July 24, 2013 / Issue No. 590

Rain got you down? Well, fret no more—the August issue of SEOUL, Seoul Selection’s montly travel and culture magazine, is out in stores right now!

In this issue of SEOUL, we get some great travel recommendations from some of Seoul’s top bloggers, wander off to Pocheon to relax amidst its beautiful valleys, talk with Korean punk granddaddies Crying Nut, and much, much more.

Around the Web

– North Korean spies: the new heroes of Korean cinema?

– Soaking in history on the Jirisan trail.

– Korea’s five-flower hotel rating system is having trouble.

– Is Korea loosing its Kimchi sovereignty to China?

– Are pre-marital pregnancies the new “in” thing?

– Dales goes to Sambulsa Temple.

– Gyeongju’s Cheomseongdae in the rain.

– The QiRanger breaks down Korean excercise equipment.

– What to do around Sangwangsimni Station.

– Yours Truly has been hanging around the Hangang River lately.

Events

The Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Korea Foundation present the 2013 Cuban Culture and Arts Festival. Under the theme “The Passion of Caribe, Enjoy Cuba!,” the festival serves as a precious opportunity to appreciate the cultural richness of Cuba. Performers include Buena Fe, Habana Compas Dance, and Cesar Lopez & Habana Ensemble.

VENUE: Yongsan At Hall and Hankuk University of Foreign Studies

PERIOD: Aug 2—5

MORE INFO: www.cubafestival.kr

BOOMBAP TROHH KOREA- Biggest Hiphop x Dubstep festival in Korea presents a very special exhibition this weekend. Some 16 artists will express their own concept of “P” on the Poster. Food and beverage will be served.

Brands: Matter & Matter, STEREO, MAGIC STRAWBERRY SOUND

Artists: GFX, HELLDOG, KOVELEE, AMUGAE PARK, ANDY KHUN, OKEH, JUNGSAENANSEUL, RDRDRDRD, KIMHEESU, TAIWON, DOLGORAE YOUGOIDAN, BOY by BOY, BAYONE

VENUE: Matter & Matter, #369-25, Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea. 121-893

DATES: July 27, 28 (noon—9 pm)

ADMISSION: Free

MORE INFO: www.boombaptrohh.com

Former Broadway star Sarah Brightman has kicked off her 2013 Dreamchaser world tour, with a Korean leg beginning on July 21 in Busan and moving to Seoul on July 26. Brightman, who starred as “Christine” in the original production Phantom of the Opera, is now taking on a solo album and tour. Her new album, also titled Dreamchaser, is her eleventh studio album. It is Brightman’s first collaboration with producer Mike Hedges. The British crossover soprano will be the first recording artist to make a trip into space, planned for 2015.

VENUE: Gymnasium No. 1, Olympic Park

DATE: Jul 26, 8pm

ADMISSION: KRW 99,000–165,000

MORE INFO: T. 02-3141-3488

Tickets: http://ticket.interpark.com/global

GETTING THERE: Olympic Park Station 올림픽공원역 (Line 5), Exit 3

The Ansan Valley Rock Festival 2013 is ready to take the republic by storm, featuring global rock emperors and mind-boggling local indie bands during its three-day run from July 26–28. The international lineup includes Cure, Skrillex, NIN, The xx, FOALS, Vampire Weekend, Fun, Hurts, Polyphonic Spree, DIIV, Coheed & Cambria, and Yellowcard. Lately, Stereophonics, My Bloody Valentine, and celebrated guitarist Steve Vai have thrown their hat in the ring. Formerly featured in the remote town of Jisan, the Valley Rock Festival has moved its venue this year to Daebudo Island in Ansan, southwest of Seoul.

VENUE: Daebu Sea Breeze Theme Park, Ansan-si, Gyeonggi-do

PERIOD: July 26–28

ADMISSION: 3-day pass: KRW 260,000

Tickets: http://ticket.interpark.com/global

MORE INFO: T. 1588-0688

http://valleyrockfestival.com

GETTING THERE: Ansan Station 안산역 (Line 4), Exit 1

Korea’s biggest hip hop festival features a lineup of Busta Rhymes, The Game, Tha Dogg Pound and Ray J.

VENUE: KINTEX

PERIOD: Jul 27–28, 5pm–10:30pm

ADMISSION: 2-day pass: KRW 108,000

GETTING THERE: Daehwa Station 대화역 (Line 3), Exit 3.

Everyday Koreans

Notifications

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

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

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

SEOUL (August 2013)

Buy Books at Seoul Selection’s ONLINE Bookshop!

Into This World

Miracle in Cell No.7

The Guest

The Beetle Map: Templestay

The Red Room: Stories of Trauma in Contemporary Korea

Practical Korean: Your Guide to Speaking Korean Quickly and Effortlessly in a Few Hours

韓國語と 韓國文化

The Berlin File

Good Friends

Bittersweet Joke

Hur Jin Ho Director’s Collection

Nobody’s Daughter Haewon