Seoul Selection would like to wish everyone a happy Chuseok holiday.

If trends are anything to go by, you may very well be traveling this holiday. If so, have a nice trip. If you’re staying in Korea, however, there’s a lot to do and see.

The Korea Tourism Organization has a list of major tourist destinations and their holiday hours – check it out to learn what’s open and what’s not. They’ve also posted a very helpful list of cultural tourism programs across the country to enjoy during the holiday, as well as some hints to enjoying the holiday to the fullest.

The JoongAng Daily, too, lists all the things you can do this holiday, including traditional options and less conventional alternatives like baseball games and musicals.

Seoul Selection Bookshop (T. 02-734-9565), too, will be open on the afternoon of Sept. 14 and the afternoon of Sept. 16. We will be closed on Sept. 15, however.

“Halfy/The Green Frog Who Never Listened to His Mom”
Volume 2 of the “English Korean Folktales” series

Let’s read traditional Korean folk tales in Korean and English!

Out of the countless tales that are widely known to many Korean readers, 23 especially colorful and entertaining ones have been selected and edited into 12 volumes. The second volume of the series is “Halfy / The Green Frog Who Never Listened to His Mom.”

1 “Halfy”
Having only one eye, ear, and arm, Halfy suffered from prejudices and taunts from his family and neighbors due to his appearance. Nevertheless, he overcame hardships thanks to his kindness and great strength and grew into a strapping young man. Having reached a marriageable age, Halfy won the heart of the younger sister of O-bok in the neighboring village with his excellent wit and earnest heart. Then he began to undergo changes…

2 “The Green Frog Who Never Listened to His Mom”
Once upon a time, there lived two green frogs, a mother and her son, by a pond. The son always did exactly the opposite of what his mother told him to. Always vexed because of this, the mother frog eventually fell ill and was bedridden. Thinking that her son would do the opposite of what was bidden, before dying, she asked him to bury her by a stream instead of in a mountain…

Price: KRW 13,000.

Enjoy SEOUL on the Go: Download our magazine app for your tablet! (iOS, Android)

A miscellany of high-quality hyperlinks from the week, courtesy of SEOUL editor-in-chief Robert Koehler

• Korea goes to New York Fashion Week.
• The Korean Wave – Korea’s best public diplomacy tool?
• The “wine-and-dine” culture may be in for a major change.
• Korean food is taking off in Portland.
• Art and more art in Seoul and Gwangju.
• The pine trees of Boeun.
• Last year’s tiger lillies at Bulgapsa Temple.
• Of course, you can see tiger lillies at Seoul’s Gilsangsa Temple, too.
• Classic Korean charm at the Bonum 1957 Hanok Stay and Hotel.
• Another week passes at Robert Koehler’s photo blog.

The Cribs

Commercially and critically acclaimed U.K. indie rock band The Cribs comes to the comfy confines of Itaewon’s Hyundai Understage. Formed by twin brothers Gary and Ryan Jarman and younger brother Ross Jarman in 2001, The Cribs are one of the most popular indie acts in the U.K.; its last three albums have made the UK Top 10. Regulars at the world’s top music festivals, the group has earned particular affection for its energetic live performances. This performance will feature hits like “Burning For No One,” “We Share The Same Skies” and “I’m a Realist.”

VENUE: Hyundai Understage
DATE: Sept. 13
ADMISSION: KRW 88,000
MORE INFO: T. 02-3141-3488
GETTING THERE: Hangangjin Station (Line 6), Exit 3

Park Nohae Exhibit: Angin Caldera

Poet, activist and photographer Park Nohae hosts an exhibit of his photographs of Indonesia. A nation of 18,000 islands, Indonesia – the forth largest country in terms of population – is a land of fire, with the world’s largest number of volcanoes. The volcano is both a giver and a taker, an agent of destruction and revolutionary change that has also produced Indonesia’s rich, fertile land. Park’s photos include breathtaking landscapes and intimate portraits of a people living amidst the volcanoes’ legacy.

VENUE: Ra Cafe Gallery
PERIOD: Thru Dec. 28
ADMISSION: Free
MORE INFO: T. 02-379-1975
GETTING THERE: Take bus 7022, 7212 or 1020 from Gyeongbokgung Station (Line 3), Exit 3.

Anthony Browne Exhibition: Happy Museum

This exhibit features over 200 original works by renowned picture book illustrator Anthony Browne, including his early works, new paintings that has never been seen before and the works in collaboration with both international and local artists whose expertise is in media art, kinetic art, illustration and paper art. The large-scaled collective exhibition harmonizes with the dreamy video art work, a miniature musical play, a huge kinetic installation and the educational activities. Browne won the Hans Christian Andersen Award for illustration – the highest honor in the world of children’s literature – in 2000.

VENUE: Seoul Arts Center
PERIOD: Thru Sept. 25
ADMISSION: KRW 12,000
MORE INFO: T. 02-3143-4360
GETTING THERE: Nambu Bus Terminal Station (Line 3), Exit 5. Transfer to shuttle bus, or green bus No. 4429.

SeMA Biennale Mediacity Seoul 2014

Sharing the “post-museum” vision of Seoul Museum of Art (SeMA), SeMA Biennale Mediacity Seoul is a recurring international survey of contemporary art, with a focus on media art and other art forms that pertain to the concept of media.
The ninth edition of SeMA Biennale Mediacity Seoul is held in all branches of Seoul Museum of Art under the title NERIRI KIRURU HARARA. The biennale is composed of exhibitions, summer camps, publication projects and programs, all conceived as interdependent components. The Artistic Director and Curator is Beck Jee-sook.
The works and projects participating in Mediacity Seoul 2016 allude, or relay suggestions to the following questions: how to formulate individual and common expectations out of unsought-for inheritances, be it war, disaster, poverty or displacement; how to generate as many versions of futures as possible and imagine plots of radical discontinuity, within the context of South Korea that is marooned in a peninsula-cum-island; and finally, how to enable time-slip into these futures through the language of art and the capabilities of media.

VENUE: Seoul Museum of Art, all branches
PERIOD: Thru Nov. 20
ADMISSION: Free
MORE INFO: T. 02-2124-8973, mediacityseoul.kr

Ritual Porcelains of Joseon Dynasty

Since ancient times, there has been a bond that tied us humans to the skies, the earth, and our ancestors. These were our ancestral rites, and we made vessels to present offerings in the rites. These ritual vessels were offered to show thankfulness to the gods and also to be blessed; they were vessels that traversed time and space.
Society in the Joseon Dynasty was based upon Confucianism, which emphasized the importance of memorial services to ancestors. Ritual vessels were thus one of the most essential and significant items in Joseon society. Ceramic ritual vessels were not merely used in ancestral rites but were also appreciated as works of art. They represented the “courtesy” culture of Joseon society.
The National Museum of Korea is therefore pleased to present, for the very first time, a collection of ceramic ritual vessels to enhance public awareness of its beauty and to elevate people’s interest in them.

VENUE: National Museum of Korea
PERIOD: Thru Oct. 23
ADMISSION: Free
MORE INFO: T. 2077-949
GETTING THERE: Ichon Station (Line 1)

RAS-KB: Chuseok in Seoraksan

Spend Chuseok in the countryside with the RAS, enjoying the fantastic, unspoiled natural scenery of Inner and South Sorak Mountain. Most tourists visiting Seoraksan National Park go only to the more frequently visited sights of Outer Sorak, and are unaware of the beautiful and remote Inner Sorak range. Inner Sorak is wilder, more natural, and little touched by man– truly an undiscovered natural paradise.

VENUE: Seoraksan National Park, Gangwon-do
PERIOD: Sept. 15-16
ADMISSION: KRW 258,000-298,000
MORE INFO and GETTING THERE: See this link.

Geunjeongjeon Hall, Gyeongbokgung Palace. Photo by Robert Koehler of SEOUL.

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 atoz@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 sense@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 marmotshole@gmail.com.

You’ve seen Jeonju during the day. Now experience it at night! The Cultural Heritage Administration’s “Night Walk in Jeonju” event on Aug. 12 features special performances, hands-on programs and, of course, plenty of spectacular nighttime scenery in one of Korea’s most historic cities. See Jeonju Hanok Village, Jeondong Cathedral, Pungnamman Gate, Omokdae and other Jeonju landmarks under the moonlight. Wear loose-fitting clothes, too, because Jeonju has some of the best food in the country.

If you’ve been meaning to visit Jeonju but didn’t have an excuse, this is it.

Enjoy SEOUL on the Go: Download our magazine app for your tablet! (iOS, Android)

Escape Into the Clouds
Valleys, streams and waterfalls around Gapyeong offer precious respite from the summer heat

Secret Valley
The Baeksasil Valley is a healing urban oasis

A miscellany of high-quality hyperlinks from the week, courtesy of SEOUL editor-in-chief Robert Koehler

• Korean soft power is a model worth emulating, says one professor.
• Building inter-Korean trust, one selfie at a time.
• Should Korea be taking in more refugees from Syria?
• Korea’s archers can’t be stopped.
• How to spend the perfect day in Gangnam.
• Cheorwon’s Sambuyeon Waterfall on an early morning.
• The cacti of Jeju.
• The Tancheon Stream as you’ve never seen it before.
• Idyllic scenery in Suncheon.
• Another week passes at Robert Koehler’s photo blog.

2016 Incheon Pentaport Rock Festival

Suede, Nell, Weezer and Panic! at the Disco are some of the top acts headlining this year’s Pentaport Rock Festival. Pentaport started 11 years ago as Korea’s biggest mega-scaled outdoor rock festival. It now has its own, exclusive festival park equipped with a grand stage and green grass where you can enjoy the music in convenience and comfort. Featuring over 100 performers over three days, the Incheon Pentaport Rock Festival is what summer rock festivals are all about. There will also be a special stage featuring music by the late Korean folk music star Kim Gwang-seok, who died 20 years ago.

VENUE: Incheon Songdo Pentaport Park
PERIOD: Aug. 12-14
ADMISSION: KRW 123,000-260,000
MORE INFO: pentaportrock.com
GETTING THERE: International Business District Station, Incheon Line 1

Seoul Soul

The biggest names in international and Korean hip hop, soul and R&B gather in Seoul for two days of soul-awakening music. This year’s star-studded lineup boasts Maxwell, The Stylistics, Eric Benet, Tyga, Musiq Soulchild, Robert Glasper and many more. The concert is the first of its kind in Asia.

VENUE: Jamsil Sports Complex
PERIOD: Aug. 13-14
ADMISSION: KRW 143,000-232,000
MORE INFO: T. 02-2240-8809
GETTING THERE: Sports Complex Station (Line 2), Exit 7

4th Seoul Dessert Fair

Experience an incredible range of desserts made by small bakeries and other small dessert businesses at the 4th Seoul Dessert Fair. Check out the beautiful cakes and other baked goods, take part in baking events, and don’t miss the beautiful views of the Hangang River at night from the rooftop garden.

VENUE: Some Sevit
DATE: Aug. 13
ADMISSION: KRW 6,000-12,000
MORE INFO: T. 02-6010-8941
GETTING THERE: Express Bus Terminal Station (Line 9), Exit 8-1

Choi Hyun Woo Magical “The Sherlock”

Magician Choi Hyun-woo, the winner of the Originality Award at the International Federation of Magic Societies’ 2009 World Championship of Magic, the world’s largest magic competition, blends magic with musical theater in “The Sherlock.” The blockbuster show is an interactive experience in which the audience helps Choi gather clues to catch a criminal mastermind. It’s perfect for the entire family, and remember – all the clues are right before your eyes.

VENUE: Kwanglim Arts Center
PERIOD: Thru Aug. 28
ADMISSION: KRW 55,000-88,000
MORE INFO: T. 02-2056-5787
GETTING THERE: Apgujeong Station (Line 3), Exit 5

Seonunsa Temple and an Onggi Potter

Brother Anthony of Taize guides you to beautiful Seonunsa Temple in North Jeolla Province. In springtime Seonunsa is celebrated for the flowering of the forest of native Korean camellias standing just behind it. In September, a special festival celebrates the blossoming of another flower, the Lycoris radiata or red spider lily, which has always bloomed here but has recently been planted in large quantities. On the way back to Seoul, participants will visit the last remaining maker of onggi pottery in a village where Catholics hid and made onggi during the persecutions of the 19th century. An Si-seong is still young and his onggi are brilliant combinations of tradition and innovation.

VENUE: Jeollabuk-do
DATE: Sept. 10
ADMISSION: KRW 69,000-82,800
MORE INFO and GETTING THERE: See this link.

Seoul on a clear August night. Photo by Robert Koehler of SEOUL.

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 atoz@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 sense@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 marmotshole@gmail.com.

August can get hot, so why not cool off with your favorite chilled adult beverage and a copy of the latest issue of SEOUL, Seoul Selection’s monthly travel and culture magazine. In this issue of SEOUL, we relax in the shade of Buam-dong’s Baeksasil Valley; explore the deep valleys of Gapyeong; fight fire with fire with some great hot pot dishes; talk with China expert Ryu Jaeyun, author of “5 Keys to Understanding China,” and much, much more.

And don’t forget about the Goings On Around Town section, our roundup of the month’s concerts, exhibits, festivals and other events.

‘A Letter Not Sent’
Experience the literary world of one of Korea’s most popular poets

Seoul Selection is happy to announce the release of “A Letter Not Sent,” a collection of poetry by popular poet Jeong Ho-seung, translated by Brother Anthony of Taize and Susan Hwang. It is the first English-language translation of Jeong’s poetry since his literary debut in 1973. The collection contains 108 poems, with the Korean original and English translation printed side-by-side.

If you read Korean, the Chosun Ilbo ran a piece today on Jeong and Brother Anthony.

Price: KRW 19,000

Enjoy SEOUL on the Go: Download our magazine app for your tablet! (iOS, Android)

A New Perspective on the City
Discovering the newly opened Gyeongui Line Forest Trail

Pohang: Naturally Industrial
Korea’s steel city offers plenty of nature, too

Korean Summer Classic
Naengmyeon Three Ways

Cultural Vanguards
Pioneering art spaces in unlikely locations

Uncommon Ground
Common Ground is bridging borders in Seoul’s fashion industry

A miscellany of high-quality hyperlinks from the week, courtesy of SEOUL editor-in-chief Robert Koehler

• Learning Korean cooking to overcome loss.
• Fried chicken and beer come together in Daegu.
• Korean crafts get a looksie in London.
• E-Mart arrives in Mongolia.
• The work of artist Kimsooja comes to the MMCA Seoul.
• Fiery sunset seen from Namhansanseong Fortress.
• Taebaek’s “Windy Hill” in August.
• Lots and lots of sunflowers in Jeju.
• The beautiful seascapes of Korea’s southern coast.
• Another week passes at Robert Koehler’s photo blog.

2016 Cine-Vacance Seoul: John Carpenter and Kiyoshi Kurosawa

Cinematheque Seoul Art Cinema’s annual “Cine-Vacance Seoul” features the work of two masters of horror: John Carpenter and Kiyoshi Kurosawa. Among the Carpenter classics to be shown are “The Fog,” “Christine,” “Halloween” and, of course, “Escape from New York.” Cine-Vacance Seoul features many other distinctive films for cinephiles, too.

VENUE: Cinematheque Seoul Art Cinema
PERIOD: Thru Aug. 28
ADMISSION: KRW 8,000 a ticket
MORE INFO: T. 02-741-9782
GETTING THERE: Jongno 3-ga (Line 1, 3, 5), Exit 14

The Paik Nam June Show

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the passing of Paik Nam June, the father of “video art,” the coiner of the term “electronic super highway” and one of Korea’s best known artists internationally. Organized by Gallery Yeh and YG Plus and hosted at Dongdaemun Design PLaza, “The Paik Nam June Show” brings together about 100 of Paik’s masterpieces, arranged in five sections as a means of visual storytelling. Using not only the futuristic beauty of the Dongdaemun Design Plaza itself, but also media that integrates the latest technology, the exhibit delivers an unforgettable, awe-inspiring experience. One of the show’s highlights is “Turtle,” a 10m-wide, 6m-high representation of a turtle composed of 166 television monitors.

VENUE: Dongdaemun Design Plaza
PERIOD: Thru Oct. 30
ADMISSION: KRW 15,000
MORE INFO: www.ddp.or.kr
GETTING THERE: Dongdaemun History & Culture Station 동대문역사문화공원역 (Lines 2, 4 or 5), Exit 1

IP&I Dental Clinic

To say that Dr. Paik Sung Ki of IP&I Dental Clinic lends a personal touch to his establishment would be a significant understatement. “I handle 99.9 percent of everything for our patients of all ages,” he says. “It’s very unique.”

Armed with PhD in ceramic science, Paik is equal parts scientist, artist and doctor, a Renaissance man of all things prosthodontics-related. Where other dental clinics rely on outside technicians to produce reconstructed teeth for patients they’ve never seen before, Paik is able to rebuild perfect smiles through extensive examinations and intensive discussions with patients, consulting with them on their preferences and paying close attention to the details that make each mouth unique. The results are nothing short of works of art.

MORE INFO: www.ipidc.co.kr

Experience Korean Arts and Culture

Korean Culture to the World provides a variety of programs designed to introduce Korean culture to international participants. See this PDF for more information.

Reuters, Our World Now

The world’s first large-scale exhibits of photos by Reuters features over about 400 photos from the global news service’s archives. With branches in 230 cities in 150 nations worldwide, Reuters has been bringing you the world’s most dramatic events since 1851. The organizers are also hosting a series of photo workshops (in Korean) in Hongdae as part of the exhibit.

VENUE: Hangaram Art Museum
PERIOD: Thru. Sept. 25
ADMISSION: KRW 13,000
MORE INFO: T. 02-710-0766
GETTING THERE: Nambu Bus Terminal Station (Line 3), Exit 5. Transfer to shuttle bus, or green bus No. 4429.

Memorial Exhibition of Chun Kyung-ja: The Wind May Blow It Blows Anyway

Chun Kyung-ja was a representative female artist and a great star of the Korean art scene. She established her own world of artworks with her unique figurative style, at a time in the modern Korean art scene that was dominated by abstract art. On August 6, 2015, she eternally passed away, to the unknown world that constantly appears in her works. Chun Kyung-ja once mentioned that she liked the phrase, “life of incompleteness,” implying this progressive condition, because dreams disappear when reaching their completion. Through this exhibition, we expect the audience to find the opportunity to confront challenges and healing by encountering the dreams and fantasies which she pursued without stop, and her creative will to paint original works all the time even in moments of suffering.

VENUE: SeMA Seosomun Museum of Art
PERIOD: Thru Aug. 7
ADMISSION: Free
MORE INFO: http://sema.seoul.go.kr
GETTING THERE: City Hall Station (Lines 1 or 2), Exit 1

Lee JuYong Photographic Studio

Museum of Art presents Lee JuYong Photographic Studio, an exhibition that represents the gradually disappearing photographic studio in the museum space.
Collecting thousands of photographs and cameras over the past 30 years, Lee JuYong considers early photographs as a record of society and culture of the time. He has carried out an archiving project that systematically categorizes the images. Through Lee JuYong’s photography practice that explores time, history, memory, and identity based on the archive, the exhibition attempts to communicate the meaning of portrait photography as an important image since the modern era, and tell stories of the people in the photographs.

VENUE: Buk Seoul Museum of Art
PERIOD: Thru Aug. 15
ADMISSION: Free
MORE INFO: http://sema.seoul.go.kr
GETTING THERE: An eight-minute walk from Hagye Station 하계역 (Line 7), Exit 1

Near our bookshop and office next to Gyeongbokgung Palace. Photo by Robert Koehler of SEOUL.

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 atoz@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 sense@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 marmotshole@gmail.com.

You’ve seen Jeonju during the day. Now experience it at night! The Cultural Heritage Administration’s “Night Walk in Jeonju” event on Aug. 12 features special performances, hands-on programs and, of course, plenty of spectacular nighttime scenery in one of Korea’s most historic cities. See Jeonju Hanok Village, Jeondong Cathedral, Pungnamman Gate, Omokdae and other Jeonju landmarks under the moonlight. Wear loose-fitting clothes, too, because Jeonju has some of the best food in the country.

If you’ve been meaning to visit Jeonju but didn’t have an excuse, this is it.

Enjoy SEOUL on the Go: Download our magazine app for your tablet! (iOS, Android)

Escape Into the Clouds
Valleys, streams and waterfalls around Gapyeong offer precious respite from the summer heat

Secret Valley
The Baeksasil Valley is a healing urban oasis

A miscellany of high-quality hyperlinks from the week, courtesy of SEOUL editor-in-chief Robert Koehler

• Korean soft power is a model worth emulating, says one professor.
• Building inter-Korean trust, one selfie at a time.
• Should Korea be taking in more refugees from Syria?
• Korea’s archers can’t be stopped.
• How to spend the perfect day in Gangnam.
• Cheorwon’s Sambuyeon Waterfall on an early morning.
• The cacti of Jeju.
• The Tancheon Stream as you’ve never seen it before.
• Idyllic scenery in Suncheon.
• Another week passes at Robert Koehler’s photo blog.

2016 Incheon Pentaport Rock Festival

Suede, Nell, Weezer and Panic! at the Disco are some of the top acts headlining this year’s Pentaport Rock Festival. Pentaport started 11 years ago as Korea’s biggest mega-scaled outdoor rock festival. It now has its own, exclusive festival park equipped with a grand stage and green grass where you can enjoy the music in convenience and comfort. Featuring over 100 performers over three days, the Incheon Pentaport Rock Festival is what summer rock festivals are all about. There’s will also be a special stage featuring music by the late Korean folk music star Kim Gwang-seok, who died 20 years ago.

VENUE: Incheon Songdo Pentaport Park
PERIOD: Aug. 12-14
ADMISSION: KRW 123,000-260,000
MORE INFO: pentaportrock.com
GETTING THERE: International Business District Station, Incheon Line 1

Seoul Soul

The biggest names in international and Korean hip hop, soul and R&B gather in Seoul for two days of soul-awakening music. This year’s star-studded lineup boasts Maxwell, The Stylistics, Eric Benet, Tyga, Musiq Soulchild, Robert Glasper and many more. The concert is the first of its kind in Asia.

VENUE: Jamsil Sports Complex
PERIOD: Aug. 13-14
ADMISSION: KRW 143,000-232,000
MORE INFO: T. 02-2240-8809
GETTING THERE: Sports Complex Station (Line 2), Exit 7

4th Seoul Dessert Fair

Experience an incredible range of desserts made by small bakeries and other small dessert businesses at the 4th Seoul Dessert Fair. Check out the beautiful cakes and other baked goods, take part in baking events, and don’t miss the beautiful views of the Hangang River at night from the rooftop garden.

VENUE: Some Sevit
DATE: Aug. 13
ADMISSION: KRW 6,000-12,000
MORE INFO: T. 02-6010-8941
GETTING THERE: Express Bus Terminal Station (Line 9), Exit 8-1

Choi Hyun Woo Magical “The Sherlock”

Magician Choi Hyun-woo, the winner of the Originality Award at the International Federation of Magic Societies’ 2009 World Championship of Magic, the world’s largest magic competition, blends magic with musical theater in “The Sherlock.” The blockbuster show is an interactive experience in which the audience helps Choi gather clues to catch a criminal mastermind. It’s perfect for the entire family, and remember – all the clues are right before your eyes.

VENUE: Kwanglim Arts Center
PERIOD: Thru Aug. 28
ADMISSION: KRW 55,000-88,000
MORE INFO: T. 02-2056-5787
GETTING THERE: Apgujeong Station (Line 3), Exit 5

Seonunsa Temple and an Onggi Potter

Brother Anthony of Taize guides you to beautiful Seonunsa Temple in North Jeolla Province. In springtime Seonunsa is celebrated for the flowering of the forest of native Korean camellias standing just behind it. In September, a special festival celebrates the blossoming of another flower, the Lycoris radiata or red spider lily, which has always bloomed here but has recently been planted in large quantities. On the way back to Seoul, participants will visit the last remaining maker of onggi pottery in a village where Catholics hid and made onggi during the persecutions of the 19th century. An Si-seong is still young and his onggi are brilliant combinations of tradition and innovation.

VENUE: Jeollabuk-do
DATE: Sept. 10
ADMISSION: KRW 69,000-82,800
MORE INFO and GETTING THERE: See this link.

Seoul on a clear August night. Photo by Robert Koehler of SEOUL.

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 atoz@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 sense@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 marmotshole@gmail.com.

Seoul Selection is pleased to announce the release of “Korean Language for Beginners.”

Written by Korean language and history professor Andrea De Benedittis, this book is a complete guide for people who want to learn the Korean language, starting from the very beginning, and learn the alphabet and the correct sounds of vowels, consonants and diphthongs. It was written for people who want an easy but systemic approach to the language. The writer is a non-native speaker who achieved fluency in Korean – he even won a translation award from the Literature Translation Institute of Korea – despite starting from zero. After a few weeks of study, you will start to recognize words, make sentences, and have simple (but miraculous) conversations with other Korean speakers.

COST: KRW 13,900

Enjoy SEOUL on the Go: Download our magazine app for your tablet! (iOS, Android)

A miscellany of high-quality hyperlinks from the week, courtesy of SEOUL editor-in-chief Robert Koehler

• Han Kang talks about winning the Man Booker Prize.
• The scenic and cultural charms of Incheon.
• Love of K-culture is driving people to learn K-language.
• A trio of Korean films is drawing interest at Cannes.
• An old market in Gwangju gets a bit of the hip.
• Beautiful Bongeunsa Temple at night.
• A Haeundae cityscape.
• Rice paddies at sunrise, Gyeongju.
• A train crosses the river.
• Another week passes at Robert Koehler’s photo blog.

Seoul Jazz Festival 2016

In spring, Seoul’s lovely Olympic Park plays host to the city’s preeminent jazz event, featuring performances by top artists from Korea and the rest of the world. This year’s program stars Pat Metheny, Mark Ronson, Esperanza Spalding, the Nat King Cole Tribute, Corinne Bailey Rae, Jason Derulo and much, much more. Get your tickets now while you’ve still got a chance!

VENUE: Olympic Park
DATES: May 28-29
MORE INFO: www.seouljazz.co.kr
ADMISSION: KRW 125,000-220,000
GETTING THERE: Olympic Park Station (Line 5), Exit 3

Seoul Jazz Festival Royal Night Out 2016

The warm-up event for the Seoul Jazz Festival is a must-see show in and of itself. Really a celebration to mark the 10th year of the festival, this night of music features the best-loved acts of previous years, including Irish singer-songwriter Damien Rice, English jazz-pop singer-songwriter Jamie Cullum, Norwegian indie folk-pop duo Kings of Convenience and Dutch pop artist Wouter Hamel.

VENUE: Olympic Park
DATE: May 27
MORE INFO: www.seouljazz.co.kr
ADMISSION: KRW 135,000
GETTING THERE: Olympic Park Station (Line 5), Exit 3

Jeong-dong Culture Night

Jeong-dong Culture Night is a romantic trip back in time. Some 29 spots in the historic Jeong-dong district will be opened to the public at night. Some locations will also host performances and other cultural events. Seoul’s old “legation quarter,” Jeong-dong is home to the magnificent Deoksugung Palace as well as old churches, schools, embassies and other historic buildings. Interpreters are available for international visitors. You can also make use of the Myeong-dong Smart Tour app for your mobile device, which provides travel information in English, Japanese and Chinese.

VENUE: Jeong-dong area, Seoul
DATES: May 27-28
MORE INFO: See this link.
GETTING THERE: City Hall Station (Line 1), Exit 1

Seoul Drum Festival 2016

Seoul Drum Festival (May 27-28), is one of the city’s best loved international celebrations. Marking its 18th year, the festival features a wide range of performances by famous Korean and international drummers and even local amateurs. Jojo Mayer & Nerve, Alexis Von Kraven, Aric Improta, Deantoni Parks, Im Yong-hun Band, Easternmost and DJ Konstanine n Tweed are just some of the acts who will take the stage.

VENUE: Seoul Plaza
PERIOD: May 27-28, 2 PM to 10 PM
MORE INFO: T. 070-5057-2722, www.seouldrum.go.kr
GETTING THERE: City Hall Station (Line 1), Exit 6

RASKB Excursion: Daehangno and Hyehwa-dong, an Architectural Walk

During this excursion of Daehangno and Hyehwa-dong, participants will look at a variety of styles of Korean architecture in the 20th century. The excursion will begin around Marronnier Park, which were Seoul National University and its Japanese colonial forerunner, the Gyeongseong Imperial University were located. Several university buildings built during the colonial period still stand, including the former headquarters building which was designed by Park Kil-yong (1898-1943), a noted Korean architect during the colonial period. The Marronnier Park area is also home to three buildings designed by Kim Swoo-geun (1931-86), Korea’s most famous architect. The buildings have ornate brick work and multi-leveled spaces, which typify Kim’s style in the 1970s…(click here to continue)

VENUE: Daehangno area
DATE: May 28
MORE INFO and GETTING THERE: See this link.
ADMISSION: KRW 20,000 for members, KRW 25,000 for non-members

Sunset over Seoul, seen from Namhansanseong Fortress. Photo by Robert Koehler of SEOUL.

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 atoz@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 sense@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 marmotshole@gmail.com.

The eighth day of the fourth lunar month is the Buddha’s Birthday, when temples nationwide light paper lanterns to symbolically transmit the wisdom and compassion of the Buddha. In Seoul, the holiday is celebrated with the Yeon Deung Hoe (May 6-8), a millennial festival of light that brightens not only the night sky above the city but also the hearts of its participants.

While the celebration features several days of events, the undisputed highlight is the Lotus Lantern Parade (May 7, 7-9:30 PM), a truly awe-inspiring processing of Buddhist-related floats and lotus lantern-toting marchers along Jongno, Seoul’s historic central thoroughfare. Seen from above, it resembles nothing less than the Milky Way or a river of candlelight flowing through the heart of the city.

The procession features many spectacularly designed floats, usually based on a Buddhist theme. Many temples and Buddhist organizations contribute teams of marchers. In recent years, delegations from Sri Lanka, Thailand and other primarily Buddhist nations have taken part as well, a reflection of Seoul’s growing multiculturalism.

MORE INFO: www.llf.or.kr

Enjoy SEOUL on the Go: Download our magazine app for your tablet! (iOS, Android)

A miscellany of high-quality hyperlinks from the week, courtesy of SEOUL editor-in-chief Robert Koehler

• Will culture bring Korea and Iran closer together?
• Even North Koreans might be watching “Descendants of the Sun.”
• The Korean roots of Japan’s folk art movement.
• Designing Korea’s film posters.
• The Great Korean Beer Festival runs through Sunday.
• Gyeongju via smartphone.
• The Milky Way seen from Mt. Hwangmaesan.
• Lanterns lift off in Daegu.
• Korean landscapes by Tony Lee.
• Another week passes at Robert Koehler’s photo blog.

Newsies

Disney Theatrical Productions’ musical “Newsies” makes its Asian premiere at the Chungmu Art Hall stars a young and energetic cast of some of Korea’s rising young theatrical talent. Based on the Newsboys’ Strike of 1899, “Newsies” is a powerful performance that features tap dance, acrobatics and even ballet and stirring tunes such as “Carrying the Banner,” “Seize the Day” and “Santa Fe.” Nominated for eight Tony Awards when it debuted on Broadway in 2012, the show has played over 1,000 times and drawn over 1 million theatergoers.

VENUE: Chungmu Art Hall
PERIOD: Thru July 3
ADMISSION: KRW 50,000-130,000
MORE INFO: T. 02-1588-5212, www.cmah.or.kr
GETTING THERE: Sindang Station (Line 6), Exit 9. Walk 50 m in the direction of the Dongdaemun Design Plaza.

SFS Open House

Seoul Foreign School will be holding an Early Years Ages 2-5 Open House on May 16, 9:30-11:30 AM for prospective parents interested in enrollment for August 2016. There will be an opportunity for parents to tour the campus, visit classrooms and meet with admissions personnel to ask questions and learn more about the wonderful programs SFS offers.

DATE: May 16
MORE INFO: T. 02-2301-3121, www.seoulforeign.org

The Paranoid Zone

National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Korea (MMCA) is pleased to present The Paranoid Zone, a collaborative project by a group of mid-career artists active in the fields of music, film, performance, and stage design. The Paranoid Zone explores the layers of the world of paranoia, a delusional disorder or delusion itself. A delusional disorder manifests itself most prominently in the form of conspiracy theory in today’s society, as evident in the discussions of conspiracy of financial institutions and extraterrestrial existence, and so forth. The Paranoid Zone interweaves the settings and conditions for an immersive environment that stimulates the visual, auditory, and tactile senses to evoke memories and generate new experiences. The exhibition space is divided into four zones, each presenting a particular scene. At the same time, each zone is based on an open-ended narrative where consistency and disjunction intercross ad infinitum. The viewers will experience a surging psychological dissonance through their bodies that move in defiance of the familiar.

VENUE: National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Seoul
PERIOD: Thru July 17
ADMISSION: KRW 4,000
MORE INFO: T. 02-3701-9500
GETTING THERE: Anguk Station (Line 3), Exit 1

Strolling Along the Baekdudaegan

Korean painter Moon Bong-sun’s 150-meter wide masterpiece “The Beautiful Landscape of Korea as a Painting” is on display at the DDP Design Pathway. The traditional ink and wash painting depicts the entire Baekdudaegan, Korea’s mountainous spine, from Mt. Jirisan to Mt. Baekdusan’s Lake of Heaven. You can enjoy it as you stroll the pathway, or you can take in while reclining – as Korean landscape paintings were meant to be enjoyed – on special chairs designed by noted furniture designer Ha Jihoon.

VENUE: Dongdaemun Design Plaza
PERIOD: Thru May 29
ADMISSION: KRW 4,000
MORE INFO: T. 02-2153-0000
GETTING THERE: Dongdaemun History and Culture Park Station (Lines 2, 4, and 5), Exit 1

Enchanted the Seven Dwarfs

The Seoul Metropolitan Musical Theatre, which has presented quality performances for children and their families every year, delights audiences during Family Month with “Dwarfs under a Spell.” It originates from an interesting imagining of the seven dwarfs from the Brothers Grimm’s originally being knights but who were transformed into dwarfs under a spell of an evil witch. This fantastic and well-made children’s musical, with the participation of the nation’s best staff, including producer Kim Deok-nam and writer Yoon Hye-jeong, is highly anticipated.

VENUE: Sejong Center for the Performing Arts
PERIOD: Thru May 22
ADMISSION: KRW 22,000-50,000
MORE INFO: T. 02-399-1772
GETTING THERE: Gwanghwamun Station (Line 5), Exit 1 or 8

Cat Zorba, a Family Musical

In 1347 during the Middle Ages, Sparky, the rat king, spreads a false rumor that cats are transmitting the plague to eliminate cats from the human world. As humans begin massacring the cats, survivers form their own cat kingdom, Ieper. One day, a cat named MiMi arrives from the human world. MiMi came here to find her lost child, Luna. Through MiMi, the detective and math genius Zorba comes to know that Pita, a royal magician, is plotting to completely shut the Moon Road, the only route connecting Ieper to the human world. Will Zorba and Mimi be able to solve the magic puzzle before Luna is sacrificed and save the kingdom of Ieper?

VENUE: Theater Yong, National Museum of Korea
PERIOD: Thru May 29
ADMISSION: KRW 35,000-55,000
MORE INFO: T. 1577-3363
GETTING THERE: Take the underpass at Ichon Station (Jungang Line, Line 4).

Color and Pageantry in Seoul’s Temples on Buddha’s Birthday

In celebration of Buddha’s birthday the RAS-KB will be visiting several different temples and shrines in Seoul. The first stop will be Bomunsa, headquarters of the Bomun Order, the only order of female monks in the world and Mitasa. Next, you will visit Gaeunsa, Botasa and Chilsongam Hermitage to see its white Buddha, a fifteen-foot tall relief carved in rock. From this temple we will continue on to Bongwonsa to observe the monks there perform several traditional ritual dances. With their slow rhythm and movement, these unique dances differ from other celebratory dances.

VENUE: Seoul
DATE: May 14
COST: KRW 39,000-46,000
MORE INFO and GETTING THERE: See this link.

Sunset over the Imjingang River, seen from Imjingak. Beyond the river lies the civilian exclusion zone, the DMZ and North Korea. iPhone snap by Robert Koehler of Seoul Selection.

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 atoz@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 sense@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 marmotshole@gmail.com.

May is the month of the family, so why not celebrate with a copy of the May issue of SEOUL, Seoul Selection’s monthly travel and culture magazine. In this issue, we explore the artistically gritty Mullae-dong district, head to the green fields of Anseong (a family travel destination if there ever was one), enjoy some good Southern BBQ, do some second-hand shopping, and much, much more.

And of course, there’s our Goings On Around Town section, your guide to the month’s concerts, exhibits, festivals and other events.

Enjoy SEOUL on the Go: Download our magazine app for your tablet! (iOS, Android)

City of Art and Industry
In Mullae-dong, culture thrives in a gritty, urban atmosphere of creativity

Pastoral Elation
Anseong enchants with rolling hills, steaming lakes and unbroken traditions

A miscellany of high-quality hyperlinks from the week, courtesy of SEOUL editor-in-chief Robert Koehler

• The Wall Street Journal looks at StarCraft, Korea’s unofficial national sport.
• Of course, not all is well in the StarCraft world.
• Great, Everland now has pandas.
• Might the Lotte Tower indicate the limitations of Korean industry?
• At home in the Korean-style residence of the American ambassador in Seoul.
• Hanbok and spring blossoms at Changgyeonggung Palace.
• Morning at Upo Wetland.
• Night sky above Gyeongju.
• Tulips, tulips and more tulips in Paju.
• Another week passes at Robert Koehler’s photo blog.

9th bbb International Friends Day

The one and only language-culture NGO, BBB Korea, holds the 9th IFD(International Friends Day) on Apr. 30 at Seoul Grand Park, Gwacheon. With this year’s concept, “bbb wonderful day”, BBB invites locals, foreigners, volunteers and anyone who wants to participate. Participants will have the opportunity to run (bbb run together marathon), paint (Heart & Communication Children’s Painting festival), feel (bbb wonderful music concert) and enjoy (various booths).

VENUE: Seoul Grand Park, Gwacheon
DATE: April 30
MORE INFO: www.bbbkorea.org
ADMISSION: KRW 20,000
GETTING THERE: Seoul Grand Park Station (Line 4), Exit 1-3

Andrea Bocelli Concert in Seoul

The Italian tenor who practically created the “popera” genre is sure to mesmerize audiences during his upcoming performance at Seoul’s Olympic Park. A frequent collaborator with some of the greatest directors, orchestras and vocalists in the world, Bocelli has released about 20 albums in his 30-year-career. His 1996 song “Time to Say Goodbye,” performed with Sarah Brightman, became a global hit and cemented the signer, who is legally blind, as an international star. He will be singing with the Prime Philharmonic Orchestra under the direction of Eugene Kohn.

VENUE: Olympic Park Gymnastics Gymnasium
DATE: May 1
MORE INFO: T. 02-410-1114
ADMISSION: KRW 115,000-290,000
GETTING THERE: Olympic Park Station (Line 5), Exit 3

Newsies

Disney Theatrical Productions’ musical “Newsies” makes its Asian premier at the Chungmu Art Hall stars a young and energetic cast of some of Korea’s rising young theatrical talent. Based on the Newsboys’ Strike of 1899, “Newsies” is a powerful performance that features tap dance, acrobatics and even ballet and stirring tunes such as “Carrying the Banner,” “Seize the Day” and “Santa Fe.” Nominated for eight Tony Awards when it debuted on Broadway in 2012, the show has played over 1,000 times and drawn over 1 million theatergoers.

VENUE: Chungmu Art Hall
PERIOD: Thru July 3
MORE INFO: T. 02-1588-5212, www.cmah.or.kr
ADMISSION: KRW 50,000-130,000
GETTING THERE: Sindang Station (Line 6), Exit 9. Walk 50 m in the direction of the Dongdaemun Design Plaza.

Unswallowable

This exhibition, part of the Doosan Humanities Theater project, offers the opportunity to see how artists recognize reality as an individual, and how they are able to capture the universal human adventure through their works that reflect each of the artists’ own adventures in this society. On display are works by Gwangsoo Park, Hye Jeong Cho & Sook Hyun Kim, Hyein Lee and Limbai-jihee. Doosan Humanities Theater is a site of exchange for scientific, artistic and multidisciplinary exploration into human and nature. The theme for this year is New Imagination on the Extended Territory.

VENUE: Doosan Gallery
PERIOD: Thru May 21
MORE INFO: www.doosangallery.com
ADMISSION: Free
GETTING THERE: Jongno 5-ga Station (Line 1), Exit 1

Imperial Palace Seoul: Buffet Restaurant “Familia” Grand Open

Imperial Palace Seoul Hotel today announced that the Buffet Restaurant “Familia,” with its 27 years of history, opens on April 27 after an extensive, three-month renewal process. Signature dishes such as the Buddha’s Temptation (seafood soup), pane pasta, cold raw fish noodle soup and more are to be presented and enjoyed as a la carte items. The seven live stations create a premium fine dining ambiance.

The Buffet Familia is planning special events for the upcoming May family month. On May 5, for Children’s Day, one child receives a complimentary meal when visiting with a three-generation family. On May 8, for Parents’ Day, one adult eats for free. Face painting, a clown performance, coloring activities and more are also planned on Children’s Day.

The price for the weekday lunch is KRW 65,000, while weekend lunch is KRW 78,000. Weekday and weekend dinners are KRW 88,000, and the wine dinner is KRW 95,000. Tax and service charges included.

MORE INFO: Call T. 02-3440-8000 or visit www.imperialpalace.co.kr.

RAS-KB: The Spirit of Gwangju

The queen of southwest Korea, the city of Gwangju has a long and proud history of arts and culture political activism. In modern history, it is best known for the Gwangju Democratic Movement of May 1980, when a popular uprising briefly rested control of the city from the forces of Korea’s ruling military dictatorship before government troops brutally retook the town.

In this excursion, we will explore some of Gwangju’s early modern and modern historical sites.

VENUE: Gwangju
DATE: May 8
ADMISSION: KRW 60,000 for members, KRW 72,000 for non-members
GETTING THERE and MORE INFO: See this link.

LED-lit streets of Jongno on a rainy night. Photo by Robert Koehler of SEOUL.

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 atoz@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 sense@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 marmotshole@gmail.com.

Seoul Selection is happy to announce the release of “The Silk Road Encyclopedia.”

Since the concept of the Silk Road as an avenue of inter-civilizational exchange emerged more than 130 years ago, scholars from both Eastern and Western societies have conducted persistent research to advance the field. Still, however, not nearly enough research has been conducted, and scholars present conflicting theories.

This book, written and compiled by Jeong Su-il, a prominent Silk Road expert of South Korea, aims to rectify the common misconception of the Silk Road being a simple trade route and shed light on the aspect of an interconnected global circuit of inter-civilizational exchange. The more than 2,000 entries in this encyclopedia explore all the exchanges that occurred between civilizations as a direct result of the Silk Road, showing artifacts and written records to track the paths of such exchange along the Silk Road and its neighboring regions. To write this book, the author has consulted a wide range of material, including overseas texts concerning Silk Road civilizations, world-renowned travelogues, and data extracted from on-site studies.

Price: KRW 150,000

Enjoy SEOUL on the Go: Download our magazine app for your tablet! (iOS, Android)

The Fashionable Crowd
Meet the expats making waves in Korea’s fast-moving fashion industry

Lighting Up the World with Wisdom and Happiness
One of Korea’s most popular celebrations, the Yeon Deung Hoe (Lotus Lantern Festival) brightens the soul with not only paper lanterns, but community spirit

A miscellany of high-quality hyperlinks from the week, courtesy of SEOUL editor-in-chief Robert Koehler

• Might Conan O’Brien have exposed a culture gap between Koreans and Korean-Americans?
• Could Mt. Baekdusan be ready to go?
• Bears on two legs. What’s this world coming to?
• Gyeongbokgung and Changgyeonggung will be opening up at night soon.
• The Hanbok is enjoying a revival.
• Lots of sansuyu in Gurye.
• Baekdusan’s Lake of Heaven.
• Fields of azalea in Geojedo.
• Lots of azaleas in Gimpo, too.
• Another week passes at Robert Koehler’s photo blog.

Hyundai Card Curated 22: The Winery Dogs

Come hear American rock band The Winery Dogs in the comfy confines of the 450-person Hyundai Card Understage. Formed in 2012, the supergroup is composed of Dream Theater drummer Mike Portnoy, Mr. Big bassist Billy Sheehan and prolific guitarist and vocalist Richie Kotzen. Their second album, “Hot Streak,” released last December, hit No. 2 on the US Billboard Top Modern Rock/Alternative Albums and No. 30 on Japan’s Oricon weekly chart, where hard rock songs are a rarity. During this performance, part of a tour to mark the release of “Hot Streak,” many Korean fans will be hearing hit songs such as “Oblivion” and “Elevate” for the first time.

VENUE: Hyundai Card Understage
DATE: Apr. 23
MORE INFO: T. 02-331-6301
ADMISSION: KRW 132,000
GETTING THERE: Hangangjin Station (Line 6), Exit 3

Dead Dog in a Suitcase

Based on the Beggar’s Opera, John Gay’s classic musical satire, Dead Dog in a Suitcase (and other love songs) is busting with wit, wonder and weirdness. An extraordinary Kneehigh cast of actor musicians shoot, hoot and shimmy their way through this twisted morality tale of our times…by turns shocking, hilarious, heartfelt and absurd.

The gorgeous and powerful live score combines trip hop and folk, Renaissance polyphony and psychedelia, and ska, grime and dubstep, echoing Gay’s original by plundering the sounds of our times.

VENUE: LG Arts Center
PERIOD: Apr. 21-24
MORE INFO: T. 02-2005-0114
ADMISSION: KRW 40,000-80,000
GETTING THERE: Yeoksam Station (Line 2), Exit 7

Geumsugungga

This modern rendition of the pansori classic “Sugungga” breaks away from the one-singer tradition to feature trio work and a variety of theatrical effects. Kim Myung-gon, the star of the hit Korean film “Seopyeonje” and former minister of culture, wrote the script and performs as one of the singers.

VENUE: Namsangol Hanok Village
PERIOD: May 19-20
MORE INFO: T. 070-7730-0406
ADMISSION: KRW 30,000
GETTING THERE: Chungmuro Station (Line 3 or 4), Exit 3

100 Years of Korean Film in Photos

The Korean Film Archive is hosting a photo exhibit celebrating a century of Korean cinema at Seoul Plaza next to Seoul City Hall. Korea is an undisputed film superpower – the Korean film industry enjoys the seventh highest sales total in the world, and Koreans are the biggest moviegoers in the world per capita – but many of Korea’s film classics are still relatively unknown to the general public. This photo exhibit is an opportunity for lovers of cinema to survey the development of Korean film.

VENUE: Seoul Plaza
PERIOD: Thru April 23
MORE INFO: T. 02-3153-2053
GETTING THERE: City Hall Station (Line 1, 2)

“Game”

In British playwright Mike Bartlett’s recent drama, “Game,” a young couple who are unable to afford a home of their own are offered the chance to live in the house of their dreams, but with one condition – paying customers, hiding behind one-way see-through walls, can watch them even in their most intimate moments, and occasionally shoot them with tranquilliser darts. The Financial Times called it “a knockout.” This Korean production is directed by award-winning director Jeon In-cheol.

VENUE: Doosan Art Center’s Space111
PERIOD: Thru May 15
MORE INFO: T. 02-708-5001
ADMISSION: KRW 10,000-30,000
GETTING THERE: See this link.

Franz Harary’s ‘Grand Illusion’

Internationally acclaimed American illusionist Franz Harary brings his show to Korea for the first time ever. The man who once made the Space Shuttle appear to disappear on TV will put on his greatest stage spectacle yet. In addition to being a record-breaking illusionist who packs stadiums throughout the world and a recognized TV personality, Harary is also a much sought-after effects designer for some of rock and pop’s biggest stars.

VENUE: Jangchung Gymnasium
PERIOD: Tru April 27
MORE INFO: T. 1577-3363
ADMISSION: KRW 55,000-99,000
GETTING THERE: Dongguk University Station (Line 3), Exit 5

RAS-KB: Magnolias, Rias and Sunsets: Chollipo Arboretum and Taean National Park

Every year, the RAS takes a one-day excursion to Chollipo Arboretum. This year will be no different, but in addition to the arboretum, participants will also try to take in some of the other scenic spots of Taean Peninsula, one of Korea’s most beautiful districts.

VENUE: Taean, Chungcheongnam-do
DATE: April 23
ADMISSION: KRW 63,000 for members, KRW 75,000 for non-members
GETTING THERE and MORE INFO: See this link.

Crosswalk on Jongno at sunset. Photo by Robert Koehler of SEOUL.

Seoul Selection’s Free Book Giveaway – Our free book give-away continues! Check out the list in last week’s newsletter here.

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 atoz@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 pubco@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 english@seoulselection.com.

Han Kang’s critically acclaimed novel “The Vegetarian,” one of the nominees for the 2016 Man Booker International Prize, is now available at Seoul Selection Bookshop (right next to Gyeongbokgung Palace).

About the book:

Before the nightmares began, Yeong-hye and her husband lived an ordinary, controlled life. But the dreams – invasive images of blood and brutality – torture her, driving Yeong-hye to purge her mind and renounce eating meat altogether. It’s a small act of independence, but it interrupts her marriage and sets into motion an increasingly grotesque chain of events at home. As her husband, her brother-in-law and sister each fight to reassert their control, Yeong-hye obsessively defends the choice that’s become sacred to her. Soon their attempts turn desperate, subjecting first her mind, and then her body, to ever more intrusive and perverse violations, sending Yeong-hye spiraling into a dangerous, bizarre estrangement, not only from those closest to her, but also from herself.

Celebrated by critics around the world, The Vegetarian is a darkly allegorical, Kafka-esque tale of power, obsession, and one woman’s struggle to break free from the violence both without and within her.

Read more about the book at the New York Times and Slate.

Price: KRW 22,000

SEOUL April Issue Out
Mangwon-dong, Yeoncheon and upscale dining

You know what makes the perfect accessory for your spring outing? A colorful, artisanally crafted copy of SEOUL, Seoul Selection’s monthly travel and culture magazine. In the April issue, we explore the cozy Mangwon-dong district, walk about the rugged outdoor beauty of Yeonchon, enjoy some fine Korean dining, and much, much more.

And don’t forget our Goings On Around Town, your roundup of the month’s top concerts, exhibits and events.

Map Banner Special Event

From December, SEOUL Magazine will be offering banner space in our magazine’s Maps & Guides section for the low, low price of KRW 50,000 a month. International visitors and expats make great use of our maps, which include detailed information about Gwanghwamun, Samcheong-dong, Itaewon, Dongdaemun, Hongdae, Gangnam and other tourist destinations. Our packages begin from three months (KRW 150,000, VAT not included). We can also promote your establishments via SNS as well, so please, send your inquiries to sense@seoulselection.com.
website: https://magazine.seoulselection.com
Instagram: @seoul_magazine

Enjoy SEOUL on the Go: Download our magazine app for your tablet! (iOS, Android)

Mangwon-dong
Relaxed off-Hongdae neighborhood fends off gentrification to maintain sense of community

Rough Beauty
The rugged volcanic landscape of Yeoncheon possesses a prehistoric magic

A miscellany of high-quality hyperlinks from the week, courtesy of SEOUL editor-in-chief Robert Koehler

• Zaha Hadid, the architect of Dongdaemun Design Plaza, has passed away.
• The New York Times profiles… jajangmyeon, that Black Day favorite.
• The Dilkusha, home of American journalist Albert Taylor, is finally getting recognition.
• The Korean Wave comes to Myanmar.
• Are Koreans becoming more prone to rage?
• The wild flowers of the Donggang River.
• Green tea fields of Hadong.
• Gyeongju’s Daereungwon in spring.
• The spring blossoms of Ilsan Lake Park.
• Another week passes at Robert Koehler’s photo blog.

Yeongdeungpo Yeouido Spring Flower Festival

Yeouido’s famous cherry blossoms announce arrival of spring in Seoul. During the Yeongdeungpo Yeouido Spring Flower Festival, a feast of spring will unfold against the wide open Hangang River as 13 types of 87,859 spring flowers come into full bloom, such as azaleas, forsythias, royal azaleas, bridal wreaths and deutzia. For an even more romantic experience, go at night, when the cherry blossoms are all lit up.

VENUE: Yeouido Park and the Yeouiseo-ro
PERIOD: April 4-10
MORE INFO: T. 02-2670-3114
ADMISSION: Free
GETTING THERE: National Assembly Station (Line 9), Exit 1

Shinhan International Financial Center

Shinhan Financial Group’s recently opened Shinhan International Financial Center in Gwanghwamun provides comprehensive financial services for international customers and foreign-invested companies in all areas including personal banking, corporate banking and wealth management.

MORE INFO: T. 02-2151-2886
GETTING THERE: Located on the 1st floor of the Seoul Finance Center in Gwanghwamun. City Hall Station (Line 1 or 2)

“Game”

In British playwright Mike Bartlett’s recent drama, “Game,” a young couple who are unable to afford a home of their own are offered the chance to live in the house of their dreams, but with one condition – paying customers, hiding behind one-way see-through walls, can watch them even in their most intimate moments, and occassionally shoot them with tranquilliser darts. The Financial Times called it “a knockout.” This Korean production is directed by award-winning director Jeon In-cheol.

VENUE: Doosan Art Center’s Space111
PERIOD: April 12-May 15
MORE INFO: T. 02-708-5001
ADMISSION: KRW 10,000-30,000
GETTING THERE: See this link.

D Museum: Gam:Sang (Imagine with the senses)

A Korean word for “appreciation”, the D Museum‘s “Gam-Sang” program aims to offer new experiences of exhibitions through appreciation at a deeper level. Conversations and discussions with educators and docents, plus creative activities including multi-sensory observation, writing and photography, allow a multi-faceted approach to appreciating artworks. Developed for groups of 10 or more adults or teenagers, this program can be reserved on the museum website or by telephone.

Eligibility: Groups of 10 or more adults or teenagers
Date/time: During regular museum hours (time to be confirmed after consultation with an educator)
Eligibility: Individual adults (program conducted in Korean)
Date/time: Every Wednesday, 10:30-11:30 (program runs only when five or more individuals reserve.)

MORE INFO: Call at 070-7124-1777 or email at amelia2506@naver.com.
GETTING THERE: Exit 4 of Achasan Station (Line 5)

Coffee Expo Seoul 2016

Coffee Expo Seoul, one of the best coffee exhibitions in Korea, will be holding its biggest year on record this April 14 to 17. Doubling the size of last year’s show, which saw more than 33,000 visitors, Coffee Expo Seoul 2016 will be expanding to use both COEX’s halls A and B. The show will once again be co-organized by COEX and the Korea Coffee Association.
Brazil will be featured as the Coffee Expo Guest Country this year, repeating the success of last year’s program which hosted Colombia, one of the top coffee producers in the world. At the marketing stage, Colombian coffee experts educated Coffee Expo Seoul 2015 visitors about food pairings using six different Colombian coffee regions. Brazil will be featuring a number of cultural products related to the coffee industry at this year’s show.

VENUE: COEX Halls A and B
PERIOD: April 14-17
MORE INFO: coffeeexposeoul.com
GETTING THERE: Samseong Station (Line 2)

The Three Musketeers: The Musical

Alexandre Dumas’s novel debuted as a musical in Korea in 2009. Since them, it has been seen by 400,000 fans, enjoying commercial success in not only Korea, but also in Japan, where the Korean production was a major hit. In 2016, it returns to the stage with a new cast and a new energy, but with the same music by Bryan Adams and Michal David, including the theme song, “All For Love.” The lead character of d’Artagnan will be played by one of four different actors: Kai, Park Hyung-sik, CNU and Sandeul.

VENUE: D Cube Art Center
PERIOD: Apr. 1-26
MORE INFO: T. 02-2211-3000
ADMISSION: KRW 60,000-130,000
GETTING THERE: Sindorim Station (Line 1 or 2), Exit 1

RAS-KB Excursion: The Imjin River: “The Korean War’s Thermopylae”

On 22nd April 1951, the greatest offensive of the Korean War was unleashed: A third of a million communist bayonets surged south. Their key breakthrough point was the Imjin River. Here, for three nights, a brigade fought an army. Then, in a death ride down an enfiladed valley, survivors fought free, but for one battalion, it was too late. The 1st Glosters – cut off and surrounded on an isolated hil – were wiped out in a tragedy that has passed from history into legend.

So immense was this struggle, it was later dubbed “The Armageddon North of Seoul.” The story of a band of outnumbered men, holding a key pass through the hills before being overwhelmed after a last stand, has been compared to Thermopylae, and US general and 8th Army commander James Van Fleet called the Glosters’ action, “The greatest example of unit bravery in modern warfare.”

RAS Council Member Andrew Salmon, author of the double award-winning “To the Last Round: The Epic British Stand on the Imjin River, Korea, 1951” will be your guide. He will brief you on both the tactical and strategic pictures, presenting maps, photographs and paintings, as he reveals what it was like to fight China’s awesome “human wave.”

VENUE: Paju, Gyeonggi-do
DATE: Apr. 9
COST: KRW 60,000 for members, KRW 72,000 for non-members
MORE INFO and GETTING THERE: See this link.

Spring colors of Changdeokgung Palace. Photo by Robert Koehler of SEOUL

Seoul Selection’s Free Book Giveaway – Our free book give-away continues! Check out the list in last week’s newsletter here.

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 atoz@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 pubco@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 english@seoulselection.com.