Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Entertainment
SEOUL ARTS CENTRE
(SAC; 580 1300;
www.sac.or.kr
; Nambusunhwan-ro, Seochu-gu; tickets from ₩10,000; Line 3 to Nambu Bus
Terminal, Exit 5, then bus 12)
The national ballet and opera companies are based at this sprawling
arts complex, which sports a circular opera house with a roof shaped like a Korean noble-
man's hat. It also houses a large concert hall and a smaller recital hall in which the national
choir, the Korea and Seoul symphony orchestras and various drama companies stage
shows. A couple more theatres and three art galleries complete the package. Check the
website for the extensive program and to find out about free shows, which are often staged
at weekends on the outdoor stage. To reach the SAC, walk straight on from the subway exit
and turn left at the end of the bus terminal.
PERFORMING ARTS
NATIONAL GUGAK CENTER
Terminal, Exit 5)
Traditional Korean classical and folk music and dance are performed, pre-
served and taught at this centre, which is home to the Court Music Orchestra, the Folk
Music Group, Dance Theatre and Contemporary Gugak Orchestra.
CLASSICAL MUSIC
The main theatre, Yeak-dang, puts on an ever-changing program by leading performers
every Saturday, usually at 4pm and 5.30pm, from early January to mid December. The 1½-
hour show is a bargain and usually contains seven items including court dances, folk songs,
pansori
,
gayageum,
flute music and drumming. The centre is down the road from the
Seoul Arts Centre.
GANGNAM ARCHI-TOUR
Given the generally blank historical canvas and wide-open spaces of Gangnam, architects have been able to push
the envelope a bit more with their designs south of the river. Start this archi-tour opposite COEX. Hyundai Devel-
opment Company commissioned Daniel Libeskind to work with Seoul-based firm Himma on its headquarters.
The result,
Tangent
OFFLINE MAP
GOOGLE MAP
( Line 2 to Samseong, Exit 6) , is one of Seoul's boldest ar-
chitectural statements, an enormous sculpture in glass, concrete and steel, reminiscent of a painting by Kandin-
sky.
Samseong, Exit 1) . Looking like a giant music speaker crossed with a slab of Swiss cheese, this incredible steel-
clad building was designed by Unsangdong Architects; at the time of research the building was closed.
