[Amazing Korea] Cultural experiences in downtown Seoul in 2016!

Cultural experiences in downtown Seoul in 2016!

Seoul Metropolitan Government is offering a diverse range of cultural events for everyone to enjoy with family, friends, or loved ones in 2016.

Parents who wish to give their children special memories during the vacation months should consider taking them to see The Tempest, a musical reinterpretation of Shakespeare’s famous romantic masterpiece. This performance will be held at the Sejong M Theater from January 13 (Tues) to 31 (Sun). Viewers can expect a family-friendly version of the original work that still expresses the same profound emotional depth and meaning. Moreover, each performance of the play will provide English subtitles and a study guide to each audience member, giving them the rare opportunity to enhance their understanding of the play by reading the original text while viewing the live performance. The Tempest is great for not only Shakespeare enthusiasts but also parents who want to give their children more exposure to English. Ticket prices range from KRW 20,000 to 40,000.
Until March 13 (Sun), the Seoul Museum of Art will put the spotlight on the creative world of world-famous movie director Stanley Kubrick. A titan of the movie industry who created some of the most innovative films in movie history, including 2001: A Space Odyssey, The Shining, and Eyes Wide Shut, Kubrick has been paid homage by some of the most eminent movie directors of our time, including Christopher Nolan and Steven Spielberg. Held in Asia for the first time, this exhibition is also significant as it is the largest of its kind to date.

Until February 21, the SeMA Nam Seoul Living Arts Museum will be featuring the SeMA Modern History Project Evolved Museum: The Former Belgian Consulate. The exhibition gives a glimpse into the past and highlights the present of the building that once served as the Belgian Consulate during the Daehan Empire and is currently being used as the Nam Seoul Living Arts Museum. This exhibit provides a unique opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the rich historic significance of this modern cultural heritage while appreciating its present value as an art museum.

The Sejong Museum of Art is currently holding an exhibition on Paik Nam June, the father of two-way TV communication, titled Paik Nam June: Groove_Heung. This special exhibition sheds new light on the creative world of Paik in commemoration of the 10th anniversary of his death and will be open to the public until January 29. On Fridays and Saturdays during the exhibition period, informal lectures will be held on Paik’s work. As the meaning behind Paik’s artwork is often difficult to grasp at first, the Museum is permitting visitors to view the exhibition on two separate occasions with one ticket.

Until March 13, the Seoul Museum of History will be holding Gyeonghuigung Palace Still Lives, an exhibition outlining the 400-year history of the palace that was deeply treasured by Kings Yeongjo and Jeongjo. Having served alongside Changdeokgung Palace as one of the two main palaces of the royal family in the late Joseon period, Gyeonghuigung Palace and its history will be presented in detail through over 200 relics, including stone statues and palace records. This exhibition is an opportunity for visitors to get a glimpse into the extensive history of this remarkable palace.

Until March 27, the DDP Design Museum will be holding the fifth segment of The Treasures of Kansong : Flowers, Birds, and Animals in Korean Painting. The paintings of flowers, birds, insects, and fish featured in this exhibition show that this genre was just as popular with ancient Koreans as landscape and portrait paintings. Featuring the most representative artworks from a period that spans 500 years, from the reign of King Gongmin in late Goryeo to the time of artist Lee Do-hyeong in late Joseon, the exhibition will show visitors the differences in painting styles across multiple generations.

SOURCE : http://www.whowired.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=407657

[Amazing Korea] Tourists to get easier tax refunds

Tourists to get easier tax refunds

 

 

 The Cabinet on Tuesday approved a decree to allow foreign tourists tax reimbursements of up to 50,000 won ($42) in South Korea without visiting the customs office when they leave the country.

 

The move is part of the government’s effort to revitalize the local tourism industry, which was seriously hit by the outbreak of Middle East respiratory syndrome in the second quarter.

 

Formerly, inbound visitors had to apply to the customs office at the airport for a value-added tax refund of 10,000 won or more. They had to present both receipts and goods at the office.

 

This has been regarded as one of the few inconveniences or hurdles in terms of attracting more visitors, including a growing number of shoppers for local cosmetics products.

 

Under the revision, foreign shoppers don’t need to visit the office as long as they purchase a product priced at up to 750,000 won, which correlates to a refund of 50,000 won.

 

Myeongdong, a major shopping district in downtown Seoul, brims with visitors on June 28. (Yonhap)

 

A record high of 14.2 million foreign nationals visited the country in 2014, compared to 12.2 million a year before. The government has set the goal of attracting 20 million tourists by 2017, and was planning to boost services to cater to the growing number of Chinese visitors.

 

The flow of visitors, however, slowed from late May to early July due to the MERS outbreak, which claimed 36 lives. The government declared a de facto end to the outbreak on July 28.

 

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has striven to attract more tourists over the past few years.

 

Starting from Jan. 1, 2014, foreign tourists using tourist hotels in Korea are enjoying discounts of up to 10 percent through tax reimbursements. Formerly, foreigners had to pay the same amount as Korean nationals when using accommodations.

 

Other promotion measures included the establishment of a special police force to monitor and crack down on illegal tourism businesses and exploitation of tourists such as unlicensed tour guides who overcharge foreign visitors. The ministry also took the initiative to train migrant women from overseas as licensed interpreters and tour guides.

 

As another measure -- that would require parliamentary approval -- the tax authority is considering offering tax refunds to foreigners who have cosmetic surgery in Korean hospitals when they leave the country.

 

 

SOURCE : http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20150811000951