Expert recommendations of the top dance, theater, and classical music performances.
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Sejong Center for the Performing Arts
Split-level cultural center hosts visiting big-name classical musicians and traveling Broadway productions. One of Seoul’s oldest theaters, convenient downtown location. Tickets from $10. 81-3 Chongno-gu; tel. +82 2 744 8066. www.sejongpac.or.kr
COEX
“I always get lost, but kids love this underground shopping jungle.”—Michael Breen, author, The Koreans. Massive subterranean mall beneath the COEX Convention Center; Western, Japanese, and Korean restaurants, Internet game rooms, video arcades, a Cineplex, and Korea’s top aquarium. Ticket prices vary depending upon exhibition. COEX World Trade Center, Samseong-dong; tel. +82 2 6000 1121. www.coex.co.kr
Chongdong Theater
“Cozy, active programs of experimental and traditional theater.”—Kim Hyuncha, projects development director, Seoul Foundation for Arts and Culture. Small theater set in quiet, leafy neighborhood of Chongdong behind Deoksu Palace. Showcases predominantly traditional and avant-garde local productions, often with subtitles for foreign audiences. Tickets from $20. 8-11 Jeong-dong; tel. +82 2 752 1500. www.chongdong.com
National Theater of Korea
“Don’t miss masterpieces by Korean National Dance Company.”—Kim Hyuncha. Performance space for both modern and traditional local and international productions. Home to National Drama Company, National Dance Company, and National Orchestra. Tickets from $20; occasional free performances in plaza. 158 Jangchungdan-gil; tel. +82 2 2280 4115. www.ntok.go.kr
Seoul Arts Center
“[The] most carefully designed theater for acoustic and stage performances in Korea.”—Kim Hyuncha. Huge cultural complex, includes a theater rated among the top five globally for sound quality; also exhibition spaces and opera house. Stages everything from traveling international plays to violin concertos. Tickets from $20. 700 Seocho-dong; tel. +82 2 580 1300. www.sac.or.kr
Nanta Theater
“Energy and humor of Koreans at their best.”—Michael Breen. This is the show that kicked off Korea’s craze for manic, nonverbal performances. A group of zany chefs pound out Stomp-like rhythms and indulge in gymnastics and slapstick comedy while preparing a wedding banquet. Lots of audience participation. Renamed Cookin for Off-Broadway. Tickets from $40. Nanta Theater, 15-1 Jung-dong; tel. +82 2 739 8288. www.visitkorea.or.kr
Jump Theater
“Hilarious martial arts comedy.”—Kim Hyuncha. All performances were sold out at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2006. Nonverbal show blends martial arts, gymnastics, and buffoonery. Tickets from $40. 9F Cinecore, 33-1 Gwancheol-dong Jongno-gu; tel. + 82 2 722 3995. www.hijump.co.kr
