater in Daehangno until March. 1. Tickets are 35,000 won. For more information, call (02) 742-9005.

"Turn Away and Leave": The love story of a gangster and the doctor who takes care of him has previously been made into hit movie "The Promise" (1998) and TV drama "Lovers" (2006). The play version features the well-known TV and film actors Yoo Oh-sung and Song Sun-mi, who will each play the gangster Gong Sang-do and the doctor Chae Hee-ju, respectively. The piece will run through March 8 at Wonder Space Theater in Daehango, Seoul. Tickets are 35,000 won. For details, call (02) 762- 9190.

Festival
"NOW JUMP": Located in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province, the Nam June Paik Art Center holds inaugural festival. Drawing from the movement that spawned Paik`s early works, the center`s festival takes a leap of faith by moving forward and into the future. From performance art to works from Fluxus members, viewers and young artists are encouraged to continue to push the boundaries of art. NOW JUMP runs through Feb. 5. Reservations are required for certain performances. To make reservations, send the title and date of performance, along with your name, to reservation@njpartcenter.kr. Tickets are 3,000 won for elementary school students, 5,000 won for middle and high school students and 7,000 won for adults. For more information, call (031) 201-8512 or visit
www.njpartcenter.kr