19 Best Performing Arts in South Korea

One of the city’s flashiest festivals is the Seoul International Fireworks Festival, held every October. Teams of pyrotechnicians from as far away as Sweden join forces to create an explosive extravaganza that lights up the sky over the Han River. Warning: It gets very crowded. Arrive at the park way before dark if you expect to stake out a prime viewing spot, or book ahead at one of the many top-floor restaurants or bars, such as Mariposa or VVertigo, for the best seats in Yeouido.

Each April as Yeouido comes alive with the rosy hues of azalea, forsythia, and fluffy cherry blossoms, the Yeouido Spring Flower Festival is held to celebrate the beautiful annual event. The 1,641 blossoming cherry trees create a canopy of pink along the road between Hangang Park and the National Assembly Building and is Seoul's most famous avenue for blossom spotting. Although the king cherry trees are the stars of the show, the festival also includes street food vendors, kids’ activities, and music and dance performances.

This is ground zero every October during the Busan International Film Festival. The area has a lot of first-run theaters and there are subtitled screenings outside of the festival as well, so it's worth checking out.

Approximately 10 million visitors a year head to this 8-story art space for plays, musicals, and large-scale concerts, from leading names in K-pop to international acts. Past shows include Wicked, Les Miserables, and Aida among others. Many in the theater industry say its state-of-the-art equipment and layout (it's a whopping 29,492 square meters (317,449 square feet) make it one of the best places to see live entertainment. Blue Square has several restaurants and cafes, but the most notable of its amenities is the Book Lounge, a private collection of 3,000 books.

An excellent way to see the city in an evening (particularly on a cold but clear winter night) is to take the Night View Course offered by Busan City Tour. The two and a half hour long trip takes you through Gwangalli and Haeundae beaches and across the Gwangan Bridge. One downside is that the bus only makes one stop along its route, at the top of Mt. Geumnyeonsan for a photo op.

Home to three metropolitan orchestras, two choruses, as well as a dance and a theater troupe, this massive, four-venue complex is the undisputed headquarters for region's arts and performance scene. In addition to regular shows from the house companies, the center also hosts touring musical theater and opera performances. 

Established in 1988, this is currently Busan's largest performing arts center and home to 7 groups, including the Busan Philharmonic Orchestra, the Busan Metropolitan Traditional Orchestra, and the Busan Metropolitan Dance Company. Performances take place throughout the year and details can be found on their website in English.

When it comes to movie theaters, South Korea's are generally better quality for the price compared to most countries in the world. CGV is a trusted franchise with locations across Korea, but this location within I'Park Mall can be set apart for its special viewing options. There is a well-reputed IMAX theater perfect for blockbuster and action movies, a Goldclass theater with reclining seats for a high-end cinema experience, and the world’s first 4DX theater with surround screens and seats that move. Order from the long list of popcorn options, sit down with a drink, and enjoy.

This state-of-the-art performance space is Korea's first theater dedicated exclusively to musicals. The design was inspired by classic European theaters, and despite the fact that the space holds 1,241 people, it manages to maintain an intimate feel, which means there's not a bad seat in the house. 

This mixed-use cultural center features small, medium, and large theaters, as well as gallery space showing rotating exhibitions by local artists. Productions vary widely from acclaimed Broadway musicals to orchestral concerts and specialty film festivals. It’s just a few blocks away from Dongdaemun Design Plaza, meaning there are plenty of bars and restaurants in the area for a pre-show refreshment. Parking is available for a fee, but the venue is also easily accessed by subway.

Built in 1988, the Center has a massive 902-seat theater for major performances and two smaller theaters. There's also an exhibition hall that hosts a number of international events. Come to watch free movies, brass or wind ensembles, choir performances or pop in the check out a photography or amateur painting exhibit. Prices and show times vary so check the local listings.

One of Korea's most visually spectacular festivals is one rooted in Jeju's pastoral past. In the old days, locals would light pastures every spring to rid grasslands of excess grass and vermin. The ash would also replenish the soil. While the practice has largely died out, it lives on at the Saebyeol Oreum in Aewol. Every March, locals set the entire volcanic cone alight at night, making the nighttime sky glow red. The event is accompanied by fireworks, torch marches, and plenty of food.

The internationally acclaimed, non-verbal, musical performance of NANTA is the most famous show to come from Korea. Actors play cooks preparing a wedding banquet and use their kitchen utensils as musical instruments. The traditional Korean beats mixed with international music makes for a lively and entertaining performance. Stage actors mingle and get the audience involved as well.

Traditional Korean percussion inspires the modern rhythmic performances of NANTA, Korea's largest theatrical hit ever. What sets NANTA apart from other percussion performances is its humor, storyline, interaction with the audience, and the fact that it's set in a kitchen. If you took a frantic reality cooking show, mixed it with Stomp, and added a dollop of humor, this show would be the result.

Korea's National Dance, National Orchestra, and National Changgeuk (traditional Korean opera) companies all perform in this historic theater dating back to 1950, the first national theater in Asia. In addition to ballet, theater, and concerts, the theater also offers arts education classes throughout the year.

A concert hall venue with a history that dates back to 1997, Rolling Hall hosts an array of local bands as well as international acts like Grimes, Rhye, and Deerhunter. While they mostly focus on rock, indie, and alternative sounds, it’s not uncommon for jazz quartets or smaller K-pop groups to play here. The venue is equipped with a high-tech lighting system and professional grade, VTX loudspeakers better than most in Seoul. Their occupancy maxes out at 700 guests, and many concerts here are standing room only.

Home to the theater company of the same name, Sanwoollim is one of the oldest and most established small theaters in the country. They opened the doors to this Hongdae location in 1985 with the Samuel Beckett play Waiting for Godot and have since developed a reputation for being unafraid to put controversial content on stage. Note that their plays are only in Korean. There is also a cafe that holds events on the first floor and an art gallery open to all on the second floor.

The massive arts complex includes an opera house, two theaters, and three concert/recital halls. The performances range from plays to classical music, jazz to traditional Korean music and hip-hop. The programming varies month by month, so make sure to check out the website to see what's going on. 

This elegant concert space is one of Seoul’s most beloved chamber music halls. The oak floors and marble walls were designed by preeminent Japanese acoustic technicians, and the hall also contains the first Rieger pipe organ to be installed in a concert hall in Korea. Near daily classical concerts are on offer.