When you think of Seoul, you’ll probably think of kimchi, K-pop idols and shopping. Indeed, these are quintessential parts of the whole Korean experience, but Seoul is also home to a whole host of theatrical performances that are sure to bedazzle you! So on your next trip to the city, look past the usual eating and shopping and get ready to shiver with anticipation, laugh out loud, and tap your feet to the beat at these uniquely Korean live shows.
Non-verbal Performances
It doesn’t matter if you don’t understand Korean – these performances don’t contain a single line of dialogue! They’ll nevertheless enthrall you with their contagious beats, exaggerated acting and physical comedy. Check out these internationally acclaimed performances:
NANTA
NANTA promises to be a dynamic, laugh-out-loud performance for the whole family! Watch as the ‘chefs’ whip up dishes live on stage, all while using their utensils to incorporate traditional Samulnori (percussion quartet) rhythms. Since its debut in 1997, NANTA has entertained over 11 million people worldwide with its hilarity. You don’t want to miss out on it, especially if you’re holidaying in its hometown!
Where: 3F Myeongdong NANTA Theatre
How to get there: Alight at Myeongdong Station (Seoul Subway line 4). From exit 6, walk straight along Myeongdong 8 gil and turn left at Woori Bank.
Price: ₩40 000-70 000 (~S$36-85)/pax
If you’re looking to catch as many performances as you can, check out Klook’s Korea Package for booking K-performance tickets! With Klook, you can book a K-performance ticket from just S$24, or purchase a minimum of S$400 of Korea experiences on Klook from now to 8 April to redeem a pair of tickets to K-Performance Night happening on 26 and 27 April! |
JUMP
A stunning mix of Taekwondo, Taekkyeon (a traditional Korean martial art) and acrobatics, this slapstick comedy about an exceptionally talented family is sure to fascinate you as you watch performers leap and spin across the stage. At every show, a lucky audience member is picked and seamlessly integrated into the performance, ensuring a unique and spontaneous experience each time!
Where: Myungbo Art Hall, Jump Theatre
How to get there: Alight at Euljiro 3-ga Station (Seoul Subway lines 2, 3) and take a 1-minute walk from exit 8.
Price: ₩40 000-60 000 (~S$49-73)/pax
FIREMAN
Question: What happens when a group of trainee firemen with completely different personalities are tasked with rescuing survivors from a burning building?
Answer: A thrilling, energetic parkour show that will have you on the edge of your seat – and one that is simultaneously a wholesome story of passion and courage. Check this out for an exhilarating yet heartwarming time!
Where: Myungbo Art Hall B3F
How to get there: Alight at Euljiro 3-ga Station (Seoul Subway lines 2, 3) and take a 1-minute walk from exit 8.
Price: ₩40 000 (~S$49)/pax
The Painters: HERO
Using a combination of unconventional mediums like water sprays, dust and even light, the four Painters will make your favourite heroes and idols – Superman, Michael Jackson, Jackie Chan and more – come to life with this intriguing live painting exhibition! They also weave mime, dance and comedy into the painting process, engaging audience members of all sorts. The talent on display here is simply mind-blowing!
Where: Seoul Theatre
How to get there: Alight at Jongno 3-ga station (Seoul Subway lines 1, 3, 5), and turn right at Shinhan Bank.
Price: ₩40 000-80 000 (~S$49-98)/pax
Saving up for all these show tickets? This 4D3N Air-Tel package can help with that. From now to 30 April, you can get a flight to Korea and 3 nights of accommodation from just S$749. Book before 31 March to redeem a pair of free tickets to K-Performance Night on 26 and 27 April 2018! |
BIBAP: CHEF
CHEF is the latest installation of BIBAP: Bibimbap Performance, a creative breakdancing and beatboxing performance with delightful storylines, plenty of audience participation and, of course, lots of Bibimbap (Korean mixed rice with meat and vegetables). Grab your tickets to a CHEF show at one of BIBAP’s exclusive theatres in Seoul, and if you’re lucky, you might be even picked to judge the final dishes created by the chefs during the performance!
Where: Cinecore Building Bibap Hall
How to get there: Alight at Jongno 3-ga Station (Seoul Subway lines 1, 3, 5), exit 15. Go straight and turn left onto Samil-daero Road. Continue walking until you see the Cine Core Building on the left.
Price: ₩40 000-60 000 (~S$49-73)/pax
Cultural Performances
National Gugak Centre
‘Gugak’ roughly translates to ‘national music’, which basically includes folk music and court music. At the National Gugak Centre in Seoul, you’ll find a range of year-round performances of traditional Korean music and dance that will give you great insight into Korean culture.
Where: 2364, Nambusunhwan-ro, Seocho-gu, Seoul
How to get there: Alight at Bangbae Station (Seoul Subway line 2), exit 1. Take town shuttle bus Seocho No. 7, Seocho No. 15, or Seocho No. 17 to the Gugak Centre.
Price: Free of charge or up to ₩20 000 (~S$25)/pax depending on the show
Jeongdong Theatre
This theatre is regarded to be highly representative of Korean traditional arts performances. Here, you can watch not only classical performances but also modern interpretations of Korean traditional dances and musicals! Prepared to be amazed by graceful dancers and skilful actors, as well as intricate traditional Korean costumes at a variety of shows.
Where: 43 Jeongdong-gil, Sogong-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul
How to get there: Alight at Seodaemun Station (Seoul Subway line 5), Exit 5. Go straight and turn right at the Jeongdong 4-way Intersection. Continue walking until you see Jeongdong Theater on the left.
Price: ₩30 000-60 000 (~S$36-73)/pax, depending on the show
With Klook, you can book a K-Culture Experience from just S$36, or purchase a minimum of S$400 worth of Korea experiences on Klook and redeem a pair of tickets for K-Performance Night on 26 and 27 April! The promotion only lasts till 30 April, so make your bookings A.S.A.P.! |
Musicals
We all know the lyrics of our favourite tear-jerking Korean dramas’ soundtracks, and we can all scream the words to the hottest K-pop dance tunes. Lesser known are Korea’s musical dramas – which are equally romantic, equally imaginative and equally guaranteed to keep you hooked!
Finding Mr Destiny
You may have heard of the Korean movie ‘Finding Mr Destiny’, but did you know that it’s actually based off playwright Jang Yu-Jeong’s successful 2006 musical of the same name (or Finding Kim Joo-wook, as it’s known in Korean)?
This romantic comedy has a ridiculously funny and cute storyline centring on the heroine’s search for a first love she can’t get out of her head, with only his name to go by. You’ll definitely be rooting for the main characters by the end of the show!
Where: Culture Space NU
How to get there: Alight at Hyehwa Station (Seoul Subway line 4), exit 3. Take a 3-minute walk to Culture Space NU.
Price: ₩30 000-40 000 (~S$36-49)/pax
Only You
If you’re in search of some light-hearted family fun, you’ll be entranced by Only You, a dance-filled musical set to Korean pop hits of the 1990s. Held at the Daehak-Ro theatre, the ‘birthplace of Korean theatre’, this adorable musical about married life is sure to make you smile while taking you on a trip back to the good old ‘90s!
Where: JTN Art Hall Theater 3
How to get there: Alight at Hyehwa Station (Seoul Subway line 4), exit 2. Walk along the stream and past the Elementary School until you see the Art Hall on the right.
Price: ₩50 000 (~S$61)/pax
From now till 30 April, book an amazing Air-Tel Korea Package and get your plane ticket to Korea plus 3 nights of accommodation from just $749. If you book before 31 March, you’ll also get to redeem a pair of tickets to K-Performance Night on 26 and 27 April, so hurry and book your package now! |
Indeed, Seoul’s live performances are super affordable, enriching and entertaining. For more information and travel inspiration, visit Korea Tourism Organization’s official website and Facebook Page. The next time you visit Korea, be sure to catch these and experience the soul of Seoul!
Brought to you by Korea Tourism Organization (Singapore).