“Thursday Romance”: Veteran actor and actress Jo Jae-hyun and Bae Jong-ok, who have been mostly working for TV series and films, are co-starring in a theater work this winter. The play, titled “Thursday Romance,” tells the story of ex-lovers in their 50s who remain friends for many years. They’ve been through “almost everything together” as friends, “except marriage and kids.” In the show, actress Bae plays Yeon-ok, a retired journalist who used to write about international issues and conflicts, while actor Jo plays Jeong-min, a respected scholar of history. The plot of the play develops as Jeong-min one day suggests he and Yeon-ok have “weekly discussion sessions” every Thursday, talking about different themes each week; the themes include courage, history, death, the act of writing, and memories. As the two talk about the given themes each week, they rediscover feelings for each other, as well as their misunderstandings and mistakes in the past. “Thursday Romance” runs from Nov. 23 to Dec. 30 at Jayu Theater of Seoul Arts Center. Tickets range from 35,000 won to 50,000 won. For more information, call (02) 580-1300.

“Aida”: Korea’s Seensee Company once again presents the Korean adaptation of Elton John and Tim Rice’s musical “Aida.” The show was first staged in Seoul in 2005, and its second run was held in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province, in 2010. Based on Giuseppe Verdi’s Italian-language opera of the same title, the show tells the story of Aida, Nubia’s princess who gets taken into slavery in Egypt. She soon gets attention from Radames, captain of the Egyptian army, who is expected to succeed to the country’s throne after the Pharaoh’s death. For the 2005 run, idol star-turned-musical actress Ok Ju-hyun starred as the beautiful and captivating Aida. This year, actress Cha Ji-yeon and pop singer Sonya are sharing the lead role. “Aida” runs from Dec. 2 to April 28, 2013, at D-Cube Art Center in Seoul. Tickets range from 60,000 won to 120,000 won. For more information, call 1544-1555.

“Phantom of the Opera”: Tickets are available for the upcoming run of the world’s beloved musical, “Phantom of the Opera.” The show opens on Dec. 7 at Blue Square’s Samsung Electronics Hall in Hannam-dong, Seoul. Composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber, the musical tells the story of the beautiful soprano Christine and a mysterious, disfigured musical genius who becomes obsessed with her. Australian actress Claire Lyon will play Christine, while veteran Broadway actor Brad Little will perform as the Phantom. The show was first staged in Korea in 2001, and its last Korean run was in 2010 in Daegu. Tickets range from 50,000 won to 160,000 won, and a 15 percent discount is available for those who have seen the show in Korea in the past. For more information, visit www.phantomoftheopera.co.kr or call 1577-3363.

Pop music

“Road to Ultra”: The biggest indoor party featuring one massive stage is coming to Seoul for one night only. Some of the biggest names in the dance music scene including Diplo, Hardwell, Major Lazer, R3HAB and others will spin live at at Jasmil Indoor Stadium on Dec. 8 at 6 p.m. This past summer, more than 80,000 people attended the world’s most popular electronic dance music festival, UMF Korea. This winter, the biggest dance party returns. Tickets to the Road to Ultra festival range from 99,000 won to 135,000 won. For more information, call (02) 3141-3488 or visit www.interpark.com or umfkorea.com.

“Kaas chante Piaf”: French singer and actress Patricia Kaas will hold two performances in Seoul in promotion of her newest live show “Kaas sings Piaf.” The concert tour is in commemoration of renowned French musician Edith Piaf who passed away 50 years ago this year. Piaf was widely regarded as France’s national pop singer and become an icon in the country during World War II. Kaas is considered as one of the most internationally successful French singers and is set to perform this celebratory project in 45 countries. The concert will be held at Sejong Center for the Performing Arts on Dec. 2 at 7 p.m. and on Dec. 3 at 8 p.m. Tickets range from 33,000 won to 165,000 won. For more information, call (02) 3141-3488 or visit www.interpark.com.

“Sting: Back to Bass Tour”: The composer, singer, author, actor and activist Sting will be performing live in Seoul on Dec. 5 at Olympic Park Gymnastics Arena. In 1977, Sting went on to form the globally successful rock band The Police. Since the mid-’80s, he has released 13 solo albums and when combined with his work with The Police, he has sold nearly 100 million albums and won 10 Grammy Awards. Tickets to the Back to Bass Tour range from 77,000 won to 198,000 won. For more information, call (02) 3141-3488 or visit www.interpark.com.

“2012 Maksim Showcase Seoul”: The Croatian classical-crossover pianist Maksim Mrvica will perform at the Ellui in Seoul on Dec. 10. Mrvica has reaped great success as a classical-crossover pianist having released seven albums ― some of which have gone double platinum ― and touring around the world including Slovenia, Bosnia, London, Japan, Taiwan and China, where he was invited by the Chinese government to perform as part of the Beijing Olympic Celebrations. Tickets to this all-standing concert are 55,000 won, which includes one free drink coupon. For more information, call (02) 3141-3488 or visit www.interpark.com.

Classic music

Ryuichi Sakamoto Trio Tour: Japanese classical/contemporary music master Ryuichi Sakamoto is holding a concert with his trio, cellist Jaques Morelenbaum and violinist Judy Kang, at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts on Dec. 9 at 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. The band will feature some of Sakamoto’s most well known pieces, including those on his global hit album “1996” such as “Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence,” “Rain,” and “The Last Emperor.” Sakamoto will play the piano and perform various styles ranging from classical to bossa nova to hip-hop. Tickets are priced from 50,000 won to 160,000 won. A 10 percent discount is offered to Samsung Card holders. Reservation is possible at www.yes24.com and www.interpark.com. For more information call (02) 599-5743. 

Christmas Party, “Opera LaBoheme”: Artspool Culture Foundation is staging Puccini’s opera “La Boheme” at SETEC center in southern Seoul at 8 p.m. on Dec. 20-25. Kim Dong-kyu, one of the most popular baritones in Korea, will take the lead role of Marcello alongside Maria Pia Ionata playing Mimi and Valter Borin taking the role of Rodolfo. A 54 square-meter stage will be set up for the opera, reenacting the lavishing Christmas party in Paris. The opera comes in a package with the Walkerhill Wine Buffet or French Dinner Course or a night-stay at the Walkerhill Hotel. Another package offers a one-night stay at the Walkerhill Hotel on the date of one’s choice. Tickets are priced from 40,000 won without meals to 401,000 won for the most expensive package. For more information call (02) 518-2266.

The Bat: The Korea National Opera will stage Johann Strauss II “Die Fledermaus,” or “The Bat,” through Dec. 1 at the Seoul Arts Center Opera House. The operetta is set in the Great Depression. Internationally acclaimed director Stephen Lawless will lead the show while set and costume designer Gideon Davey, choreographer Nicolas Bowie and lighting designer Simon Mills have joined the crew in delivering the spirit of the times. Seasoned singers including tenor Richard Berkeley Steel and soprano Pamela Armstrong will be performing alongside the up-and-coming countertenor David DQ Lee and top-notch comedian Kim Byung-man who will play Frosch. Tickets are priced between 10,000 won and 120,000 won. Reservations can be made at www.sacticket.co.kr; www.interpark.com or by calling 1577-5266. For more information, visit www.nationalopera.org.

One Day: The Seoul Metropolitan Youth Orchestra is holding a concert, “One Day” at Sejong Center for the Performing Arts on Dec. 8 at 6 p.m. The orchestra will feature “a day” in the event, starting with Grieg’s “Morgenstimmung” from “Peer Gynt” representing early morning, followed by Tchaikovsky’s “Valse des fleurs” from “Nutcracker” and Granados’ “Spanish Dance,” showing morning. Bizet’s “Overture” from “Carmen” will represent noon, to be followed by Stravinsky’s “L’oiseau de feu”; Bizet’s “Les Pecheurs de Perles”; Wagner’s “O du mein holder Abendstern,” from “Tannhauser”; Puccini’s “Nessun Dorma,” and close with Stravinsky’s “V.Berceuse” as a lullaby. Tickets range in price from 5,000 won to 30,000 won. Reservations can be made at www.sejongpac.or.kr and www.interpark.com. For more information, call (02) 399-1792.

Exhibitions

“Claes Oldenburg and van Bruggen Retrospective”: The retrospective exhibition of pop art sculptors Claes Oldenburg and the late Coosje van Bruggen presents a comprehensive selection of works created throughout their lifetime at PKM Trinity Gallery in Seoul until Jan. 15. The exhibition features large-scale indoor sculptures of musical instruments, food and everyday objects, as well as drawings and prints, including sketches for “Spring,” the iconic sculptor standing in Cheonggye stream in Seoul. The works are not only displayed at the gallery in Gangnam, but can be viewed at Times Square, the entertainment and shopping complex in Yeongdeungpo. For more information, call (02) 515-9496.

“The Collection”: Marking the fifth anniversary of its opening, Opera Gallery Seoul is holding a special exhibition at its new location until Dec. 3. The exhibition features famous works by well-known artists such as Damien Hirst, Jean Francois Larrieu and Lita Cabellut. Some of the highlights are Damien Hirst’s “Birthday Card,” priced at more than 1 billion won ($924,000); Marc Quinn’s 3-meter flower sculpture “Archaelogy of Desire” and the gallery’s iconic sculpture Robert Indiana’s “Nine.” The exhibition is open from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. at Opera Gallery Seoul on Dosan Boulevard, Gangnam, Seoul. For more information, call (02) 3446-0070.

“Seoul Photo Festival”: The Seoul Photo Festival will showcase photographs taken by professional photographers as well as citizens that offer glimpses into life in old Seoul. Photographs will be grouped into four categories based on what it represents in a certain time period and exhibited at three venues in Seoul, including the Seoul Museum of Art, the principal exhibition venue of the festival, the lobby of the new Seoul City Hall and Seoul Museum of History. The exhibition runs from Nov. 21-Dec. 30. Admission is free. For more information, call 070-8240-9902 or visit www.seoulphotofestival.com.

“Van Gogh in Paris: A Dialogue with Modernism”: Van Gogh’s paintings from his Paris years are on exhibit in Seoul. The exhibition features about 60 paintings on loan from the Van Gogh Museum of Amsterdam, including the late artist’s famous self-portraits and landscape paintings. It also displays historical research and data about the artist and his works, including X-rays of his paintings. It continues through March 24 next year at Hangaram Design Museum in Seoul Arts Center. The exhibition is closed on the last Monday of each month. Tickets are 15,000 won for adults; 10,000 for students aged 13-18; and 8,000 won for children aged 7-12. There will be discounts for group visitors. For more information, call (02) 724-2900.

“Anish Kapoor”: Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art holds the first exhibition of works by British sculptor Anish Kapoor. The first major show by Kapoor in Korea encompasses the artist’s major works from the early years of his career to the present. Some of the works include large-scale sculptors with unfathomable holes, three-dimensional monochromic paintings and stainless-steel sculptures that reflect or distort images. In the museum garden stands Kapoor’s huge stainless-steel sculptor “Tall Tree and the Eye,” which replaced the French sculptor Louis Bourgeois’ “Maman.” The exhibition continues through Jan. 27, 2013, at Leeum in Seoul. Admission is 8,000 won for adults and 5,000 won for students. For more information, call (02) 2014-6900.

Festivals

“Pocheon Dongjangkun Festival”: The annual winter festival in Pocheon, Gyeonggi Province, hosts various family winter activities such as trout ice fishing, sledding and kite flying in Baekun Valley. The festival will exhibit ice sculptures and hold a light show that will make beautiful reflections on the sculptures. Traditional Korean snacks such as baked potatoes and sweet potatoes with red bean soup will be served to visitors. The festival runs from Dec. 29-Jan. 27. For more information, call (031) 535-7242, or visit www.dongjangkun.co.kr. 

“Boseong Tea Field Light Festival”: A light festival will take place at the famous tea plantation in Boseong, South Jeolla Province, during the winter. The vast tea field will be decorated with thousands of colorful light bulbs from Dec. 14-Jan. 27, 2013. Major highlights include a Christmas tree and light installations. The lights will go on from 6 p.m. to midnight every day. Admission is free. An opening ceremony will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Dec. 14 in Yoengcheon-ri, followed by an event that will invite visitors to walk through a long light tunnel. For more information, call (061) 850-5211.

“PyeongChang Trout Festival”: Pyeongchang, host city of the 2018 Winter Olympics, is also famous for the annual traditional ice fishing festival, which takes place in Jinbu-myeon from Dec. 22-Feb. 3, 2013. The festival offers a variety of programs including ice fishing for trout, catching trout with bare hands, and many winter sports activities such as sledding and skating. Visitors can also try unique vehicles such as ice bicycles and sleigh trains. Fishing costs 13,000 won; fishing at tents 20,000 won; sled, ice bike and skates rentals 6,000 won. For more information, visit festival700.or.kr or call (033) 336-4000.

“Yangchon Dried Persimmon Festival”: Yangchon in South Chungcheong Province boasts high-quality dried persimmon thanks to long hours of sunshine, a breezy wind and drastic temperature changes from day to night. The festival invites visitors to taste the nation’s best-quality dried persimmon and participate in various hands-on experiences with friends and family. Activities planned include persimmon peeling, throwing dried persimmon seeds, and crafts using straws. The event will take place at Yangchon-ri Stadium from Dec. 8-9. For more information, visit gotgam.nonsan.go.kr or call (041) 741-3119.

Dance

“Social Skin”: Korea National Contemporary Dance Company is staging a special performance this week, choreographed by critically acclaimed Europe-based artists. Titled “Social Skin,” the piece was created by Israeli artist Uri Ivgi and Dutch artist Johan Greben. The show features some 500 items of clothing onstage, referred as a “social skin”; it explores the theme of identity, relationships, and non-verbal communication. “Social Skin” runs from Nov. 30 to Dec. 2 at Arko Art Center in Daehangno, Seoul. Tickets cost 15,000 won. For more information, call (02) 3472-1420.

“Swan Lake”: Following Russia’s Mariinsky Ballet’s performance in November, Seoulites are getting another chance to see the Tchaikovsky classic “Swan Lake” ― this time staged by Korea National Ballet. The famous ballet tells the story of Odette, a princess turned into a swan by an evil sorcerer’s curse. She tries to break the curse with her love interest prince Siegfried, but fails as the prince gets tricked by the magician. For the upcoming show, Korea National Ballet is performing a version that was reworked by renowned Russian dancer and choreographer Yury Grigorovich in 1969. Unlike other versions of “Swan Lake,” Grigorovich interpreted the sorcerer as the Prince’s dark alter-ego, and produced a happy ending for the story. The leading local ballet troupe celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. The show runs from Dec. 7 to Dec. 12 at Seoul Arts Center’s Opera Theater. Tickets range from 5,000 won to 100,000 won. For more information, call (02) 587-6181.

“The Nutcracker”: Korea’s Universal Ballet Company is getting ready to attract fans with its popular rendition of “The Nutcracker.” First performed by UBC in 1986, the show is based on 19th-century German writer E.T.A. Hoffmann’s version of the story and French ballet choreographer Marius Petipa’s dance. UBC has cast 10 of its finest dancers, including principal dancers Hwang Hye-min, Kang Ye-na and Eom Jae-yong. The show, which tells the story of a young girl’s favorite Christmas toy coming alive and whisking her away to a magical kingdom, is one of Tchaikovsky’s most famous ballets. The show runs from Dec. 21 to 31 at Universal Art Center in Neung-dong, eastern Seoul. Tickets range from 10,000 won to 200,000 won. For more information, call (070) 7124-1737.