Around Town

Museum

Maya 2012
National Museum of Korea
Through Oct. 28

The National Museum of Korea presents the special exhibition, Maya 2012, which focuses on the life and death of the Mayans. The exhibition is to mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and Mexico, and Korea and Guatemala. It examines the civilization of the Mayans in great depth. Admission is Free. For more information, call (02) 2077-9271 or visit www.museum.go.kr.

Pop& Jazz

2AM: The Way of Love
Olympic Hall, Olympic Park
Nov. 24-25

Having traveled to Hong Kong, Taiwan and Japan, popular K-pop group 2AM will mark their last performance of the tour in Seoul. 2AM is a four-member boy band managed by JYP Entertainment. The most recognized song by the group is "Can't Let You Go Even If I Die". Its members are Jo Kwon, Lee Changmin, Lim Seulong and Jeong Jinwoon. Tickets cost 66,000 to 99,000 won. For more information, call (02) 410-1601 or visit www.olympicpark.co.kr.

Dance

SIDance 2012
Seoul Arts Center*
Through Oct. 20

Organized by the International Dance Council, The Seoul International Dance Festival introduces Korean dance to international stages. SIDance this year is a World Dance Festival, with performances by world - renowned international companies including the Cullberg Ballet, a Swedish contemporary dance company. Tickets cost 20,000 to 30,000 won. For more information, call (02) 3216-1185 or visit www.sac.or.kr.

The Nutcracker
Universal Art Center
Dec. 21-31

With more than 620 performances and 67 million people having watched it, the Universal Ballet's "The Nutcracker" has been a world favorite for 27 years. The Universal Ballet was originally founded in Korea, performing classical story ballets. Tickets cost 10,000 to 100,000 won. For more information, call (070) 7124-1740 or visit www.uac.co.kr.

Swan Lake
Sejong Center
Nov. 11-13

Mariinsky Ballet is a classical ballet company based in Russia. It was founded in the 18th century by the Imperial Russian Ballet. The Company, one of the world's leading ballet companies, will perform "Swan Lake" in Seoul. Prince Siegfried and Princess Odette's marriage promise is broken when an evil genius attempts to destroy their love. Tickets cost 50,000 to 270,000 won. For more information, call (02) 3991-700 or visit www.clubbalcony.com.

Plays& Musicals

Les Miserables
Yongin Poeun Art Hall
Nov. 3-25

The musical "Les Miserables", based on the novel by Victor Hugo, was first launched in London 25 years ago. This is the first licensed Korean production of the second-longest running musical in history. The story is set in 19th century France, a time when the struggle for redemption and revolution was rampant. Tickets cost 50,000 to 110,000 won. For more information, call (031) 260-3355 or visit www.eng.yicf.or.kr.

The Phantom of the Opera
Blue Square
Dec. 7 - Open run
One of the most famous musicals, "The Phantom of the Opera" will celebrate its 25th anniversary in Korea. The Broadway musical will hit the stage with a star-studded cast, including Brad Little who has played the Phantom over 2,200 times. Tickets cost 50,000 to 160,000 won. Located between exit 2 and 3 of Hangangjin on Subway line No.6. For more information, call 1577-3363 or visit www.phantomoftheopera.co.kr.

Hero
Blue Square
Through Nov. 18

The musical "Hero" is about Ahn Jung-geun, a Korean independence activist, who assassinated Ito Hirobumi, the first Prime Minister of Japan, when Korea was on the verge of annexation by Imperial Japan. Tickets cost 110,000 to 120,000 won. Located between exit 2 and 3 of Hangangjin on Subway line No.6. For more information, call (02) 2250-5925.

Aida
D-Cube Arts Center
Dec. 2- April 28, 2013

Seesee Company presents "Aida", a musical with melodies by Elton John and lyrics by Tim Rice originally performed by Disney Theatrical Productions on Broadway. Aida was first conceived of for production as an animated film for Disney that became highly successful, finally becoming a musical with four Tony Awards and named as one of the top 10 theater productions by Time Magazine. Tickets cost 60,000 to 120,000 won. For more information, call (02) 2211-3000 or visit www.d4art.co.kr.

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Art exhibitions

Ibero - American Art Fair Seoul
Hangaram Art Museum
Nov. 15 - 19

Ibero-American Art Fair Seoul 2012 is a specialized exhibit of the works of modern artists of Europe and Central and South America. About 130 artists from 15 countries including Spain, Portugal, Mexico, Venezuela and Cuba will be introduced. Tickets cost 5,000 to 10,000 won. Located near exit 5 of Nambu Bus Terminal Station on subway line No. 3. For more information, call (02) 739-4333, or visit www.sac.or.kr.

Erwin Olaf
Gallery Kong
Through Oct. 21

Erwin Olaf, one of the most famous photographers of the 21st century, took pictures for such international companies as Levi's, Microsoft and Nokia. His art works have been displayed worldwide. His solo exhibition, which is held for the first time in Korea, features his most recent works including "The Keyholes" and "Dawn & Dusk". Admission is free. Located near exit 5 of Gyeongbokgung Station on subway line No. 3. For more information, call (02) 738-7776 or visit www.gallerykong.com.

Peter Schreyer - Inside Out
Gallery Hyundai, Gangnam
Through Nov. 2

Peter Schreyer is an automobile designer, who designed the "Audi TT", one of the most influential automotive designs in recent times. Schreyer's creation of art is distinctive, as he draws his memories into his work. He is holding his first solo exhibition in Korea. Admission is free. For more information, call (02) 519-0800 or visit www.galleryhyundai.com.

Ham Jin: Planet
PKM Gallery Bartleby Bickle & Meursault
Through Oct. 26

"Planet" is a solo exhibition featuring large scale sculptures by Ham Jin, one of the most accomplished young sculptors in Korea. Known as a miniature sculpting artist, he explores a new area in sculpting involving larger dimensions and greater depth. Located near exit 1 of Anguk Station on line No. 3. Admission is free. For more information, call (02) 734- 9467.

2012 Korea Artist Prize
National Museum of Contemporary Art, Korea
Through Nov. 11

Without a definite theme, "2012 Korea Artist Prize" presents artworks of four artists - Gim Hong-sok, Moon Kyung-won and Jeon Joon-ho as a team, Lim Min-ouk and Yee Soo-kyung. Because the artists were asked to present any works they were able to manifest, the exhibition introduces works of four distinct themes. Located near exit 2 of Seoul Grand Park Station on line No. 4. Tickets cost 5,000 won. For more information, call (02) 2188-6114 or visit www.moca.go.kr/engN.

Testing Testing 1.2.3: Selections from the SongEun Collection
SongEun Art Space
Through Dec. 11

In celebration of the 50th anniversary of Samtan, SongEun Art Space presents an exhibition solely devoted to acknowledging work by artists old and new. With two divisions in the exhibition, one is a selected collection of young Korean artists who were supported by SongEun in the past. The other consists of work by recognized and pivotal international artists from many genres in art. Admission is free. For more information, call (02) 3448-0100 or visit www.songrunartspace.com.

Seoul International Media Art Biennale
Seoul Museum of Art and DMC Gallery
Through Nov. 4

"The 7th Seoul International Media Art Biennale" has been a historical stage of new media art. With the theme "Spell on You", artists will question how the recent products of new technology are affecting in terms of using social communication. Admission is free. Seoul Museum of Art is located exit 1 of City Hall Station on subway line No.1 and DMC Gallery is located exit 9 of Digital Media City Station on subway line No.6. For more information, call (02) 2124-8976 or visit www.mediacityseoul.kr.

Modern Masterpieces from the Museum Collection: Poetry and Dreams
National Museum of Art, Deoksugung
Through Dec. 2

The 1950s to the early 20th century was a period of extreme difficulty in Korea that was followed by massive improvements and transformation. The National Museum of Contemporary Art focuses on works by Korean artists who drew inspiration, hope and changes during this era of Korean adversities. The exhibition present s around 100 works by more than 50 artists. Admission is free. For more information, call (02) 2188-6114 or visit www.moca.go.kr.

Deoksugung Project
National Museum of Art, Deoksugung
Through Oct. 28
In order to solidify the historical significance of Deoksu Palace, artwork by contemporary Korean artists is to be installed there. A total of nine various pieces, ranging from sculpture to visual art, portray different perspectives on how the artists perceive history. Tickets cost 3,000 won. For more information, call (02) 2188-6114 or visit www.moca.go.kr.

Life: A User's Manual
Culture Station Seoul 284
Through Nov. 4

"How does art create and change our life?" The French author Georges Perec's "La Vie Mode d'Employ", discusses the importance of design and life. The exhibition features more than 70 pieces of design, art, and architecture in relation to human life. Admission is free. For more information, call (02) 3407-3500 or visit seoul284.org.

Donghee Koo: Residency Artist
Doosan Gallery
Through Nov. 8

Doosan Gallery presents Koo Dong-hee's solo exhibition, which invites the audience to her perception of uncertainty. Her works display contradictions and absurdities in her ordinary life, expressing her thoughts on art. Admission is free. For more information, call (02) 708- 5050 or visit www.doosangallery.com.

Thinking About Rene Magritte
KT&G SangSang Madang
Through Oct. 31

Renowned photographer Kim Jung-man holds an exhibition expressing surrealism paintings through photography. As the title "Thinking About Rene Magritte" indicates, Kim pays homage to the surrealist by reenacting his paintings such as "This is not a Pipe" in 23 photographic works. A short documentary featuring Kim's working process is also on display. Located near exit 9 of Hongik University Station on line No. 2. For more, visit www.sangsangmadang.com or call (02) 330-6200.