8 Best Performing Arts in Seoul, South Korea

The ARKO Arts Theater building, located across the park from the ARKO Art Center, was designed by architect Kim Swoo-geun and opened in 1981. The building’s purpose is to help promote performance art. Here, visitors can experience performances in two halls as well as learn about Korean music, acting, and dance. For those who are overwhelmed by performance options in the area, choosing a performance here is a safe and excellent choice.

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. 

Named after ​​Dutch philosopher Desiderius Erasmus, Emu Artspace is a three-story cultural space that supports experimentation in the visual arts. Located a 15-minute walk from most attractions in the neighborhood, the venue has a gallery, theater, concert hall, and rooftop lounge in its quarters. Film festivals and seminars are held here on a regular basis, and the theater, which screens foreign and independent films, is a major draw for English speakers as it’s one of the few places where Korean films are screened with English subtitles. Seating is limited to 52 visitors, so try to reserve in advance on their website.

This intimate 326-seat hall offers near-daily live evening performances of traditional Korean music and dance. Schedule to see a show after visiting the nearby Deoksugung Palace.

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.

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.