SEOUL Weekly

Dec 11, 2013 / Issue No. 610

Seoul Selection is pleased to announce the imminent release of the English edition of “Across the Tumen: A North Korean Kkotjebi Boy’s Quest.”

As North Korea undergoes a devastating famine, Yeong-dae loses both his parents and is forced to beg on the streets. Soon, this young boy sets off on a desperate journey to China to find his sister—his last living family member. Captured by the authorities, he is sent back to the North, where he is thrown in jail and tortured. Once he is finally released, he crosses the Tumen River again, more determined than ever to find a place where he can live a decent life. This inspiring tale offers a glimpse into the horrors faced by North Korean children—and their indomitable will to survive.

Price: KRW 12,000

Itaewon French bistro Le Saint-Ex celebrates its 13th anniversary with a special Christmas menu (Dinner: Dec 24, 25–31 & Jan 1, KRW 85,000/Lunch: Dec 24, 25–31 & Jan 1, a la carte). There’s a takeout menu on Dec 24–31, too. See here for more info, including menu specifics.

Around the Web

– Developing a design culture in Korea.

– Kimchi-making, a UNESCO intangible heritage.

Events

The French community hosts its annual Christmas Market in Seorae Maeul. Get wine, cheese, smoke salmon, French foie gras and other Christmas delicacies. There will also be a lottery (profits go to local charities) and Santa will be in attendance, too.

VENUE: Gingko Park (near the French School)

PERIOD: Dec 14, 10am to 4pm

GETTING THERE: Take Maeul Bus 13 from Exit 6, Express Bus Terminal Station (Lines 3, 7 and 9).

The authentic Mexican restaurant, On The Border, is opening their 9th branch at Itaewon, the heart of Seoul’s tourist point for international culture, on the second floor of Hannam Building, located across Cheil Worldwide building.

With a passionate atmosphere full of Mexican culture and flair, this popular casual dining family restaurant is ready to welcome and satisfy those looking to try a new restaurant with unique flavors, authentic Mexican food, and excellent service.

After opening its first international branch outside the US in Sinchon, Korea in 2007, there are currently 8 branches located around Korea, with 200 franchises scattered across the globe. David Franklin first opened On The Border in Dallas, Texas, and there are currently 160 branches operating just in America.

MORE INFO: 02-792-0682~3, www.ontheborder.co.kr

Based on Alexandre Dumas’s adventure novel of the same name, “The Three Musketeers” is a local musical production that adds romance and fancy choreography to the show, making it more familiar to the public. In addition, the musical focuses on entertainment, casting a number of top K-pop singers in major roles. For instance, these young musical rookies alternate the roles of d’Artagnan and Constance, while veteran stage actors like Yoo Jun-sang and Shin Sung-woo set the pace.

VENUE: Sungnam Art Center

PERIOD: Dec 13–Feb 2, 2014

MORE INFO: T.031-783-8000, www.snart.or.kr

GETTING THERE: Imae Station 이매역 (Line Bundang), Exit 1

“December: Unfinished Song” is a new musical ready to hit the market with two Korean heartthrobs taking the lead role—K-pop act Kim Jun-su and musical sensation Park Gun-hyung. The musical is based on the life of the legendary singer-song writer Kim Kwang-seok, who died in an apparent suicide in 1996. This is a new endeavor by film director Jang Jin, known for his powerful stories and deeply-touching sensibility. Kim’s nostalgic folk classics are expected to strike a chord in the hearts of the audience.

VENUE: Sejong Grand Theater

PERIOD: Dec 16–Jan 5, 2014

ADMISSION: KRW 50,000-140,000

MORE INFO: T.02-399-1111, www.sejongpac.or.kr

GETTING THERE: Gwanghwamun Station (Line 5)

A wide collection of famed American photographer Annie Leibovitz’s works is going on a three-month exhibition in Seoul. In the 70s and 80s, she worked for Rolling Stone and Vanity Fair magazines. While with Rolling Stone, Leibovitz developed her trademark technique, which involved the use of bold primary colors and surprising poses. Many of her Rolling Stone covers became collector’s items, like the one that featured a nude John Lennon curled around his fully clothed wife, Yoko Ono.

VENUE: Hangaram Art Museum, Seoul Arts Center

PERIOD: Thru Mar 4, 2014

ADMISSION: KRW 15,000

MORE INFO: T.02-6263-2621, www.sac.or.kr

GETTING THERE: Nambu Bus Terminal Station 남부터미널역 (Line 3), Exit 5. Transfer to shuttle bus, or green bus No. 4429.

The RAS invites you to join a tour of Dr. Yang Jongsung’s The Museum of Shamanism, which will include guidance by two shamans.

The museum opened on May 2nd, 2013.This project is an extension of Shamanism specialist Dr. Yang Jongsung’s lifetime of personal connection as a scholar, curator, and active participant in the shaman world. Because shamanism is still denigrated by practitioners of other religions, by some members of the government, and by many scholars, the Museum wants to show the public shamanism’s long history as an integral part of Korea’s material and spiritual culture. To do this, he has found it necessary to move beyond print scholarship, using the museum as a means of making shaman culture accessible to the general public and to younger shamans.

VENUE: Seoul

DATE: Dec 15

COST: KRW 25,000 (members), KRW 30,000 (non-members) per day.

MORE INFO: See this link.

GETTING THERE: See link above.

Everyday Koreans

Notifications

Send Your Event Info – If you would like to advertise any upcoming events you are organizing, please send us the press release material at book@seoulselection.com by the preceding Friday in order for it to appear in the following Tuesday’s issue.

Freelance Contributors Wanted – SEOUL Magazine needs writers who are fluent in both Korean and English. Writers should have a strong interest in Korean culture and be able to interview Koreans. Send your resume and writing samples to book@seoulselection.com.

We Buy & Sell Used Books – Seoul Selection buys and sells used books in English. Unlike our regular selection of publications that specialize in Korea-related topics, our Used Book section carries books on all subjects. It’s all part of our effort to make life easier for the English-speaking community.

SEOUL (December 2013)

Buy Books at Seoul Selection’s ONLINE Bookshop!

Taekwondo: The Unity of Body, Mind and Spirit (Korea Essential Series No.13)

Shark

Silla: Korea’s Golden Kingdom

The Squill Bride

View and Story of Korea Set – Black

Advertising in Korea

Bi-lingual Edition Modern Korean Literature Set 3

I Hear Your Voice

Rockin’ on Heaven’s Door

Mister Go

Hide and Seek

2 Weeks