July 2, 2013 / Issue No. 587

The National Museum of Korea stages the Art from the Islamic Civilization exhibition, presenting 367 masterpieces carefully selected from the high-profile al-Sabah Collection. The show is divided into two parts. The first is focused on the characteristic elements of Islamic art arranged in time sequence from the 8th to 18th centuries. The second part guides viewers through quintessential elements of Islamic art as expressed by calligraphy, various arabesque and geometrical patterns, and s a selection of luxurious jewelry.

VENUE: National Museum of Korea

PERIOD: Jul 2–Oct 20

ADMISSION: KRW 12,000

MORE INFO: T. 02-541-3173, www.islam2013.com

GETTING THERE: Take the underpass at Ichon Station 이촌역 (Jungang Line, Line 4).

Around the Web

– Hollywood’s forgotten war.

– North Korean beer has its fans.

– Seaweed—it’s good for you.

– Golfer Park In-bee goes after history.

– Traditional markets are shopping for customers.

– Relive last month’s supermoon.

– If you do get a chance, pop by Jikjisa Temple in Gimcheon.

– A very Samseong-dong summer.

– Everybody likes cute Korean finger cakes.

– Korea through reflections.

Events

TV to the big screen to the stage—now “High School Musical” finally lands in Korea. In a sense, a modern retelling of “Romeo & Juliet,” the Korean version of “High School Musical” will feature performances by Korean pop icons like Ryeo Wook of Super Junior, Jae-jin from FT Island, Luna from f(x), Cho-ah from AOA, Sunday from Cheon Sang Ji Hee The Grace,” and Lindsey from Fiesta.

VENUE: Blue Square

PERIOD: Jul 2–Sep 1

ADMISSION: KRW 60,000–120,000, tickets: http://ticket.interpark.com/global

MORE INFO: www.bluesquare.kr

GETTING THERE: Hangangjin Station 한강진역 (Line 6), Exit 2

Seattle-based hip-hop collective Shabazz Palaces come to Seoul. Led by rapper Ishmael Butler and drummer Tendai Maraire (son of Zimbabwe music legend Dumisani Maraire), Shabazz Palaces blends hip-hop with a distinctive Seattle sound.

This seminar will bring together speakers of English living in Korea to talk about current environmental issues in Korea and their larger implications for the world. The discussion will also touch on major issues that the Korean Federation for the Environment Movement is currently involved in such as the Four Rivers Project and ecological approaches to city planning.

VENUE: KFEM Headquarters

DATE: Jul 6, 7pm–8:30pm

MORE INFO: T. 02-3444-1598, www.asia-institute.org

GETTING THERE: See this map.

The FKCCI is delighted to announce the upcoming FKCCI Bastille Day to be held on Friday, July 12th, at the newly renovated Grand Ballroom of the Grand Ambassador Seoul. This event will be organized by FKCCI with the support of the French Embassy. It will be a festive evening consisting of French music, French food & wine, including Champagne and cheese for you to enjoy in an authentic French atmosphere. There will also be a chance to win quality prizes during the Lucky Draw.

VENUE: Grand Ambassador Seoul, Grand Ballroom

DATE: June 12

ADMISSION: KRW 40,000 (10% VAT included). RSVP by July 11, 6:00 pm.

MORE INFO: See here.

Horses, archers, wrestlers, steppes, deserts, ancient ruins, monasteries and more await you on this exciting excursion. RAS is offering this overseas excursion after a hiatus of several years. It is timed to coincide with Mongolia’s National Day and the opening of the main Naadam festival. This is a unique opportunity to discover a beautiful country whose history has been closely linked with that of Korea for centuries past.

VENUE: Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

PERIOD: June 9–14

COST: KRW 2,500,000 for RASKB members; KRW 2,650,000 for non-members

MORE INFO: See this link.

GETTING THERE: See link above.

Everyday Koreans

Sunset over Mt. Namsan. Photo by Robert Koehler.

Notifications

Seoul Selection via Ingram – Seoul Selection now has a direct wholesale distribution agreement with Ingram Book Group, the world’s largest wholesale distributor of publisher content. By choosing to allow Ingram to represent our material, we have opened our titles to a wider audience. Our titles will be available for order through Ingram at more than 35,000 distribution channels worldwide. Ask your local bookstore to have Seoul Selection titles available!

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 (July 2013)

Buy Books at Seoul Selection’s ONLINE Bookshop!

Korea Through Her Birds

Night and Day

Escape from North Korea: The Untold Story of Asia’s Underground Railroad

Korea Style (Paperback)

Active Korean Workbook 3

South Korean Golden Age Melodrama: Gender, Genre, and National Cinema

The Man Who Was Left as Nine Pairs of Shoes

Family Mart

Marrying the Mafia 5 – Return of the Family

The Etudes of Love

School 2013

Asako In Ruby Shoes