Seoul(Jung-gu) , Seoul City Hall・Gwanghwamun

[Lotus, A Flower Comes Out Once More] Two folktales in the performance. Where you can meet the essence of Korean Dance. Jeongdong Theater, which is located in Jeongdong-gil; the beautiful street in flower-blooming pring, has a meaning of succession of ‘Wongaksa’, the first modern theater in Korea. Jeongdong has presented performances which retells Korean folktales and has help the audiences to understand it with qualified stage. Especially, <Lotus, A Flower Comes Out Once More>, which has its premier on last April. 6, is a well-made Korean traditional dance drama on which Korean folktales and traditional dance are combined.     This performance sends us a message about the true love, combining Korean folktales and newly recreating them as a Korean traditional dance drama. At the first, ‘The tale of Mrs Domi’ is a folktale of the period of three states in Korea. The king of Baekje has Mrs Domi, a humble woman, in his mind and he put her in danger to make her parting with her husband. However, with her wise courage, she overcomes from the trick of the king confirming the love with her husband. Igongbonpuri, another folktale in the performance, is a narrative shamanic myth in Jeju. The story is about a woman called Wongangam who died after her slave life in difficulties. She finally comes to life again as a flower called Wongangami thanks to her husband and son who buried her body in a flower garden. These two stories were combined and the performance <Lotus, A Flower Comes Out Once More> came out. This story which came from the two folktales contains the theme of ‘overcoming’ and ‘reviving’ which feature frequently in Korean traditional ideology so the meanings are coming heavily to the audiences who live in modern society. The image of strong woman from Mrs Domi and Wongangami is described into Seoryeon’s character, the protagonist of the performance. In the background of imaginary Joseon Dynasty, this performance presents the image of wise and strong woman who keeps her ideals in the difficulties and the path of achieving her wishes from her revive into traditional dance drama. The lyrics from <A song of floral tribute> and <A love song> cite words from folktales which are very familiar to Korean people and it raises bond of sympathy. Also, you can see various Korean traditional dance such as parilmu, a dance performed by 64 female dancers in ritual ceremony, Taepyeongmu, a dance praying for the peaceful reign and prosperity of the royal family, Geommu, a traditional sword dance which became powerful in the performance as man’s dance. I would love to strongly recommend this performance to whom love Korean traditional dance and look forward beautiful dance performance!       Interview with Chunghan Kim, Director and Choreographer of ‘Lotus, A Flower Comes Out Once More’ Q. Please talk about the title and the concept of <Lotus,>. The title <Lotus> came from the name of the protagonist, ‘Seo-ryeon’. (‘Ryeon’ literally means ‘Lotus’ in Korean language.) The story borrow its motif from ‘the tale of Mrs Domi’ of the period of three stages in Korea and ‘Igongbonpuri’ , a shamanic tale from Jeju Island. The main characters are the King and his man, general ‘Dodam’ and dancer ‘Seo-ryeon’. ‘Seo-ryeon’ is a important character of the story as she receive the loves from the King and Dodam at the same time. Dodam and Seo-ryeon confirmed their love and it is reason why relationship of the king and Dodam has problem. The tension from the triangle love is the main concept of this performance. Q. What is the symbol of the subtitle, ‘A flower Comes Out Once More’?​ The king is a character who let Seo-ryeon in for pain and difficulties using his power. However, she protects her self from the power. I would like to deliver two messages through this story. First, the King who uses his power in incorrect way is very similar with our social situation. There are many people who got hurt from it. Therefore I wish the people get more hope and comport from the reincarnation of Seo-ryeon. Second, I would like to talk about ‘Love’ and the beauty of Seo-ryeon through the character of a woman who keep the beauty her self against the power of the king.


Seoul(Yeongdeungpo-gu) , Yeouido・Yeongdeungpo・Mapo

‘Courtyard’ by Marriott Seoul Times Square (opened in September 21st, 2009) is the newest Marriott facility to be introduced in Korea, following the opening of the JW Marriott, the Renaissance, and the Marriott Executive Apartments. Courtyard Marriott Hotel is an extensive hotel brand with 800 branches in 28 different countries worldwide. Courtyard by Marriott Seoul Times Square is a five-star hotel that provides excellent services and an upscale atmosphere at reasonable prices.The 16-story building (4 basement floors and 12 aboveground floors) is made of glass, which emphasizing the chic and elegant beauty of the hotel’s exterior. Located within the Times Square shopping mall, a newly emerging hub of shopping, business and entertainment, the hotel boasts a well-developed infrastructure and convenient transportation options.


Seoul(Gangnam-gu) , Gangnam・Samseongdong(COEX)

Cafe How serves a wide variety of food and beverages. It is, however, more than just an eatery; it is a cultural space filled with various natural elements. The first floor, featuring a hanok (Korean house) style yard, is designed with an Asian motif, while the second floor, with a terrace and a rooftop garden, is designed in a western style. The cafe also has furniture, paintings and accessories brought in from different countries around the world.


Seoul(Jung-gu) , Euljiro・Chungmuro・Namsan

Jangwidong Yuseong Jip (장위동유성집) is located 200m away from Myeongdong Station, this restaurant specializes in beef sirloin grilled over charcoal. It is famous for its affordable prices and great tasting menu, which satisfies both locals and travelers. Spacious facilities (about 165 m²) and a comfortable atmosphere have also added to the establishment’s popularity. English service is available.


Seoul(Yongsan-gu) , Itaewon・Yongsan

Kaya Hotel is an economic hotel near the 8th United States Army Base in Yongsan-gu. It’s only ten minutes from famous sites such as the War Memorial of Korea, Itaewon, Namdaemun, Myeong-dong, Namsan Mountain, the National Museum of Korea, and Yeouinaru. The hotel is popular among both locals and tourists because of its convenient location.The 8-story hotel has 52 guestrooms, as well as a range of subsidiary facilities including a coffee shop, restaurant, bar, and sports massage parlor.


Seoul(Songpa-gu) , Jamsil(Lotte World)

The restaurant is famous for spicy naengmyeon and has been around since 1983. This Korean dishes restaurant is located in Songpa-gu, Seoul. The most famous menu is cold buckwheat noodles.


Seoul(Yongsan-gu) , Itaewon・Yongsan

A big grass field including a refreshing pond and well-organized paths make visitors excited at Yongsan Family Park. Yongsan Family Park spans an area of 90,000 pyeong (297,520.66㎡) in what was the former golf course of the Eighth US Army Division and after that the park was scaled down the size to 27,000 pyeong (89,256.20 ㎡) following the construction of the National Museum of Korea on November 15, 1997. The park is comprised of various facilities such as a 2km-walking path, a natural education site, Taegeukgi Park. Visitors can watch pigeons and wild pheasants living the park.


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

A popular attraction since the early 1970’s, this rather shabby and hard-to-spot restaurant has attracted many customers with its representative menu item, haemul kalguksu (seafood noodle soup). The soup is delicious and plenty enough for a hearty meal compared to its relatively low price. The noodles are chewy as they are freshly prepared every day and the clam-broth soup is full of flavor. The appearnce of this restaurant may seem old, but it's a recommended spot for a simple and delicous meal.


Seoul(Seocho-gu) , Gangnam・Samseongdong(COEX)

Central City, located in Banpo-dong, Gangnam-gu, is a high-end lifestyle cultural complex that is often thought of as “a city in the city.” Main landmarks at the complex are Shinsegye Department Store, Marriott Hotel, Central Park, and Millennium Hall, which is mainly used as a venue for weddings and other large events. Convenient facilities include banks, hospitals, investment banks, a post office and a large parking lot. The Central City building is not only praised for its advanced architecture, but has also become a main hangout spot for Korean youth. In particular, Marquis Plaza (a high-end luxury shopping mall), Synnara Record music store, Youngpoong Bookstore, and Central 6 (a multiplex theater), and the high-tech arcade are attract the younger generation, especially on the weekends. The entire area of Central City measures 430,000㎡(approximately 130,000 pyeong) and is one of the largest single buildings in the country. Over 200,000 people pass through Central City each day, as it is part of a major subway station (Express Bus Terminal Station) and express bus terminal.


Seoul(Jung-gu) , Euljiro・Chungmuro・Namsan

A Korean BBQ restaurant.The most famous menu is Grilled Pork Belly.A barbecue specialty restaurant located in Dongdaemun Gate , Seoul.