Top Entertainment in Seoul

Chongdong Theatre

Chongdong Theater was the first modern theater of traditional vocal music and plays in Korea. It is home to the Traditional Performing Arts Series, which features dance and music, including Samulnori—a four-member drum and dancing group, and wind and string instrument concerts. Performances run from an hour to two hours. Japanese and English subtitles are provided. After the show, visitors are encouraged to join the performers on stage. Notably, this area in downtown Seoul was recently designated a cultural district. Reservations are necessary because there are only 400 seats there.

Lotte World Ice Rink

At Lotte World Ice Rink, you can enjoy skating all year round. Larger than many other international ice rinks, this huge ice rink has a capacity for 1,000 skaters at any one time. The rink is conveniently located next to Lotte Adventure theme park where you can enjoy many thrilling rides. In the surrounding area, there are various restaurants that make this a great meeting place for friends or family. Discounts for large groups or for Adventure theme park ticket holders.

Sheraton Grande Walkerhill Casino

Located within the Sheraton Grande Walkerhill Hotel, this casino offers patrons great entertainment. Open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, it is the largest casino in Korea. It caters exclusively to foreigners and Koreans resident overseas (immigration documents required). When you enter the casino, you must show your passport or proof of identity. Once inside, try your luck at Roulette, Baccarat, Craps or Black-Jack tables. There are 40 slot machines and a keno lounge here, too. Drinks and light snacks are provided to players free of charge.

Hoam Art Hall

Located in central Seoul, Hoam Art Hall, is home to some of Korea's best performing artists. Crowds flock here to see modern and classical dance, music and films. Koreans are proud of their performing arts, and it is easy to see why. Both locals and tourists enjoy the entertaining acts on display, with many returning again for an encore performance. The hall has modern facilities and has a seating capacity for 866 people.

Traditional Performing Arts Center

This is the place to come if you have an interest in Korean traditional music, dance, and performing arts. Inside the main building are such facilities as the Yeok-dong (small theater) and the Umun-dong (small theater), where regular performances of Korean classical music are held. In all seasons except winter, the Korean classical performances are scheduled for Tuesday and Thursday nights and Saturday evenings at 7:30 and 5:30 respectively. You can hear both solo and ensemble musicians. At other times, various dance and other music performances take place.

The National Theater

This theater is conveniently located on the northeastern part of Mt. Namsan, within walking distance of Seoul Tower, which overlooks the city, and Namsangol Traditional Folk Village. Come here to enjoy a variety of shows, including music, dance, and drama performances. There is a main hall and small performance halls in addition to an open—air theater (Nori-Madang). Visitors can enjoy performances all year round. Admission:Nori-Madang Outdoor Performances and Ballet are free. You can also enjoy Pansori Seoul'd traditional singing.

Seoul Nori-Madang

Not far from the huge indoor amusement park Lotte World, you will find this outdoor stage. Both tourists and locals gather together to admire the excellent demonstrations on display. From April to October, you can enjoy two hours of traditional Korean music and dance performances on the weekends. Come to hear such things as Korean folk songs, see the traditional fan dance, or be impressed by the Taekwondo or Taekyon (traditional martial arts) demonstrations.

IMAX Theatre

For the ultimate experience in cinema, catch an IMAX film. The film used is ten times the size of regular 35—millimeter film and projected onto a six—story tall screen. Members of the audience can really feel they are part of the scene. Six large speakers placed around the theater provide excellent stereophonic sound. For non—Korean speakers, small earphones providing English, French, Japanese or Chinese translations are provided free of charge. Films last approximately 40 minutes.

MMC Theater

Located on the tenth floor of Kopyung Freya, this theater offers ten screens with a seating capacity of 1,800. What makes this theater different from others is the fact that it is open 24 hours a day, with the exception of three hours from 8a-11a. It offers free choice of seats and large screens. In addition, for those who come with their significant other, special 'love seats' are available. Another choice is to sit in a 'star seat,' inscribed with the name of a famous Korean actor or actress, and feel like a celebrity.

Hakchon Blue

In the heart of the performing arts district of Daehagno, this small theater is a great place to go to see a musical or play in Korean, with clear English subtitles projected just above the stage. The energetic and exciting performances take place in the afternoon and evenings. While it is possible to get a seat if you show up at the door, it is advisable to reserve in advance.