Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Entertainment
Don't worry about the language barrier: Seoul's many perform-
ing arts centres and theatres offer an intriguing and surprisingly
accessible menu of traditional music, dance, drama and com-
edy. It's also very simple to make your own entertainment in
private rooms ( bang ) devoted to karaoke, playing computer
games or watching DVDs.
Classical & Traditional
Seoul is the best place in Korea to enjoy traditional music and dance performances. Some
shows may include half a dozen different dance and music styles including the energetic
farmers'
samullori
group dances, where the dancers play a variety of percussion instru-
ments, and
pansori,
a solo opera with one singer accompanied by a drummer. Gymnastic
stand-up drumming on three drums is a crowd favourite, as is the elegant fan dance.
Gay-
ageum
(12-string zither) and flute instrumentals also typically feature. There's a broad
range of international classical offerings; top-class overseas orchestras and dance troupes
frequently visit Seoul.
Jazz, Rock & Pop
Classy live jazz venues can be found in Daehangno and Apgujeong, as well as in Hongdae
and Itaewon. Haebangchan has a growing live-music scene, some of it provided by expat
bands, while Hongdae is the place for live indie music cutting across genres. Concerts by
visiting superstars of the likes of Lady Gaga are held in the Olympic Stadium at Jamsil or
Line 5 to Gwangnaru, Exit 2)
in eastern Seoul.
Bang Culture
Seoul is overflowing with
bang
- complexes of 'rooms' where you can make your own en-
tertainment in a variety of ways:
Noraebang
Karaoke rooms where you can sing along to well-known songs, including
plenty with English lyrics.
