June 18, 2013 / Issue No. 585

Bibliophiles, rejoice! Pop by the COEX this week to check out Seoul International Book Fair 2013, Korea’s biggest celebration of all things book. This year’s nation of honor is India, while the “culture focus” will be on Canada.

Seoul Selection will be in attendance, of course. Stop by Booth K29 and say hello—we’ll have 78 Korean-language and English-language books on display, which you can purchase at 20% discounts. We’ll also be handing out a couple of titles for free, too, including “Minifiction” (Korean, 2005), “Seeweed and Shamans” (Korean, 2007), and “Poems for Planting Love: A Collection of Poems and Artwork by Children with Disabilities” (2008, Korean and English).

VENUE: COEX A, B Hall

PERIOD: June 19—23 (Wed~Sun)

ADMISSION: 3,000 won

MORE INFO: http://sibf.or.kr

GETTING THERE: Samsung Station, Line 2

Around the Web

– Miranda Kerr Instagrams Korea.

– Psy’s tourism campaign has got some confused.

– Does Korea’s corporate culture breed alcoholism in Korea?

– Old coal mines are being turned into art galleries.

– Seo Tae-ji is getting a year-long exhibition.

– Dale goes to Daegu’s Pagyesa Temple.

– An afternoon at Seoul’s Noeul Park.

– Mt. Namsan seen from Noksapyeong Station.

– Beautiful cloudy landscape seen from Guksabong Peak in Imsil.

– Yours Truly has been running around a bit lately, including some strolls about Soechon.

Events

Violinist Jo Yeong-mi and her Anima Chamber orchestra will entertain classical music lovers with an evening of Beethoven, Dvorak and Schubert. Founded in 2010 on the 10th anniversary of Jo becoming a Yonsei University professor, the Anima Chamber is composed of Jo’s students. Jo sometimes plays as well, but the focus is on her students.

VENUE: Seoul Dream Forest Art Center

DATE: June 21

ADMISSION: KRW 20,000

MORE INFO: T. 02-720-3933

GETTING THERE: Not far from Mia Station, Line 4.

A total of 1,300 layout sketches that gave birth to Japan’s animation films of global reputation are now on display in Seoul, under the sponsorship of Hyundai Card. The exhibits belong to the Tokyo-based animation powerhouse Studio Ghibli which was founded by Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata in 1985. The studio is famous for creating the highest quality Anime, which includes “Castle in the Sky” (1986), “Grave of the Fireflies” (1988), “My Neighbor Totoro” (1988) and “Princess Mononoke” (1997).

VENUE: Hangaram Gallery, Seoul Arts Center

PERIOD: Jun 22–Sep. 22

ADMISSION: KRW 15,000

MORE INFO: www.superseries.kr

GETTING THERE: Nambu Bus Terminal Station 남부터미널역 (Line 3), Exit 5

This unique event is hosted by the Partners for the Future Foundation in order to raise scholarship funds that will help Korean university students from unemployed families. For one special night only, CEOs from Korean and multi-national companies exchange their business suits for aprons to act as a waiter for their designated guests. Participating CEOs make donations in the form of a participation fee to provide for the scholarship fund. They invite their families, friends, and co-workers to promote the fun fundraising concept by demonstrating the ease and joy of making donations and volunteer work.  Also, the event becomes more meaningful because while CEOs serve their invited guests, they are able to show their appreciation toward their guests.

VENUE: Conrad Seoul

DATE: Jun 26, 6pm–9:30pm

ADMISSION: Adults: KRW 120,000, Children: KRW 50,000

MORE INFO: www.amchamkorea.org

Mt. Naejangsan is famous for having some of the most spectacular scenery in Korea. At any time of year, this densely forested mountain area is worth a visit. The more northern of the park’s two sections is ringed by a horseshoe-shaped ridge, with the most dramatic rock outcrops in the area. In the valleys beneath this ridge lie the temple Naejang-sa, several hermitages, two waterfalls, a grotto cave, and a cable car leading to a lookout on the hillside, making Naejang-san a perfect place to ‘commune with nature’ at this or at any time of the year.

VENUE: Naejangsan, Jeollabuk-do

PERIOD: June 23

ADMISSION: KRW 58,000 for members, KRW 70,000 for non-members

MORE INFO: See this link.

GETTING THERE: See link above.

Everyday Koreans

The Ryugaheon Gallery in Seochon. 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 (June 2013)

Buy Books at Seoul Selection’s ONLINE Bookshop!

The Great Successor Kim Jong-Un

School 2013

4cut Cartoon Korean: Onomatopoeia, Mimetic word

Bonjour Corée: Chapeau, Savon et Moulin à Vent

The Passing of Korea

Korean Food : The Originality, The Impression

Korea Annual 2013

Man on the Edge

Night And Day

Duresori: The Voice of East

Asako In Ruby Shoes

Night and Day

March 13, 2013 / Issue No. 571

Curious about Korean culture? Got a Kindle or Kindle reader for your computer/tablet? Well, your ship has come in—Seoul Selection CEO Hank Kim’s best-selling guide to all things Korean Ask a Korean Dude is now available in Kindle format from Amazon. The US price is $9.99 (prices in other countries may differ).

Amazon.com (US/India)

Amazon.co.uk (UK)

Amazon.de (DE)

Amazon.fr (FR)

Amazon.es (ES)

Amazon.it (IT)

Amazon.co.jp (JP)

Amazon.ca (CA)

Amazon.com.br (BR)

Reviews are not only welcome, but highly encouraged!

And in case you didn’t realize, Ask a Korean Dude is also available on iTunes.

Around the Web

Why aren’t there any Korean restaurants on S. Pellegrino’s list of Asia’s top 50 restaurants?

The “insufficient dress” rule goes viral.

The discovery of a Goryeo Dynasty stele in China has got scholars talking.

Seoul City is considering restituting foreign tourists who have been ripped off.

Check
out Love X Stereo’s video for “Soul City (Seoul City).”

The Seongsu Bridge at night.

The QiRanger goes to Incheon’s Chinatown.

Seoul Suburban explores Hangangjin Station.

So… what are the 12 best gay bars in Seoul?

Danyang’s Dodamsambong is one of my favorite views in Korea.

Events

Pink Martini, the famed “little orchestra” group from the US, will give a concert in Seoul on March 20. The 12-member band draws inspiration from music from all over the world, thus creating a repertoire that skillfully blends classical, jazz, and old-fashioned pop. Likewise, the band performs its multilingual repertoire on concert stages and with symphony orchestras throughout Europe, Asia, and North America. The Portland, OR-based band is characterized by its signature eclectic, acoustic-oriented sounds and is often associated with the neo-swing trend of the 1990s. While most neo-swing acts favored a combination of jump blues and early rock & roll, the diverse Pink Martini have offered a risk-taking blend of jazz (mainly swing), world music, cabaret, lounge, and classical film music.

VENUE: Concert Hall, Seoul Arts Center

DATE: Mar 20, 8pm

ADMISSION: R: KRW 120,000, S: KRW 90,000, A: KRW 50,000

MORE INFO: T. 02-599-5743, www.sac.or.kr

GETTING THERE: Nambu Bus Terminal Station 남부터미널역 (Line 3), Exit 5. Transfer to shuttle bus, or green bus No. 4429.

Southeast Asia comprises various cultures and communities, many of which are indigenous, but some have been formed by unions between foreign traders and local women. This exhibition showcases the Peranakan culture, a unique hybrid culture in Southeast Asia. The Peranakan are descendants of Chinese traders who married women in Southeast Asia and settled in the region. On exhibit are Peranakan objects produced between the latter part of the 19th century and early 20th century, when Peranakan culture flourished. The objects were drawn from collections held by the Peranakan Museum, a component of the Asian Civilisations Museum in Singapore. Visit the ornaments, costume, ceramic ware, and portraits of the Peranakans and learn about their unique culture.

VENUE: National Museum of Korea

PERIOD: Mar 19–May 19

MORE INFO: T. 02-2077-9000, www.museum.go.kr

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

Festival Bo:m is an international festival of performing and visual arts that is multicultural as well as multigenre in nature. The interdisciplinary show encourages experimentalism and challenging performances, with a strong emphasis on innovative and avant-garde works. The annual show strives to introduce artists with diverse cultural backgrounds, especially those from Asia, on the international stage. This year, a total of 26 art exhibitions and productions of dance, drama, and music will be featured at various venues throughout Seoul March 22–April 18. Six different lectures and workshops will also be held during the month-long event.

VENUE: Doosan Art Center, Sogang Univ. Mary Hall, and five other venues

PERIOD: Mar 22–Apr 18

ADMISSION: Ticket prices vary from free admission to KRW 110,000.

MORE INFO: www.festivalbom.org

Toronto native Claire Boucher, who goes by the stage name Grimes, will steal the limelight in a Seoul concert. Her music has been noted for its atypical combination of vocal elements as well as a wide array of influences, ranging from industrial and electronic to pop, hip-hop, R&B, noise rock, and even medieval music. The experimental Grimes draws upon vastly different influences and creates a mystical sound and feel with her haunting vocals. Grimes’ live show is sonically and visually appealing, with infectious beats, dancers, and improvisation. Don’t miss her live concert in Korea, where she will be appearing with her new setup, a full band.

VENUE: Rolling Hall

DATE: Mar 23

ADMISSION: KRW 54,000 (KRW 45,000 in advance)

MORE INFO: scstickets@gmail.com, http://supercolorsuper.com

GETTING THERE: Hapjeong Station 합정역 (Line 2, 6), Exit 5 or 6 or Sangsu Station 상수역 (Line 6), Exit 1

VENUE: Novotel Ambassador Gangnam

DATE: Mar 21, 4pm–9:30pm

MORE INFO: www.accessmba.com

GETTING THERE: Sinnonhyeon Station 신논현역 (Line 9), Exit 4

Celebrate the dazzling age of art deco and jazz!

Join ANZA for an evening of fine dining, live entertainment, and fabulous prizes in Art Deco splendour at the luxurious Conrad hotel.

VENUE: Conrad Seoul

DATE: Mar 16, 6:30pm–Mar 17, 2am

ADMISSION: KRW 245,000

MORE INFO: www.anzakorea.com

GETTING THERE: Yeouido Station 여의도역 (Line 5, 9), Exit 3 or 4

Jeonju, a bustling city of over 700,000, is the capital of Jeollabuk-do and the hometown of the Lee family that founded the Joseon Dynasty (1392–1910), as well as where the last living descendant of the royal family, Lee Seok, still lives. It has been designated by UNESCO as a City of Gastronomy and is considered the culinary capital of Korea, famed for its delicious local food.

DATE: March 16

COST: TBA

MORE INFO: See this link.

GETTING THERE: See link above.

Everyday Koreans

A view of the Hangang River from Ttukseom Resort. Photo by Arnab Sen.

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.

Feb 19, 2013 / Issue No. 568

Seoul Selection Bookshop is looking for one full-time staffer and a part-time staffer. The full-time position is for 9:30am to 6:30pm, Monday to Friday, plus a half-day every other Saturday. The part-time position is 2pm to 5pm on Saturday. Applicants should speak Korean and English. Send a resume and cover letter to Hank Kim at hankinseoul@gmail.com.

Around the Web

Koreans get a good look at the history of American art.

Korea begins to shun the workaholic lifestyle.

The history of Korean marijuana use, courtesy of Yonhap.

Brazil’s Carnival celebrates Koreans and Korean immigrants.

So where does Brand Korea go from here?

Central City has its charms, too.

The snow-covered heights of Daegwallyeong Samyang Ranch.

How to play baduk.

Your guide to the TOPIK.

Hiking Gyeongju’s wonderful Mt. Namsan.

Events

Following its resounding success here in early 2012, the London Symphony Orchestra (LSO) is returning to Korea for a two-day concert program from Feb 28 to March 1. Under the skillful baton of Dutch maestro Bernard Haitink, the orchestra will present Benjamin Britten’s Four Sea interludes, Mozart’s piano concerto No. 17, and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7 on the first day. The second-day program will be devoted to Beethoven’s piano concerto No. 2 and Anton Bruckner’s symphony No. 9, featuring the seasoned pianist Maria Joao Pires as a collaborator. Founded in 1904, LSO is the oldest of London’s symphony orchestras.

VENUE: Concert Hall, Seoul Arts Center

DATES: Feb 28, 8pm / Mar 1, 7pm

ADMISSION: R: 350,000 won, S: 250,000 won, A: 180,000 won, B: 120,000 won, C: 70,000 won

MORE INFO: T. 02-599-5743, www.sac.or.kr

GETTING THERE: Nambu Bus Terminal Station 남부터미널역 (Line 3), Exit 5. Transfer to shuttle bus, or green bus No. 4429.

American singer-songwriter Rachael Yamagata is coming to Seoul, hoping to expand her fan base here following the notable success of her concert tours in Korea last year. This time, she will cater to her younger, more devoted fans, performing at Ewha Womans University’s Samsung Hall on Feb 23 and 24. Yamagata became the vocalist for the Chicago group Bumpus and spent six years touring, writing, and recording with the band before leaving in 2001 to begin a solo career. Her songs have appeared on numerous television shows and she has collaborated with other musicians, including Jason Mraz, Rhett Miller, Bright Eyes, Ryan Adams, Toots and the Maytals, and Ray Lamontagne.

VENUE: Samsung Hall, Ewha Womans Univ.

DATES: Feb 23–24, 7pm

ADMISSION: 88,000 won

MORE INFO: T. 02-3143-5156, www.s2enter.com

GETTING THERE: Ewha Womans Univ. Station 이대역 (Line 2), Exits 2 & 3

An alternative rock trio formed in 1993 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, Ben Folds Five is making its first appearance in Korea with a Feb 24 concert. Consisting of lead vocalist Ben Folds, bassist Robert Sledge, and percussionist Darren Jessee, the group achieved mainstream success in the alternative, indie, and pop music scenes. The band is best known for the hit single “Brick” from their 1997 album Whatever and Ever Amen, which gained airplay on many mainstream radio stations. Though disbanded in 2000, the trio reunited in 2008, releasing a new album titled The Sound of the Life of the Mind.

VENUE: Uniqlo AX

DATE: Feb 24, 6pm

ADMISSION: 110,000 won

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

MORE INFO: T. 02-563-0595

GETTING THERE: Gwangnaru Station 광나루역 (Line 5), Exit 2

The San Francisco-based pop band Thee Oh Sees is holding a concert in Korea for the first time on Feb 24. The band is noted for its prolific album releases as well as its energetic live shows, featuring Dwyer on guitar and vocals, Brigid Dawson on vocals and tambourine, Petey Dammit on bass, and Mike Shoun on drums. In 2007–8, the band released two hit albums under the German Tomlab label. Thee Oh Sees returned in September 2012 with Putrifiers II, an album combining Castlemania‘s fractured pop sensibilities and Carrion Crawler/The Dream‘s ferocious rock experimentation.

VENUE: KT&G Sangsang Madang

DATE: Feb 24, 6:30pm

ADMISSION: 40,000 won (35,000 won in advance)

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

MORE INFO: www.roundx2.net/7214

GETTING THERE: Hongik Univ. Station 홍대입구역 (Line 2, A’REX Line), Exit 9

The Korea Foundation and the Australia–Korea Foundation have joined hands for the presentation of a multifaceted exhibition that introduces diverse aspects of the culture and people of Australia.

The exhibition also includes various public programs, such as the special lecture “Redefining Australia” (Feb. 21) It is our great pleasure to invite you to this interesting exhibition.

VENUE: The Korea Foundation Cultural Center

PERIOD: Feb 14–Mar 7

ADMISSION: Free

MORE INFO: T. 02-2151-6520, www.kf.or.kr

GETTING THERE: Mirae Asset CENTER 1: Euljiro 1-ga Station 을지로입구역 (Line 2), Exit 4. Turn left along Hana Bank. The bldg. is located behind SKT Tower.

Drinks, dinner, entertainment, live music, and a silent auction at the
American Women’s Club of Korea’s Mardi Gras 2013 masquerade charity ball. Grand Raffle Prize: two business class tickets courtesy of United Airlines to any city in the United States served by United.

VENUE: Renaissance Hotel

DATE: Feb 23, 7pm–Feb 24, 2am

Theme: Masquerade Party

MORE INFO: www.facebook.com/awc.seoul

GETTING THERE: Yeoksam Station 역삼역 (Line 2), Exit 8

Internationally acclaimed Irish sword swallower Murray Molloy will perform his mind-blowing version of the ancient Indian art of sword swallowing in Platoon Kunsthalle on Feb 23 to celebrate World Sword Swallowers Day. Molloy is one of only one hundred performing sword swallowers on the planet, and of these, one of twenty-five that swallow curved swords, and one of the ten that swallow multiple swords at once! His repetoire also includes escapology, clown, comedy, fire manipulation, fakirism, pirotechnics, and contortionism.

VENUE: Platoon Kunsthalle

DATE: Feb 23

MORE INFO: http://www.facebook.com/mrmurraymolloy

DATE: Feb 23

COST: 39,000 won for members and 46,800 won for non-members

MORE INFO: See this link.

GETTING THERE: See link above.

Everyday Koreans

Panoramic view of Suncheon Bay Ecological Park. Photo by Nino Sandil, a tourist from Manila.

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

(February 2013)

47 Korean Pronunciation for Foreigners 1

A Company Man

Poems of 3 Modern Korean Poets

Poems of 99 Modern Poets Korean

Yonsei Korean Reading 6 (with Audio CD)

Consumer Trend in Korea 2013

Bee-bim Bop!

Perfect Number

I AM: SMTOWN LIVE WORLD TOUR in Madison Square Garden

Fermentation Family

Arang and the Magistrate

The Spies

Feb 13, 2013 / Issue No. 567

Seoul Selection is looking for Korean-to-English and English-to-Korean translators. Experienced translators preferred. If interested, send a resume to Eugene at planner@seoulselection.com.

We are pleased to announce that Robert Neff’s Letters from Joseon is now available through Amazon.com. Based on the personal correspondences between the family of the US ambassador in Korea and their family in the United States, Letters from Joseon provides a candid view of life in not only the American community in Seoul, but also in the Russian legation, where King Gojong and the crown prince sought refuge following the murder of Queen Min. It also gives evidence of the rumors and speculation that plagued the daily lives of not only the Western community in Seoul but the Korean community as well.

You can purchase the book via Seoul Selection, too.

Around the Web

Meet the real “Gangnam Style.“

The Korean Air Force parodies “Les Misérables.”

Seoul and LA make a historic culture swap.

Is K-fashion the new K-pop?

A Korean deli owner in the United States doubles as a calligrapher.

Drying fish in the snow-covered Daegwallyeong.

Geoje does indeed have a shipbuilding museum.

It’s nice that you can take nice nighttime photos with your cellphone camera, too.

In case you get stuck by Gaehwa Station…

Your’s Truly explored the Ikseon-dong district. More about this fascinating neighborhood in Robert Fouser’s upcoming column in the March issue of SEOUL.

Events

You will never feel alone on Valentine’s Day again! Mingle with hot singles while sipping on cocktails and enjoying the sounds of DJ BUENO CLINIC from Poland, rocking with all eyes on you.

VENUE: W Seoul

DATE: Feb 16, 10pm–4am

ADMISSION: 40,000 won (35,000 won in advance)

MORE INFO: T. 02-2022-0333, www.facebook.com/events/328392283929036

GETTING THERE: Take shuttle bus at Gwangnaru Station 광나루역 (Line 5), Exit 4

Sara and Callie are walking through New York City’s West Village when they share their first kiss. This leads to a vicious attack by an angry bystander, in which Sara is horribly injured and falls into a coma. (Call for Crew: seoulplayers@gmail.com)

VENUE: Whitebox Theatre

DATES: Feb 15, 16, 17, 22, 23, and 24

ADMISSION: 15,000 won, ticketing@seoulplayers.com

MORE INFO: www.seoulplayers.com

GETTING THERE: Hyochang Park Station 효창공원역 (Line 6), Exit 2

Seoul Foreign School is holding an Open House for prospective parents interested in placements in our Pre-K to Grade 12 levels.

VENUE: Seoul Foreign School, Yeonhui-dong

DATE: Feb 21, 9:45am–noon

MORE INFO: Please register via email sfsoffice@seoulforeign.org or call 02-330-3121.

www.seoulforeign.org

Japandroids is a two-piece band from Vancouver, BC, consisting of Brian King and David Prowse. Originally intending to be a trio, the boys decided to skip the extra members and do all the work themselves. As a result, the Japandroids are a set of drums, a guitar, and a vocal duo optimized to sounds like a five-piece band that you’ve never heard before.

Japandroids released their critically acclaimed debut album Post-Nothing via Polyvinyl in 2009. Then, King and Prowse toured extensively throughout 2009–2010, playing over 200 shows in more than 20 countries and quickly gained notoriety for their extremely energetic live performances.

VENUE: V-Hall

DATE: Feb 14, 8pm

ADMISSION: 40,000 won (35,000 won in advance)

scstickets@gmail.com

MORE INFO: http://supercolorsuper.com

GETTING THERE: Hongik Univ. Station 홍대입구역 (Line 2, A’REX Line), Exit 9

Lo-fi’s favorite nomad, Dirty Beaches, is on the road again—and this time, he’s coming to Korea! Alex Hungtai, the 32 year-old Taiwanese-Canadian behind Dirty Beaches, took the blogosphere by storm with his first full-length release Badlands in 2011. Dirty Beaches gets to the heart—or rather, the dark, grimy underbelly—of themes like longing and loneliness. Hungtai’s voice sounds like he’s channeling the ghost of a 1950’s rockabilly. Dirty Beaches’ decaying, reverb-haunted beauty evokes the celluloid hallucinations of films by David Lynch, Wong Kar-Wai, and Terrence Mallick.

VENUE: Moon Night

DATE: Feb 16

ADMISSION: 25,000 won (20,000 won in advance)

scstickets@gmail.com

MORE INFO: http://supercolorsuper.com

GETTING THERE: Itaewon Station 이태원역 (Line 6), Exit 3

CBHK will kick off a new season on the weekend of Feb 23–24. A 170,000 won fee covers a 14-week regular season and up to three weeks of play-offs; free beer at the draft party; a season-ending banquet with food and drinks; and a team shirt. New players are welcome.

Promo video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=TDJBJf2IWUc

VENUE: Jamsil Sports Complex

DATES: Feb 23, 24

MORE INFO: To sign up, visit www.cbhk.org

GETTING THERE: Sports Complex Station 잠실운동장역 (Line 2), Exit 6 or 7

DATE: Feb 23

COST: 39,000 won for members and 46,800 won for non-members

MORE INFO: See this link.

GETTING THERE: See link above.

Everyday Koreans

Photographer’s wife pours tea at Tteuran, a cozy hanok teahouse in Ikseon-dong, near Insa-dong. 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.

Feb 6, 2013 / Issue No. 566

We here at Seoul Selection would like to wish you all a happy and healthy Lunar New Year!

Seoul Selection is pleased to announce that we’re rebooting our magazine website. The new and improved site includes event information, articles from SEOUL Magazine, and useful visitor and expat information. It is easier to use, and features better social network service intergration. We welcome suggestions from our readers.

Around the Web

Has Psy done for free on Youtube what millions of dollars could not?

Lunar New Year is impacting the American retail scene.

Budaejjigae makes the Washington Post’s travel section.

What makes a real man in Korea?

A survey reveals that many Koreans dread the New Year holiday.

One of Seoul’s hidden gems—the Munmyo Shrine.

Sunrise at Chuam Beach.

Even Sinbanghwa Station has its charms.

Work continues on Busan’s soon-to-be landmark Lotte Town.

If you haven’t seen Chilburam Hermitage, you’re doing yourself a disservice.

Events

The Chicago Symphony Orchestra, a hallmark American orchestra once headed by maestro Daniel Barenboim, will be invited to Korea for two concert engagements on Feb 6 and 7. Its current resident music director Riccardo Muti is set to captivate the local audience with a program that includes Busoni’s suite from Trandot, Brahms’s Symphony No. 2, Verdi’s Overture to I Vespri siciliani, Mendolssohn’s Symphony No. 4 Italian, and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 3 Eroica. Founded in 1891, the symphony makes its home at Orchestra Hall in Chicago and plays a summer season at the Ravinia Festival.

VENUE: Concert Hall, Seoul Arts Center

PERIOD: Feb 6–7, 8pm

ADMISSION: R: 360,000 won, S: 280,000 won, A: 200,000 won, B: 130,000 won, C: 70,000 won

MORE INFO: T. 1577-5266, www.clubbalcony.com

GETTING THERE: Nambu Bus Terminal Station 남부터미널역 (Line 3), Exit 5. Transfer to shuttle bus, or green bus No. 4429.

Come see this production of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Time Rice’s beloved musical, based on the Biblical story of Joseph. The Korean cast includes Song Chang-ee, Sun-kyong Kim, Choi Jung-won and Lisa.

VENUE: Charlotte Theater

PERIOD: Feb 12–Apr 14

ADMISSION: VIP: 130,000 won, R: 110,000 won, S: 90,000 won, A: 70,000 won

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

MORE INFO: www.charlottetheater.co.kr

GETTING THERE: Jamsil Station 잠실역 (Line 2, 8), Exit 3. Walk straight beside Lotte Dept. Store and cross the road. Walk straight and turn right.

Celebrate the Lunar New Year with Korean traditional music and dance with Korea’s leading traditional arts troupe.

VENUE: National Gugak Center

PERIOD: Feb 10–11

MORE INFO: T. 02-580-3300

GETTING THERE: Nambu Bus Terminal Station 남부터미널역 (Line 3), Exit 5. Take maeul bus No. Seocho 12 or green bus No. 4429 and get off at the National Gugak Center.

Japandroids is a two-piece band from Vancouver, BC, consisting of Brian King and David Prowse. Originally intending to be a trio, the boys decided to skip the extra members and do all the work themselves. As a result, the Japandroids are a set of drums, a guitar, and a vocal duo optimized to sounds like a five-piece band that you’ve never heard before.

Japandroids released their critically acclaimed debut album Post-Nothing via Polyvinyl in 2009. Then, King and Prowse toured extensively throughout 2009–2010, playing over 200 shows in more than 20 countries, and quickly gained notoriety for their extremely energetic live performances.

VENUE: V-Hall

DATE: Feb 14, 8pm

ADMISSION: 40,000 won (35,000 won in advance)

scstickets@gmail.com

MORE INFO: http://supercolorsuper.com

GETTING THERE: Hongik Univ. Station 홍대입구역 (Line 2, A’REX Line), Exit 9.

Come see nine paintings of Korean independence activists by Mathieu Deprez at the Garage Gallery, not far from the Hyatt Hotel on Gyeongnidan Road.

VENUE: The Garage Gallery

PERIOD: Feb 12–27

ADMISSION: Free. Hours: 11am–10pm

GETTING THERE: Noksapyeong Station, Line 6

DATE: Feb 10–11

COST: 248,000 won for members and 278,000 won for non-members

MORE INFO: See this link.

GETTING THERE: See link above.

Everyday Koreans

Seoul City Hall. 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.

Jan 29, 2013 / Issue No. 565

 

 

Around the Web

 

Is North Korea cracking down on South Korean cultural products?

 

The Telegraph looks at the North Korean film industry.

 

Speaking of North Korea, it looks like it’s finally on Google Maps.

 

K-pop is boosting Korea’s public diplomacy.

 

It’s difficult being a 20-something in Korea.

 

There are people who apparently enjoy icediving in Gangwon-do’s frozen rivers.

 

Dale goes off to Unheungsa Temple.

 

If you read Korean and want to learn how to take better nighttime photographs, check out this post.

 

What to do when you get stuck in Hoegi Station.

 

Relax in one of Korea’s natural spas.

Events

 

A large collection of American paintings and decorative art will travel to Korea for a rare exhibition titled Art Across America. The showcase is designed to offer an in-depth look into America’s fine art tradition, which spans well over 300 years, since precolonial times. Drawn from the collections at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and the Terra Foundation, the show is due to open at the National Museum of Korea in Seoul on Feb 4 and run until May 19. Afterwards, the exhibition will move to the Daejeon Museum of Art.

 

VENUE: National Museum of Korea

PERIOD: Feb 5–May 19

ADMISSION: 12,000 won

MORE INFO: T. 02-2077-9000, www.museum.go.kr

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

 

 

Born in Korea in 1978, Yiruma moved to the United Kingdom at age 11 to study at the Purcell School of Music in London. In 2000, he graduated from King’s College London, and he released his first album in 2001. His music and performances proved incredibly popular in Europe, North America, and particularly in Asia, where his popularity was furthered by his participation on the soundtracks of popular Korean dramas like KBS’s 2006 Spring Waltz.

 

VENUE: Concert Hall, Seoul Arts Center

DATE: Feb 2, 7pm

ADMISSION: R: 99,000 won, S: 77,000 won, A: 55,000 won, B: 33,000 won

MORE INFO: T. 02-530-0900, www.sac.or.kr

GETTING THERE: Nambu Bus Terminal Station 남부터미널역 (Line 3), Exit 5. Transfer to shuttle bus, or green bus No. 4429

 

 

Famous for its part in creating the “shoegazing” sound, My Bloody Valentine has had a long and illustrious history. Formed in Dublin way back in 1983, the band was inactive for a long period of time, from the early 1990s to 2007. Since then, the band has given several international performances, and it is even—allegedly—preparing to launch a third album. If My Bloody Valentine’s unique blend of digital reverb, pitch bending, and distortion is to your liking—or if you’ve never heard it before and want to find out more—make sure you book tickets to see them at Uniqlo AX (former AX-Korea) on February 3.

 

VENUE: Uniqlo AX

DATE: Feb 3

ADMISSION: 110,000 won

MORE INFO: T. 02-332-3277,

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

GETTING THERE: Gwangnaru Station 광나루역 (Line 5), Exit 2

 

 

The Special Olympics World Winter Games 2013 will take place Jan 29 through Feb 6 in Pyeongchang, the hub of Korea’s winter sports and the venue for the 2018 Winter Olympics. 

About 3,300 athletes and officials from some 120 countries will compete in seven events such as alpine skiing, cross country skiing, snowboarding, snow shoeing, speed skating, figure skating, and floor hockey. 

Targeting both children and adults with mental disabilities, the global sporting event has been held every two years since 1968 and alternates between summer and winter editions. The winter version was introduced in 1977.

The Games aims to bring a number of important issues to the forefront of international discussion and provides invaluable support for intellectually disabled individuals throughout the world, making a positive impact in countless lives.

 

VENUE: Pyeongchang (Alpensia Resort and Yongpyong Resort) & Gangneung (Indoor Ice Rink)

PERIOD: Jan 29–Feb 6

MORE INFO: T. 033-339-0000, www.2013sopoc.org 

GETTING THERE: Dong Seoul Terminal → Bus to Hyeonggye: 23 times a day, 06:32am–08:05pm, 2h 30m

 

 

 

DATE: Feb 10–11

COST: 248,000 won for members and 278,000 won for non-members

MORE INFO: See this link.

GETTING THERE: See link above.

Everyday Koreans

Walk with the Stars concert held at Olympic Park. Photo by Arnab Sen.

 

 

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

(January 2013)

 

Korea Witness: 135 Years of War, Crisis and News in the Land of the Morning Calm

 

The Thieves

 

STORYTELLING ASIA Delhi

 

Cours de coreen

 

Arirang of Korea : Han, Sorrows and Hope

 

The Firekeeper’s Son

 

Waxen Wings: The Acta Koreana Anthology of Short Fiction from Korea

 

Two Moons

 

Drifting Away

 

The Neighbors

 

Dangerous Liaisons

 

Padak

Jan 23, 2013 / Issue No. 564

Sure, the weather today might be dreary, but take heart—the February issue of SEOUL is out in a bookstore near you! In this issue of SEOUL, we explore Yeouido’s 63 Building and new IFC, visit Jeju-do for the Daeboreum Fire Festival, talk with Korean model Sung Hee Kim, do some Valentine’s Day shopping, and much, much more. And don’t forget our Goings-On Around Town section, your guide to the month’s festivals, performances, and events.

Around the Web

Is your fan trying to kill you?

Some folk in the Chinese media are clearly not fans of K-pop.

The tough economy has die-hard golfers heading indoors.

Gangnam Style apparently has many different meanings.

Check out the trailer to Park Chan-wook’s upcoming film Stoker.

I had no idea Yecheon had a space center. And I lived in the next town over for three years.

Seeing the East Sea from Bohyeongsa Temple.

Busan’s beautiful skyline at night.

Koee Coffee… yum.

Mt. Maisan covered in snow.

Events

Apple premium reseller Concierge is holding a special seven-day event (Jan 25–Jan 31) at all its shops where you can get great deals on Apple products. Carryover Macs, iPads, and iPods will be offered for 15% off, and display Macs, iPads, and iPods for 30% off.

French pianist Hélène Grimaud is back and presenting a solo recital program from her album Resonances, released in 2010. The album reflects Grimaud’s imaginative approach to this stimulating compilation of masterpieces. Grimaud will bring all her artistic maturity and a perfect balance between intellect and emotion to bear on highly dramatic sonatas by Mozart, Liszt, and Berg as well as Bartok’s Romanian Folk Dances.

Since launching her professional career with Daniel Barenboim and the Orchestre de Paris in 1987, she has performed with three generations of conductors, including Kurt Masur, Claudio Abbado, Bernard Haitink, David Zinman, Pierre Boulez, Ricardo Chailly, Valery Gergiev, Vladimir Jurowski, Fabio Luisi and Andris Nelsons. Also an exclusive Deutche Grammophon artist since 2002, Hélène is one of DG’s most important recording artists, with a string of imaginative and highly successful discs.

W. A. Mozart l Piano Sonata No.8 in a minor, K.310

A. Berg l Piano Sonata, Op.1

F. Liszt l Piano Sonata in b minor, S.178

B. Bartok l Romanian Folk Dances, Sz.56

* Program is subject to change without notice.

American dream pop duo Beach House comes to Korea. Said TIME about them, “Vocals that soar with joy while breaking your heart.”

VENUE: Interpark Art Center

DATE: Jan 23, 8pm

ADMISSION: 77,000 won (66,000 won in advance)

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

MORE INFO: T. 02-3445-9650

GETTING THERE: Hapjeong Station 합정역  (Lines 2, 6), Exits 9 or 10. The hall is located in Mecenatpolis.

Locals celebrate Mt. Taebaeksan’s snowy majesty every winter with a festival featuring an international snow sculpture exhibit, winter games like sledding and sleigh rides, and plenty of beautiful winter scenery. KORAIL runs extra “Snow Flower” trains at this time, too.

VENUE: Hwangji Lake/O2 Resort/Mt. Taebaeksan, Taebaek-si, Gangwon-do

PERIOD: Jan 25–Feb 3

ADMISSION: Depends on program

MORE INFO: T. 033-550-2085, http://festival.taebaek.go.kr

GETTING THERE: Take the bus from Dong Seoul Bus Terminal to Taebaek. The trip takes three and a half hours.

The Special Olympics World Winter Games 2013 will take place Jan 29 through Feb 6 in Pyeongchang, the hub of Korea’s winter sports and the venue for the 2018 Winter Olympics.

About 3,300 athletes and officials from some 120 countries will compete in seven events such as alpine skiing, cross country skiing, snowboarding, snow shoeing, speed skating, figure skating, and floor hockey.

Targeting both children and adults with mental disabilities, the global sporting event has been held every two years since 1968 and alternates between summer and winter editions. The winter version was introduced in 1977.

The Games aims to bring a number of important issues to the forefront of international discussion and provides invaluable support for intellectually disabled individuals throughout the world, making a positive impact in countless lives.

VENUE: Pyeongchang (Alpensia Resort and Yongpyong Resort) & Gangneung (Indoor Ice Rink)

PERIOD: Jan 29–Feb 6

MORE INFO: T. 033-339-0000, www.2013sopoc.org

GETTING THERE: Dong Seoul Terminal → Bus to Hyeonggye: 23 times a day, 06:32am–08:05pm, 2h 30m

DATE: Feb 10—11

COST: 248,000 won for members and 278,000 won for non-members

MORE INFO: See this
link.

GETTING THERE: See link above.

Everyday Koreans

Sunrise from Mt. Taebaeksan. 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

(January 2013)

The Beautiful Patterns of KOREA 2 : Tile, Butterfly, Dancheong, Jangseok

Im Kwon Taek Collection Boxset

The Firekeeper’s Son

Waxen Wings: The Acta Koreana Anthology of Short Fiction from Korea

Korea Witness: 135 Years of War, Crisis and News in the Land of the Morning Calm

Myeangsim Bogam

Managing Transnational Flows in East Asia

The Thieves

The Neighbors

200 Pounds Beauty

Dangerous Liaisons

Padak