Seoul city's "Saturday Masterpiece Concert": Traditional Korean Performing Arts

Korean traditional court dance

Every Saturday afternoon at 4 p.m., Seoul offers Korean traditional performing arts at the National Gugak Center.  Seoul founded the National Gugak Center to preserve and expand traditional Korean music and dance.  The word "gugak" refers to all of the Korean music from Korean lands which has a history of over 5,000 years ago! The performances consist of traditional music, song, and dance by those who have been officially designated as luminaries of the genre.  The talented performers gratify both connoisseurs and international visitors through stunning performances.

Top: Royal performances
Bottom: Folk performances

The Saturday performances have been held for over 20 years with elite performers promoting the rich history of Korean performing arts.  A ticket costs 10,000 won per person and new programs are presented each month.  A vast overview of 62 varieties of Korean classical court and folk performances and concerts are presented on an ongoing basis throughout the year.  The performances have been proclaimed as "Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity" by UNESCO.

Top: Classical (royal) music group
Bottom: Folk music group

Check out the National Gugak Center while visiting Seoul to appreciate traditional Korea through vivid and lively displays of Korean performing arts.  It is an experience you don't want to miss!

Various different dances

 Woman playing traditional instrument "gayageum"                                                                 Folk theatre

For more info: Click here

You can find more information on Seoul Tourism at Visit Seoul Official Facebook and Twitter! Official Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/visitseoul Official Twitter Account: http://www.twitter.com/visitseoul

Nanta: Broadway in Seoul

Nanta Poster

Nanta is a globally renowned Broadway show with international recognition that began its success in the wonderful city of Seoul!  Nanta is Seoul's longest running show on Broadway in New York City and a sell-out success in the UK. The show is set in a kitchen using utensils such as knives and cutting boards as props to engage the audience with an upbeat rhythm of a traditional Korean percussion quartet (samulnori) while also combining comical non-verbal scenes.  Nanta also has a lot of interaction with audiences and participants are invited on stage to become part of the show!  Since Nanta is presented through music and motions, there is no language barrier.  People from all around the world are encouraged to watch Nanta, a universal performance!

Nanta Performance

Seoul has three exclusive Nanta theaters that showcase Nanta performances: Hongdae, Gangbuk Jeongdong, and Myeongdong.  Click on the links for more information and directions to each venue.

Nanta Theater in Hongdae

Come watch the excitement in Seoul!

You can find more information on Seoul Tourism at Visit Seoul Official Facebook and Twitter! Official Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/visitseoul Official Twitter Account: http://www.twitter.com/visitseoul

The Ice Gallery: Coolest Place in Seoul!

Entire rooms made of ice!

Located in the center of Seoul, the Ice Gallery is an indoor ice museum displaying various sculptures made of ice!  It is a great place to cool down during Seoul's hot and sticky summer because the temperature is set at a chilling below five degrees Celsius.  The great part is that it only costs 7,000 won to enter the ice exhibit!

Ice sculpture class

Visitors are also given the opportunity to make their own ice sculptures in classes held every hour for about 45 minutes.  Class participants are given a block of ice to transform into an ice goblet!  When finished, participants are able to drink refreshing beverages from their masterpiece.

The most popular attraction- the Ice Slide                                       Cake and computer made of ice!

Bathroom made of ice

The Seoul Ice Gallery has just about everything made of ice!  Enjoy the cool atmosphere by stepping into the GIANT freezer in Seoul's Ice Gallery.  For more information and directions, click here!

You can find more information on Seoul Tourism at Visit Seoul Official Facebook and Twitter! Official Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/visitseoul Official Twitter Account: http://www.twitter.com/visitseoul

Hangang Park Swimming Pools: Beat the HEAT in Seoul!

Seoul City's Hangang Pools

Trying to find a way to cool down in this burning weather? Good news for you! Seoul city's Hangang Parks opened their six public swimming pools including the Nanji water park until August 25.  The Seoul pools are open everyday from 9 a.m. - 8 p.m. with a cost of 5,000 won for adults, 4,000 won for teens, and 3,000 won for children.  The six public pools along the Han river are located in Ttukeseom, Yeouido, Gwangnaru, Mangwon, Jamsil, and Jamwon.  Come on over to Seoul and jump into the pool!

Children playing at Ttukseom water park

Relax in the Lazy River at Yeouido Theme Park

Click on the link for more Information on Hangang Pools

You can find more information on Seoul Tourism at Visit Seoul Official Facebook and Twitter! Official Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/visitseoul Official Twitter Account: http://www.twitter.com/visitseoul