Seoul International Book Fair 2014 Come say hello to Seoul Selection at Korea’s biggest celebration of the written word
First launched in 1995, the Seoul International Book Fair (June 18–22) is held annually by the Korea Publishers Association to promote the Korean publishing industry and introduce the reading public to literature from around the world. Under the theme “See the World through Books, Envision the Future with Books,” the fair will feature displays by hundreds of publishers, e-publishers, book art companies, magazine publishers, copyright agencies, book stores, libraries, publishing-related organization and book distributors. This year’s Guest of Honor is the Sultanate of Oman, while the Country Focus is Italy (Italian authors Walter Siti and Giancarlo de Cataldo will be in attendance). Be sure to check out the special exhibits, including one on Korean modern and contemporary book cover design.
Seoul Selection will, of course, be in attendance. Pay us a visit at booth J16. As added encouragement, we’ll be giving away around 2,500 books away for free, including:
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Suwon Hwaseong Fortress International Music Festival 2014
Legendary conductor Kim Dae-jin heads the Suwon Philharmonic in this biennial festival hosted in order to boost the cultural and musical quality of the city. The opening performance will be headed by soprano Shin Youngok and legendary violist and violinist Sergey Malov, who will be performing in Korea for the first time. But the festival doesnât just stop at classical music; on the lineup is one of Koreaâs most legendary singers, often attributed to expressing the true Korean spirit through his soulful voice, Jang Sa-ik. For piano enthusiasts, Kun-woo Paik is sure to satisfy even the pickiest listenerâs palate.
VENUE: Suwon SK Artrium Grand Hall PERIOD: June 14–21 MORE INFO: T. 031-279-3562, www.swcf.or.kr ADMISSION: KRW 8,000–30,000 GETTING THERE: Suwon Station ììì (Line 1), Exit 6. Across from AK plaza is a bus station. From there, take bus 400-1, 990 or 999-1 and get off at Suwon SK Atrium station.
Cats: Original Production in Korea
Youâve probably heard of Andrew Lloyd Webberâs musical, âCats,â but did you know that he wrote it based on âOld Possumâs Book of Practical Catsâ by T.S. Eliot? Itâs surprising that a mainstream musical could come from such poetic origins. First produced in 1981 before its 1982 Broadway debut, the production has been translated into more than 20 languages and is the second longest-running show in Broadway history. The original production is finally making its triumphant return to the Peninsula, its first time in six years. Over a million people have gone to see âCatsâ in Korea over the years, a testament to its popularity and international appeal. In addition to the unconventional storyline—a decision must be made regarding which cat can ascend to heaven and attain a new mode of existence—the costumes and set design are known to be crowd pleasers.
VENUE: Samsung Electronics Hall, BLUE SQUARE PERIOD: Jun 13–Jul 13 MORE INFO: T. 02-544-1591, www.bluesquare.kr ADMISSION: KRW 50,000-140,000 GETTING THERE: Hangangjin Station íê°ì§ì (Line 6), Exit 3
Ultra Korea 2014
Have you heard enough about classical music and operas? If you like outdoor music festivals and loud, electronic music played at maximum volume, then ULTRA KOREA might be for you. ULTRA is an outdoor electronica concert that was first started in Miami in 1999. It has since expanded all across the globe, with Korea being the only Asian city on the tour. A concertâs lineup will make or break its success, and this yearâs offering includes the following acts: Above & Beyond, Afrojack, Alesso, Armin Van Buuren, Avicii, Carl Cox, Cirez D, David Guetta, Diplo, Hardwell, Kaskade, Krewalla, Loco Dice, Luciano, Marco Carola, New World Punx, Nicky Romero, Solomun, Steve Angello, Tiesto and Zedd.
Come get your fingers dirty exploring this wonderful medium.
You’ll have a chance to learn the tricks to producing bright, vivid images using soft, dry pastels. This is a great medium as results are instantaneous and full of depth!
You’ll practice on white, colored and then finally black paper to explore how versatile dry pastels can be. Come enjoy an afternoon of image-making at Jankura Artspace!
VENUE: Jankura Artspace DATE: June 14, 2PM to 5PM COST: KRW 25,000 (includes materials) MORE INFO and GETTING THERE: See this link.
RASKB Excursion: Exploring the Seoul City Wall 3: the Northern Sections
This excursion is the last of three walks along the Seoul City Wall. Participants will begin the excursion at the checkpoint for walking the wall near Changuimun (Jahamun). Visitors to this part of the wall are required to present identification (certificate of alien registration or a passport) at the checkpoint because this part of the wall passes behind the Blue House. Before going through the checkpoint, participants will look at Changuimun, which has the oldest gatehouse (1740) of all of the gates in Seoul.
VENUE: Seoul DATE: June 22, 1PM to 4:30PM COST: KRW 20,000 (members), KRW 25,000 (non-members) MORE INFO: Click here.
SIWA Event: Itaewon’s Back Alleys: Exploring the Heart of the Expatriate Community
You many know the main streets of Itaewon, but have you seen the huge thread spool in the street, or a car or an army vehicle on a rooftop? How about a large fork on a street corner? Participants will see these sites along with a military coin shop, interesting pottery, hidden stairways and unexpected views. Participants will also stroll down Antique Street and visit the Islamic Seoul Central Mosque.
VENUE: Itaewon, Seoul DATE: June 30, 9:30AM to 11:45AM MORE INFO: See this link. ADMISSION: SIWA members: KRW 5,000. Non-members: KRW 15,000. GETTING THERE: See link above.
EVERYDAY KOREANS
A beautiful sunset at Incheonâs Bukseong Pier on Friday evening. Photo by Robert Koehler.
NOTIFICATIONS
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.
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.
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 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.
https://magazine.seoulselection.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Screenshot-from-2014-06-11-182957.png789619rjkoehlerhttps://magazine.seoulselection.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Seoul-logo.pngrjkoehler2014-06-11 09:35:042014-06-11 18:36:15SEOUL Weekly: Seoul International Book Fair 2014