Drama
"Candida": George Bernard Shaw`s famous play, which puts a satirical spin on social attitudes toward sex relations will be first performed in Korea. Director Jung Jin-soo, a professor and renowned drama director, offers the Korean rendition at Sangmyeong Art Hall in Seoul, which will run from Dec. 6 through Dec. 18. Tickets are 20,000 won to 15,000 won. Exit No. 1, Hyehwa Station on Subway Line No. 4. For further information, call (02) 766-8679.

"Love Letters": A long-term relationship unfolds through letters in a play written by American playwright Albert Ramsdell Gurney, known for his refined portrayal of the American middle class. The drama, first performed in Korea in 2001, is also attracting attention here because Seol Kyung-gu, a veteran movie actor, joins the cast. It will run through Dec. 31 at Hanyang Repertory Theater in Seoul. Tickets are 10,000 won to 30,000 won. Exit No. 1, Hyehwa Station on Subway Line No. 4. For further information, call (02) 764- 6460.

"Jeongsun Wanghu, Parting Forever": Queen Jeongsun, who was Danjong`s wife during the Joseon Dynasty, is played by a veteran actress Yun Suk-hwa. Due to the political strife, Danjong was expelled and died at the tender age of 17, leaving the queen behind. Actress Yun plays the saddened queen, telling stories about the late husband. The mono drama will run through Feb. 19 at Sanwoolim Theater in Shinchon, Seoul. Tickets are 20,000 won and 40,000 won. Near Exit No. 1, Shinchon Station on Subway No. 2. For more information, call 334-5915.

"Encore Happy Together": This comedy about two armed robbers storming into the house of a rich old woman will run through Dec. 31 at Daehangno Amusing Theater in Seoul. Tickets are 10,000 won and 20,000 won. Exit No. 2, Hyehwa Station on Subway Line No. 4. For further information, call (02) 742-7262.

"Miracle": A comic fantasy about the human rights of people in a coma will run through Dec. 31 at Miracle Theater in Seoul. Tickets are 10,000 won and 20,000 won. Exit No. 1, Hyehwa Station on Subway Line No. 4. For further information, call (02) 742-7261.

"A Third Rate Actor": The original Korean play features an obscure actor who hasn`t taken a major role in drama for nearly 30 years. Exploring the possibility of restoring humanity through the peculiar character, it will run through Jan. 1 in 2006 at Valentine Theater in Hyehwa-dong, Seoul. Tickets are 20,000 won to 25,000 won. Exit No. 2, Hyehwa Station on Subway Line No. 4. For further information, call (02) 3674-5555.

"Old Prostitute`s Song": Renowned actress Yang Hee-kyung returns to the role of an old prostitute after a 10-year hiatus. Tackling the theme of what real love and beauty really means, the mono drama will run through Dec. 31 at Woolim Cheongdam Theater in southern Seoul. Tickets are 30,000 won and 50,000 won. Near Exit No. 4, Gangnam-gu Office Station on Subway No. 7. For more information, call 569-0656 or visit http://wl.pmcproduction.co.kr

"Me and My Friend": Directed by Daami Cagney, a black comedy Me and My Friend will be run from Dec. 4 to 18 in Shinchon. The play explores the relationships between two odd couples thrown prematurely out of a mental hospital. It will be held at Dong Bang Art Theater on Sunday at 4 p.m. and 8:30 p.m., Thursday at 9:30 p.m., Friday 9:30 p.m. and Saturday at 4 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Admission is 15,000 won. Exit 5 at Shinchon Station on Subway Line No. 2. For reservations, call (02) 794-4624 or write to thebhpcompany @yahoo.com

"Me and My Friend": Directed by Daami Cagney, a black comedy Me and My Friend will be run to Dec.18 in Shinchon. The play explores the relationships between two odd couples thrown prematurely out of a mental hospital. It will be held at Dong Bang Art Theater on Sunday at 4 p.m. and 8:30 p.m., Thursday at 9:30 p.m., Friday 9:30 p.m. and Saturday at 4 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Admission is 15,000 won. Exit 5 at Shinchon Station on Subway Line No. 2. For reservations, call (02) 794-4624 or write to thebhpcompany@yahoo.com

Musical
"Aida": A big-budget Disney musical features the heart-breaking love between Radames, the Captain of the Egyptian Army, and Aida, the daughter of the Nubian King, with the Egyptian princess Amneris telling the story. It runs at LG Arts Center in southern Seoul. Tickets are 40,000 won to 120,000 won. Exit No. 7, Yeoksam Station on Subway No. 2. For ticket reservations, call (02) 2005-0114, or visit www.musical-aida.co.kr

"Pippin": A Broadway musical about a boy prince who embarks on his ambitious quest for an extraordinary life will run through Jan. 15 at Chungmu Art Hall near Sindang Station on Subway Line 2 in Seoul. Tickets range from 35,000 won to 70,000 won. For details, call 1588-7890 or see ww.musicalpippin.co.kr

"Urinetown": The Korean version of a famous Broadway musical unfolds a story about a city where water is in such short supply that an evil corporation known as Urine Good Company controls all the toilets. Those who refuse to use the paid toilets are exiled to Urinetown, and a young man named Bobby Strong gathers a band of the poor and seizes a daughter of the UGC president. The musical will run from Dec. 17 through Jan. 15 at Seensee Musical Theater in Seoul. Tickets range from 22,000 won to 40,000 won. Exit No. 2, Hyehwa Station on Subway Line No. 4. For further information, call (02) 745-1987.

"2005 Funky Funky": A musical directed by comedian Geong Seong-han will run through Dec. 31 at Funky House in Myeong-dong, downtown Seoul. Near Exit No. 6, Myeongdong Station on Subway No. 4. Tickets are 20,000 won to 100,000 won. For more information, call (02) 1588-1089 or visit www.funkyfunky.co.kr

"Subway Line 1, 2005": A tried-and-true rock musical by the Hakchon Theatre Troupe portrays a wide range of Seoulites in the 1990s runs at Hakchon Theater. Tickets range from 17,000 won to 28,000 won. Exit No. 2, Hyehwa Station on Subway Line No. 4. For more information, call (02) 763-8233 or visit www.hakchon.co.kr

"Tunnel": A home-grown musical with a theme of first love featuring a rebellious teenager who escapes from a harsh reality. The musical will run from Nov. 11 through Dec. 31 at Sangsang Nanum Theater in Seoul. Tickets are 20,000 to 30,000 won. Exit No. 2, Hyehwa Station on Subway Line No. 4. For more information, call (02) 762-0810.

"Lee Eun-kyul In Dreams": The second place winner of FISM 2003, a renowned international magic contest in the Netherlands, Lee Eun-kyul is once again ready to enrapture his fans as he presents "Lee Eun-kyul In Dreams," a live magic show at Hanjeon Art Center, southern Seoul, from Dec. 12 to Jan. 1. Also noted for his handsome appearance, Lee will perform illusion magic, mind reading magic tricks and many more, as well as his specialty close-up magic tricks. Tickets are 50,000 to 150,000 won. Exit No. 1, Yangjae Station on Subway Line No. 3. For more information, call (02) 516-1501.

Exhibition
"Placebo": Lee Joong-keun is holding his solo exhibition in Paik Hae Young Gallery in Itaewon. Lee shows his unique interior and furniture designs through digital patterns in plane and installation works. The exhibit will be held until Dec. 29. The gallery will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., closed on Sunday. Exit No. 2 at Itaewon Station on Subway Line No. 6. For more information, call (02) 796-9347 or visit www.paikhygallery.com

"Stone Sculpture Exhibition": Lee Young-seon will present stone sculptures in INSA Gallery to Dec 13. Lee praises the beauty of nature through stone works which demand great concentration and preciseness. The gallery will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Exit No. 6 at Anguk Station on Subway Line No. 3. For more information, call (02) 735-2655.

"Neighbor`s wife": A commercial CAIS Gallery will present Gim Hong-sok`s latest 20 art works including sculptures, photos and videos. Gim uses unexpected materials to create beautiful three-dimensional sculptures. Gim`s "Neighbor`s wife" is scheduled to be held through Dec. 30. The CAIS Gallery is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and located near Exit 9 at Cheongdam Station on Subway Line No. 7. For more information, call (02) 511-0668.

"ArtiST PROJECT": Artists and scientists will show their collaborated works at Savina Museum of Contemporary Art through Jan. 27 next year. The curator says the participating artists have expanded the periphery of art thanks to the technical help of the scientists. As a side event, participation programs are run for children to Jan. 22. Admission to the exhibition is 1,000 won for children under 12 and 2,000 won for over 12. If children want to participate in the programs, the overall admission is 3,000 won. Open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Exit No. 1 at Anguk Station on Subway Line No.3. For more information, call (02) 736-4372.

"FABRICA 10 From Chaos to Order and Back": Zero one Design Center in Kookmin University holds an exhibition to mark the 10th anniversary of the establishment of Benetton Communication Research Center, FABRICA. The exhibits include graphic images, video art, musical pieces and interactive installations. The exhibit runs through Dec. 20. Admission is 4,000 won for adults and 3,000 won for under 18. It is closed on Monday. Exit No. 1 at Hyehwa Station on Subway Line No. 4. For more information, call (02) 745-2490.

"Chun Kwang-Young: Aggregation 2005": Chun Kwang-young holds his solo exhibition at Kukje Gallery through Dec. 18. More renowned abroad than at home, Chun tries to showcase his recent works through wrapping and assembling Korean mulberry paper. The exhibit is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. from Tuesday to Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Mondays are closed. Kukje Gallery is in Sogyeok-dong near Exit No. 1 at Anguk Station on Subway Line No. 3. For more information, call (02) 735-8449 or visit www.kukje.org

"Porcelain with under-glazed iron: Dynamic drawing and its power": The 10th special exhibition of Ho-Am Art Museum will display aesthetic characteristics and development process of Korean ceramics through Feb. 26 2006. The ceramics will include Goryeo celadons, Joseon Buncheong wares and White Porcelains with under-glazed iron designs. The exhibition is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and closed on every Monday. Admission is 4,000 won for adults and 3,000 won for students. Ho-Am Art Museum is located in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province. For more information, call (031) 320-1801 or visit www.hoammuseum.org

"Matthew Barney: Drawing Restraint": Celebrating the first anniversary of Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art, the museum presents an American visual artist Matthew Barney`s solo exhibition through Jan. 8, 2006. Famous for the film series, "Cremaster Cycle," he is expanding the perimeter of contemporary art through his imagination and experimentation. The show will provide an opportunity to understand Barney`s artistic vision and directions. Admission for adults is 7,000 won and for children, 4,000 won. Reservations should be made in advance. For reservations, call (02) 2014-6901 or visit www.leeum.org

"Gerard Fromanger Exhibition": Born in 1939, French artist Gerard Fromanger initiated the crucial "Nouvelle Figuration" movement which is considered as one of the most innovative art movements in the 20th century European art. The master of Nouvelle Figuration believes that art should be a social tool to convey messages to the society. The exhibition including Fromanger`s well known pieces "A Tea Salon" and "Body to Body...Orange" will run through Jan. 5 at the National Museum of Contemporary Art in Gwacheon. Gallery shuttle buses are offered every 20 minutes beginning from 9 a.m. at Exit 4, Seoul Grand Park Station on Subway Line No. 4. For more information, visit www.moca.go.kr

"Cubism in Asia: Unbounded Dialogues": With the goal to take a glance at how modernism art was accepted and transformed in Asia in the 1940s and 50s, Korea Nationa Museum of Contemporary Art, Japan National Museum of Modern Art and Singapore National Museum prepared this exhibition for more than two years, collecting 113 paintings of 76 Asian Cubists including China`s Li Hua (1907-1994), India`s Francis Newton Souza (1924-2002), Japan`s Yorozu Tetsugoro (1885-1927), Korea`s Kim Sou (1919- ) and many more. The exhibition runs through Jan. 30 at the Deoksugung National Museum of Art, near City Hall Station, Subway Line No. 1 Exit 3, and Line No. 2 Exit 12. For more information, visit www.moca.go.kr

"Jorg Immendorff": Paintings and Sculptures 1972-2005": Diagnosed with Lue Gehrig`s disease in 1998, German artist Jorg Immendorff`s last efforts have been producing remarkable accomplishments. Since the beginning of his art career in 1961 and facing the confusion of constant political changes of his country, the artist believes that it is social duty for artists to play part in the German modern history through art. The exhibition displaying 40 of Immendorff`s paintings and sculptures including "Das tun, was zu tun ist (1972)," "Fruits and Politics (1991)" and "Kunst und Politik (2004) will run until Feb. 5 at Cheonan Arario Gallery located at Shinbu-dong, Cheonan City, South Chungcheong Province. For more information, visit www.arariogallery.co.kr

"Pittura in Sicilia": The island of Sicily is noted for developing a unique form of "Futurismo (Futurism)," an avant-garde art movement that dominated Italy in the early 20th century. Denying traditional art techniques, Italian Futurism developed a new technique to depict the speed and action of mechanical cultivation. Viewers will get the chance to see excellent artworks of four late Sicilian artists Vittorio Corona (1901-1966), Giulio D`Anna (1908-1978), Pippo Rizzo (1897-1964) and Giovanni Varvaro (1887-1973), and current leading contemporary artists Guido Baragli, Carla Horat, Anna Kennel and Croce Taravella. The exhibition will run through Jan. 22 at the Daelim Contemporary Art Museum, near Gyeongbokgung Station, Subway Line No. 3, Exit 4. For more information, visit www.daelimmuseum.org

Concert
"All That Jazz in Seongnam": The two noted jazz musicians, guitarist Larry Carlton and pianist Bob James will give separate concerts at Seongnam Arts Center, Kyeonggi Province, 8 p.m. on Dec. 20 and 21. Have been known for incorporating new dynamics to jazz, Carlton performs both as a soloist and a member of the group Fourplay, He will performs on Dec. 20, while James will perform on the following day with his band Shanghai Angels. Tickets are 20,000~60,000 won. Exit No. 1, Imae Station on Bundang Subway Line. For further information, call (031) 729-5615.

"Endless Love": Four young but outstanding classical musicians - pianist Park Jong-hoon, cellist You Dae-yun, clarinetist Kye Hee-jung and violinist Yang Go-un-will present mellow music from great musicians, including J.S. Bach, F. Schubert, and L.V. Beethoven, today at Hoam Art Hall in downtown Seoul. Film star Kim Tae-woo will make a guest appearance, talking about life and music to share. Tickets are 20,000 won and 30,000 won. Exit No.9, City Hall station on Subway Line No. 1 or 2. For details, call (02) 751-9606 or visit www.credia.co.kr

"M`s Girl Friend": M, or Lee Min-woo of Shinhwa, one of the most popular boy bands in the country, will offer special Christmas concert stages at 88 Gymnasium in Hwagok-dong, western Seoul, on Jan. 14 and 15, which will be his first solo concert. During the concerts, Lee will present New Kids on the Blocks` 1986 hit single "Tonight" and "Cover Girl" in his own style. Tickets are 60,000 won. Exit No. 5, Balsan Station on Subway Line No. 5. For more information, call (02) 540-7879.

"Maksim Mrvica recital": A dynamic, charismatic and highly gifted Croatian pianist with a pop star look, will heat up the Seoul Arts Center Concert Hall stage on Dec. 13, with repertoires from his "A New World" album. From when his first album "the Piano Player" was released in 2003, he has been working on giving a new spin to classical music repertoires, which has made him the biggest star pianist ever from Croatia. His virtuosic technique and audience-friendly stage manner attracted such global brands as his sponsors, which include American Express and BMW. Tickets are 30,000 to 120,000 won. Exit No. 5, Nambu Bus Terminal Station on Subway Line No. 3. For further information, call (02) 548-4480.

"Berliner Symphoniker & Karl-Forster-Choir": One of world`s top orchestras in Germany will offer its first concert in the country, performing "Symphonic Fantasia Korea" written by Ahn Eak-tai, the composer of the Korean National Anthem or "Aegukga" at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts on Dec. 11. The German orchestra, under the baton of maestro Lior Shambadal since 1997, and the Karl-Forster-Chor, a choir led by Barbara Rucha, held joint performance of Ahn`s piece on Nov. 16 in Berlin, the first performance of the symphonic number in 62 years in the European nation. Tickets are 40,000 to 150,000 won. Exit No. 1, Gwanghwamun Station on Subway Line No. 5. For more information, call (02) 599-5743.

Dance
"The Little Match-seller": In celebration of the 200th anniversary of Hans Christian Anderson`s birth, Chong Dong Theater, a performing arts venue in downtown Seoul, will present the dance extravaganza from Dec. 16 to 31. In the performance, the girl`s three illusions will be shown in the form of animation, which will be screened on the back of the stage. The stage has been designed in detail so that children can feel the texture of small objects on the stage just by looking at them. Tickets are priced from 20,000 won to 30,000 won. Exit No. 12, City Hall Station on Subway Line No. 1 or 2. For further details, call (02) 751-1500.

Universal Ballet`s "Nutcracker": The nation`s leading ballet troupe will stage the Christmas classic once again at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts from Dec. 17 to 25. The ballet company`s "Nutcracker," which has been performed over 400 times, selling more than 500,000 tickets both here and abroad for the past 20 years, will feature some 50 child dancers along with the star ballerinas of the troupe, including Yena Kang, Yoo Nan-hee and Hwang Hye-min. Tickets are 20,000 to 70,000 won. Exit No. 1, Gwanghwamun Station on Subway Line No. 5. For more information, call (02) 2204-1039.