Mar 26, 2014 / Issue No. 625
Panal Participants Needed
SEOUL Magazine would like to put together a panal discussion about Korean cosmetics. You’ll be comparing several cosmetic brands, and may even take some samples home. Participants will contrast Korean brands with overseas brands and discuss Korea’s cosmetics culture. If this sounds interesting, send an email to Hansol at pubco@seoulselection.com (please cc to english@seoulselection.com).
Seoul Selection at the Association for Asian Studies Annual Conference

Seoul Selection will have have a booth for two days (March 27 and 28) at the Association for Asian Studies (AAS) Annual Conference in Philadelphia. If you’re in the City of Brotherly Love, stop by, browse through some of our recent titles and maybe put in an order or two.
Translators Needed (not only English)
Seoul Selection is looking for part-time translators to translate material from Korean into several languages, including French, German, Dutch, Hindi and Japanese. If you’re interested, please send a resume and cover letter to atoz@seoulselection.com.
100 Thimbles in a Box
A beautiful introduction to the charming world of Korean handicrafts
Seoul Selection is pleased to announce the release of “100 Thimbles in a Box: The Spirit and Beauty of Korean Handicrafts” by Debbi Kent and Joan Suwalsky.
This wonderful written and beautifully photographed volume explores the fascinating and utterly charming world of Korean handicrafts. In the words of Laurel Kendall, Division Chair and Curator of Asian Ethnology, American Museum of Natural History, “100 Thimbles in a Box is a charming introduction to a great range of Korean handicraft, from the tiny thimbles—an old-fashioned woman’s intimate companion—to the once ubiquitous lattice and paper doors of traditional Korean homes. The authors have tacked down popular accounts of each handicraft, as contemporary Koreans now understand and appreciate them, and abundant photographs that convey the feel and appeal of ceramics, stone, paintings, masks, clothing, and furniture. Spending time in these pages is an enticement to visit Korea for a first-hand encounter with these things themselves.”
SEOUL April Issue
Hip Hannam-dong, Udo Blossoms, K-Star Road and More
You know what makes the perfect companion for your springtime strolls beneath the cherry blossoms? That’s right—the April issue of SEOUL, Seoul Selection’s travel and culture magazine.
In this issue of SEOUL, we explore the happening hilltop neighborhood near Seoul Central Mosque, venture off to far-off Udo to see the canola blossoms, follow in the footsteps of the stars in Gangnam, talk with director Yang Woosuk of the hit film “The Attorney,” do some spring cleaning with some of Seoul’s most stylish residents, and much, much more.
And if that’s not enough, there’s always our Goings On Around Town, our roundup of the month’s concerts, festivals, exhibitions and other fun goings on.
Run out and get your copy today.
Around the Web
A miscellany of high-quality hyperlinks from the week, courtesy of SEOUL editor-in-chief Robert Koehler.
– The filming of “The Avengers” sequel in Seoul may have unseen consequences. It’ll definitely cause some headaches for some.
– “My Love From the Star” is sparking a tourism boom.
– You know it’s spring when photographers start heading to Tongdosa Temple.
Events
SIWA Charity Gala
SIWA promises an exciting evening of fun, food, drinks and dancing! Ma-Abena, author, teacher, dancer, singer, songwriter, actress, mentor and international choreographer will provide live entertainment, along with musicians Barakan Group. The gala will also have a performance by Valtinho Anastacio, a brilliant Brazilian independent music professional and a professor at both Kyung Hee University as well as Dongduk Women’s University. Olivia Lee, professor at the Korean National Diplomatic Academy, KNDA will be the MC for the evening, together with the handsome Adrien Lee, Host at Arirang TV Radio and actively promoting Korean culture to the world. In addition there will be good food and dancing by the light of Sunset, and much more!
The evening will begin with an African-themed cocktail hour followed by a four-course meal, accompanied by excellent imported wines. Recommended dress code is cocktail attire/ Sunset Safari theme.
SIWA’s Charity Gala is an extension of the Bazaar in SIWA’s fundraising calendar; net proceeds from the evening will go to support local Korean charities. A Raffle and silent auction with dozens of wonderful prizes, and opportunities to donate directly will assist in raising the much-needed funds. There will be special gifts for all.
VENUE: Conrad Seoul, Yeouido
DATE: April 12, 6:30PM to midnight.
ADMISSION: KRW 130,000 members/145,000 non-members
RSVP ONLINE BY MARCH 31 AT: www.siwapage.com
GETTING THERE: Yeouido Station, subway lines #5 or #9, Exit 3. Follow the underground passage, along the moving walkway, until you reach the IFC Entrance (L2). Walk to the escalators (located in front of the “8ight Seconds” store) and go up to L1. The entrance to Conrad Seoul is located between the “Stradivarius” and “Bershka” stores.
* Free parking also available
Suzanne Vega is one of folk-pop’s most influential musicians, having recorded eight studio albums and two compilation albums since her debut in 1985. Often called “The Mother of the MP3,” her titled “Tom’s Diner” was utilized by audio engineer Karlheinz Brandenburg while working on a sound compression algorithm for what eventually became the MP3, a testament to the complexity and beauty of her voice. Her songs have appeared in films like Pulp Fiction and in TV shows such as Seinfeld and The Simpsons. Her upcoming performance in Seoul is unique as she will be joined by Irish guitarist Gerry Leonard, who is known mostly for his work with David Bowie.
Suzanne Vega Live in Seoul for First Time in 9 Years
Suzanne Vega is one of folk-pop’s most influential musicians, having recorded eight studio albums and two compilation albums since her debut in 1985. Often called “The Mother of the MP3,” her titled “Tom’s Diner” was utilized by audio engineer Karlheinz Brandenburg while working on a sound compression algorithm for what eventually became the MP3, a testament to the complexity and beauty of her voice. Her songs have appeared in films like Pulp Fiction and in TV shows such as Seinfeld and The Simpsons. Her upcoming performance in Seoul is unique as she will be joined by Irish guitarist Gerry Leonard, who is known mostly for his work with David Bowie.
VENUE: Mapo Art Center, Art Hall MAC
DATE: Apr. 3, 20:00
ADMISSION: KRW 66,000–88,000
MORE INFO: T. 02-3274-8600
GETTING THERE: Short walk from Exit 2 of Daeheung Station, Line 2.
The National Changgeuk Company of Korea gives a modern spin to the spooky Korean folk tale, known to fans of Korean cinema through its 2003 cinematic reboot, A Tale of Two Sisters. This retelling, the work of playwright Jeong Bok-geun and director Han Tae-sook, marked a turning point in creative Korean theater, selling out the theater after its debut in 2012. Audiences are invited to sit on stage and witness a murder in front of their eyes, and think about how suppressed desire explodes to destroy a family. A corpse is found in the lake of a peaceful, upscale neighborhood; the town is also unraveled by the disappearance of two sisters, Janghwa and Hongryeon. Have they run away from home, or are the ghosts that supposedly appear every night at the lake their spirits?
Janghwa and Hongryeon
The National Changgeuk Company of Korea gives a modern spin to the spooky Korean folk tale, known to fans of Korean cinema through its 2003 cinematic reboot, A Tale of Two Sisters. This retelling, the work of playwright Jeong Bok-geun and director Han Tae-sook, marked a turning point in creative Korean theater, selling out the theater after its debut in 2012. Audiences are invited to sit on stage and witness a murder in front of their eyes, and think about how suppressed desire explodes to destroy a family. A corpse is found in the lake of a peaceful, upscale neighborhood; the town is also unraveled by the disappearance of two sisters, Janghwa and Hongryeon. Have they run away from home, or are the ghosts that supposedly appear every night at the lake their spirits?
VENUE: National Theater of Korea
PERIOD: Apr. 1–6
ADMISSION: KRW 20,000–50,000
MORE INFO: T. 02-2280-4114
GETTING THERE: Dongguk Univ. Station 동대입구 (Line 3), Exit 2.
Wildlife
As if 100 photos—taken in some of the world’s most remote and challenging environments—by some of the world’s top wildlife photographers weren’t enough, this exciting exhibit also features an augmented reality program on a five-meter screen that’ll give city slickers a taste (albeit a simulated one) of the wild. Interact with the virtual animals as if they were right in front of you—don’t worry, they won’t bite. There’s a photozone, too, with lots of miniatures created by Hansa Toys.
VENUE: Main Exhibition Hall, Sejong Center for the Performing Arts
PERIOD: Thru May 25
ADMISSION: KRW 10,000–12,000
MORE INFO: T. 02-6263-2620
GETTING THERE: Walk 200 meters from Gwanghwamun Station 광화문역 (Line 5), Exit 1 or 8.
Evgeny Kissin Piano Recital
Living legend virtuoso pianist Evgeny Kissin is set to take the stage by storm during his much-awaited concert here. Following his sensational Korea debut in 2006 that resulted in 10 curtain calls, he performed to a full house of 2,300 Seoul fans in 2009. Thanks to his extraordinary virtuosity and musicality, the Russian-born artist has earned tveneration and admiration as one of the most gifted classical pianists of his generation and, arguably, generations past. Since his pre-teen years as a prodigy, Kissin has remained at the very top of the international music circuit. His interpretation of Romantic composers such as Chopin, Liszt and Rachmaninoff has been hailed as the world’s best. This time in Seoul, Kissin will present Schubert’s Piano Sonata No. 17 in D major, Op. 53; Scriabin’s Sonata No. 2 in G sharp minor and “Four Sea Interludes” from Benjamin Britten’s opera “Peter Grimes.”
VENUE: Concert Hall, Seoul Arts Center
DATE: Mar 30, 8pm
ADMISSION: KRW 60,000–180,000
MORE INFO: T. 1577-5266, 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 late legendary choreographer Pina Bausch’s Tanztheater Wuppertal is presenting Vollmond (Full Moon) in Seoul. It is one of the last pieces she choreographed before dying in 2009, aged 68. Full Moon is a work full of delightful moments and ecstasy, like her other pieces. At the same time, it is complete with danger and the anxiety of life, just like the way we hurt each other and ourselves by accident or on purpose. The 150-minute work is divided into two acts, each featuring a series of extremely short overlapping dance sketches. The first act is charged with libidinal energy and high on outsized emotion and an eagerness for experimentation. Couples form and part, flirt and punish, and occasionally yell at the audience. The second act shifts to the more general problem of community building. Typical of Bausch’s work, there is much running and leaping and clutching, some of it joyful.
Tanztheater Wuppertal Pina Bausch Vollmond (Full Moon)
The late legendary choreographer Pina Bausch’s Tanztheater Wuppertal is presenting Vollmond (Full Moon) in Seoul. It is one of the last pieces she choreographed before dying in 2009, aged 68. Full Moon is a work full of delightful moments and ecstasy, like her other pieces. At the same time, it is complete with danger and the anxiety of life, just like the way we hurt each other and ourselves by accident or on purpose. The 150-minute work is divided into two acts, each featuring a series of extremely short overlapping dance sketches. The first act is charged with libidinal energy and high on outsized emotion and an eagerness for experimentation. Couples form and part, flirt and punish, and occasionally yell at the audience. The second act shifts to the more general problem of community building. Typical of Bausch’s work, there is much running and leaping and clutching, some of it joyful.
VENUE: LG Art Center
MORE INFO: Mar 28–31
ADMISSION: KRW 40,000–120,000
MORE INFO: T. 02-2005-0114, www.lgart.com
GETTING THERE: Yeoksam Station 역삼역 (Line 2), Exit 8. Walk into the first alley on your left and you’ll see it.
RAS-KB Excursion: Exploring the Seoul City Wall 2: the Southern and Western Sections
During this excursion, the RAS-KB will walk along southern and western sections of the Seoul City Wall and explore several neighborhoods. The excursion will begin in front of N Seoul Tower on Mt. Namsan. Participants will start the walk at the signal towers and follow the wall going west toward the area near the Namsan Library where part of the wall has recently been restored. Next they will make their way to Seungnyemun (Namdaemun) and discuss the recent renovation project as they look at the gate from various angles.
Most of the wall nearby Seungnyemun has been destroyed, but participants will trace the location of the wall as they move north on the west side of the wall. They will continue walking toward Jeong-dong,stopping briefly at the Appenzeller/Noble Memorial Museum. Because of time restrictions, participants will not be able to stop at all of the historic sites in Jeong-dong, but they will be noted for future reference.
VENUE: Seoul
DATE: March 30, 1PM to 4:30PM
ADMISSION: KRW 20,000 for RAS-KB members; KRW 25,000 for non-members
MORE INFO & GETTING THERE: See this link.
Everyday Koreans
Dongdaemun Design Plaza

Zaha Hadid’s newly opened Dongdaemun Design Plaza. Photo by Robert Koehler.
*Click the photo to see a full-size version at our website.
NOTE: If you have a photo you would like to see in our Everyday Koreans section, please sent it to story@seoulselection.com. Photos should be AT LEAST 950px wide. Send a one-line bio, too.
Notifications
Seoul Selection Offline Bookshop Sale: One of the greatest repositories of Korea-related English-language books anywhere, Seoul Selection is offering a 10% sale on any and all books published by Seoul Selection purchased from our OFFLINE bookshop next to Gyeongbokgung Palace.
Tell Us About ‘Your Korea’: If you’re a longtime resident of Korea and would like to share your story in KOCIS’s KOREA Magazine, shoot an email with your story idea to book@seoulselection.com.
Looking for Translators – Seoul Selection is looking for a few good translators (Korean to English) for general translation work. Those interested should send a resume and cover letter to Kyehyun at trans@seoulselection.com. Experienced translators only.
Seoul Selection eBooks – You can purchase some Seoul Selection titles in ebook format via Amazon.com (for Kindle) and Apple’s iBookstore. Titles include Ask a Korean Dude, Moon Tides, Doing Business in Korea, Once Around the Sun, and seven volumes of our Korean Film Directors series: BONG Joon-ho, IM Kwon-taek, KIM Jee-woon, LEE Chang-dong, LEE Man-hee, PARK Chan-wook, and SHIN Sang-ok.
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 WantedSEOUL 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 Magazine
SEOUL (April 2014)

Buy Books at Seoul Selection’s ONLINE Bookshop!
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Recommended
A Korean Kitchen Companion: 28 Recipes for Korean Dishes
No Breathing
New Books
Bi-lingual Edition Modern Korean Literature Set 4
찰리와 리즈의 서울 지하철 여행기
외국인을 위한 술술 쓰는 한국어
Korean Speaking 1: Easy for Foreigners (with Audio CD)
100 Thimbles in a Box: The Spirit and Beauty of Korean Handicrafts
New DVDs
Hwayi
2 Doors
Top Star
Tumbleweed
Queen of The Night
Publisher: Hank Kim / Editor: Robert Koehler
Seoul Selection reserves all intellectual property rights on information provided in this newsletter. Some event information has been provided by the Korea Foundation. The IPRs are protected by pertinent laws
Seoul Selection Web Site: https://www.seoulselection.com
e-mail: hankinseoul@gmail.com tel: 734-9567 fax: 734-9563