July 13th

Opulent stage sets, sentimental plots, and lyrics in foreign languages make opera not only one of the most decadent art forms but also one of the most difficult to understand. Fortunately for the uninitiated, events like this one offer a chance to sample the beauty of opera without taking a college course on the subject. You don’t need to know the whole back story to enjoy this selection of arias from classic operas like The Magic Flute (Mozart), Romeo and Juliet (Gounod), Carmen (Bizet), and La Boheme (Puccini). But a beautiful tune wouldn’t be much without a beautiful voice to carry it, and soprano Hei-kyung Hong and tenor Woo-kyung Kim are here to accomplish just that. These singers are famous as the first Asian couple to play the starring roles at the New York Metropolitan Opera during its 127-year history. Romanian musician Vlad Iftinca will accompany the two on the piano. Daejeon Culture and Arts Center. 7:30 pm. W30,000 – W120,000. 100 min. djac.or.kr 042-610-2222

Words by Kurt Taogaga, shot by Robin Ash

Cheongju’s Chungbuk National University will be the next venue to host the Korea 10s League rugby series. The second of four tournaments will be held on Saturday the 3^rd of July from 1pm to 7pm and aims to continue the success of the opening tournament in Seoul.

Six teams are expected to appear in Cheongju, mirroring the turnout in Seoul, including teams from Gumi, Jeonnam and Korea University.

The Korea 10s League is a four round series held in cities throughout Korea aimed at promoting and developing full-contact rugby. Other tournaments are planned for Busan and Gumi later in the year.

10s rugby tournaments have been held in Korea before but this is the first time that a coordinated league has been developed in order to provide rugby players with the opportunity for year-round competition against other competitive sides. 10-a-side rugby requires less player numbers and resources to run, maximizing the amount of teams and players, both foreign and Korean, that can participate in the tournaments.

Each individual tournament is a round-robin culminating in a playoff series. Points accumulated throughout the season will decide the winner of the series.

More info:
kurt@survivorsrfc.com
www.koreatens.com

http://10magazine.asia/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/rugby-sm.jpg

June 10th – 12th

Careful, there: you won’t find any talking warthogs here. Pumba refers to the traveling singers and vagabonds in centuries past who were driven by poverty to roam from town to town, performing in the marketplace in the hopes of earning their supper. In a word, beggars. In a culture that places a high premium on wealth and status, there’s something surprisingly refreshing about a festival that celebrates the poor and underprivileged. Of course, the performers at this yearly festival in Eumseong-gun are talented musicians and dancers, not actual beggars. Get an eyeful of the comical makeup and costumes on modern-day pumbas and then put some on yourself and take some pictures. Channel your inner pumba in the Pumba King Contest, and then stroll through Pumba Street, a restored traditional marketplace. Get down to Eumseong (don’t make me beg)! pumba21.com, 043-873-2241

This Friday, May 28^th, head to the new WOW Lounge in Daejeon for its Grand Opening Party. Not only is the party free, but each guest will also receive a cocktail just for coming. There are even more goodies for early birds. The first ten guests each get a free shot of Tequila.

When: Friday, May 28^th, 9pm – 5am
Where: 3^rd Floor 1063 Dunsan-Dong, Seo-gu, Daejeon
Directions: Directly opposite the WA Bar in Dunsan-dong
Price: free
For more information email us at: watzupkorea@gmail.com

May 23rd
What better way to get in the spirit for this year’s World Cup than by attending a performance by this South African boys choir? Located in the Drakensberg Mountains in eastern South Africa, the Drakensberg Boys’ Choir school was founded in 1967 as a multi-racial, multi-cultural boys choir. Over the years, they have grown to 100 members and have shared their message of hope and unity with audiences across the globe. Daejeon Culture and Art Center. 5 pm.

W30,000 – W80,000

Venues

Cheongju Arts Center. cjac.or.kr, 043-200-4421
Daejeon Museum of Art. 10 am – 6 pm. Fri till 9 pm. Closed Mon. Adults W500, minors W300. dmma.metro.daejeon.kr, 042-602-3200
Daejeon Culture and Arts Center. djac.or.kr, 042-610-2222
Gongju Culture and Art Center. acc.gongju.go.kr , 041-840-2467

Art

Ongoing
Painter’s Portrait Exhibit
Daecheong Lake Art Museum. Cheongwon-gun. 9 am – 6 pm. Closed Mon. Free. museum.puru.net, 043-251-3275

Through May 16^th
Digital Landscapes
Landscapes as a theme have been around just as long as artists have. To see how the idea of a landscape is sustained and subverted in the contemporary art scene, see these nine pieces by Myeong-geun Go,
I-nam Lee, and Jeong-ju Jeong. Daejeon Museum of Art
April 6^th – June 6^th

There Is Laughter

Tired of long faces and beard-stroking on a day at the museum? Finally, an exhibit that takes humor seriously. This modern and contemporary Korean art will bring a smile to your face. Divided into four sections: novel wit, pleasing humor, biting satire, and serious jokes. Daejeon Museum of Art

Theater & Dance

April 2^nd
The Bremen Musicians: Children’s Musical
Colorful costumes and catchy rhythms turn the famous Grimm Brothers tale into a stage success. Korean. Daejeon Culture and Arts Center. Fri 11 am & 1 pm, Sat 11 am & 2 pm. 1 hr. W10,000 – W20,000.

April 9^th
“The Twinkling Stars”: English Puppet Show
Based on the Korean folk tale explaining how the sun and moon came to be. Gongju Culture and Art Center. Free. 7 pm. 1 hr.

April 13^th – 14^th
“Rose” and “Mating Dance”
These two dances feature the Pick Up Group with choreography by their director Seong-su An. Daejeon Culture and Arts Center. 7:30 pm. W20,000 – W30,000.

April 16^th – 17^th
Miyal: Comedy Dance Routine
With the Eun-hye Jeong Dance Troupe. Daejeon Culture and Arts Center. Fri 7:30 pm, Sat 7 pm. W10,000 – W30,000

April 23^rd – 24^th
Between II: The Dance
Performed by the Daejeon Dance Troupe. Daejeon Culture and Arts Center. Fri 7:30 pm, Sat 5 pm. W5,000 – W20,000.

April 29^th – May 4^th
A Journey into Fairy Tales: The Dance

Cheongju Dance Troupe. Cheongju Arts Center. Thu 7:30 pm, Fri 11 am & 7:30 pm, Sat & Sun 5 pm, Mon – Tue 7:30 pm. W5,000.

April 30^th – May 1^st
Onegin: The Ballet
With the Universal Ballet Troupe. Daejeon Culture and Arts Center. Fri 7:30 pm, Sat 7 pm. W10,000 – W70,000.

Concerts

April 1^st
Na-gyeong Choe Flute Recital
Daejeon Culture and Arts Center. 7:30 pm. W20,000 – W30,000. 042-485-3355

April 2^nd
Portrait of Great Composers
With the Arco Diabolo Chamber Orchestra playing pieces by Mozart, Schostakowitsch and others. Daejeon Culture and Arts Center. 7:30 pm. W10,000 – W30,000.

April 3^rd
“School Music” Concert
Daejeon Culture and Arts Center. 10 am – 12 pm

April 4^th
Gyula Kiss Piano Recital
Born in Budapest, this outstanding Hungarian pianist offers a program including Mozart’s Fantasia No. 3 and Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition. Daejeon Culture and Arts Center. 5 pm. W20,000

April 6^th
Jin-hui Jo Recorder Recital
Part of the “Classical Music in the Morning” monthly series. Daejeon Culture and Arts Center. 11 am. W10,000

TJB Symphony Orchestra
Daejeon Culture and Arts Center. 7:30 pm. 042-281-1135

April 7^th
Soprano Su-mi Jo: “Ich Liebe Dich”
Joined by the German Lieder Ensemble, Jo presents splendid songs by composers ranging from Schubert to Strauss. Daejeon Culture and Arts Center. 7:30 pm. W50,000 – W170,000. 1544-1751

April 9^th
Daejeon Philharmonic Orchestra: Masters Series 3
Featuring Mahler’s Symphony No. 5 and Chopin’s Piano Concerto No. 2. Daejeon Culture and Arts Center. 7:30 pm. W5,000 – W30,000.

April 11^th
Symphonic Music Festival
The Cheongju Philharmonic Orchestra perform Schumann’s Piano Concert in A Minor and Brahms’ Symphony No. 4. Cheongju Arts Center. 5 pm. W10,000 – W30,000. 043-200-4487

What’s Up? Live in Korea
Groove to the tunes of West Coast math pop trio What’s Up? at their Korean debut.
Daejeon (TBA). supercolorsuper.com, supercolorsuper@gmail.com

April 28^th
South Chungcheong Gugak Center Performance
Gongju Culture and Art Center. Free. 041-852-7800

Family

Ongoing
Flowers of the World Botanical Gardens
Flowers on display during April include tulips, daffodils, and camellias. Located in Asan. 9 am – 6 pm. Adults W6,000, teens W5,000, children W4,000. asangarden.com, 041-544-0746

April 2^nd – May 16^th
Korean Dinosaur Discovery Zone
This exhibit follows up on the wildly popular EBS documentary on the terrible lizards. Kotra Trade Exhibition Center in Daejeon. 10 am – 7 pm. Adults W13,000, children W15,000. hellodino.com, 1688-3693

April 22^nd – 25^th
Eumseong Pumba Festival
No, not Simba’s buddy the singing warthog, though there is singing involved. Pumba refers to itinerant beggars who used to sing for their supper. Find out more at the festival. pumba21.com, 043-873-2241

April 28^th – May 2^nd
Asan Admiral Yi Sun Shin Festival
See Yi Sun Shin (or a costumed look-alike) in a parade arranged for his honor along with other events. Sinjeong Lake Resort near Asan. rdtest.cafe24.com, 041-540-2602

Education & Conferences

Through April 25^th
The Mysterious Human Body
Through the remarkable technique of plastination, over 300 actual human bodies are on display at Expo Park in Daejeon. Bubble show and 3D movie screening also available.. 10 am – 8 pm. Adults W10,000, students W7,000. expopark.co.kr, 042-220-1040

April 2^nd – 18^th
Leonardo Da Vinci Exhibit
When he wasn’t fiddling with Mona Lisa, Da Vinci was putting his genius to work on ingenious inventions. Through the models displayed here, his designs and ideas come to life. Eumseong Culture and Arts Center. Tue – Sun 10 am – 6 pm. Closed Mon. W2,000. esart.kr, 043-871-3883

Dine & Drink

Through April 2^nd
Camellia Flower Baby Octopus Festival
A smorgasbord of sumptuous seafood dishes with an especially nice selection of freshly caught baby octopi. Seocheon-gun. seocheon.go.kr, 010-9254-6891

Through April 11^th
Baby Octopus and Flounder Festival
An unlikely pairing, perhaps, but just wait until they’re both on your plate. Muchang Harbor Beach in Boryeong. ubtour.go.kr, 041-932-2023

April 8^th – 11^th
Nonsan Strawberry Festival
Putting the “raw” in strawberries with a strawberry cosplay party, a strawberry hanbok show and more. Next to the stream in Nonsan and in the strawberry patches. nsfestival.co.kr, 041-733-0861

Sport & Fitness

April 30^th – May 2^nd
Daejeon Golf Fair
Putters, irons, and many more golf goodies to view and buy at the Daejeon Convention Center (DCC). Register online to get in for free. golf-fair.com, 042-538-4002

K-League Soccer Schedule

April 17^th Daejeon Citizens vs Chunnam Dragons
Daejeon World Cup Stadium at 5 pm
KBO Baseball

All games at Daejeon Stadium

April 1^st Hanhwa Eagles vs Lotte Giants 6:30 pm

April 2^nd Hanhwa Eagles vs Samsung Lions 6:30 pm

April 3^rd – 4^th Hanhwa Eagles vs Samsung Lions 5 pm

April 13^th – 15^th Hanhwa Eagles vs SK Wyverns 6:30 pm

April 16^th Hanhwa Eagles vs Nexen Heroes 6:30 pm

April 17^th – 18^th Hanhwa Eagles vs Nexen Heroes 5 pm

April 27^th – 29^th Hanhwa Eagles vs Doosan Bears 6:30 pm

April 30^th Hanhwa Eagles vs Samsung Lions 6:30 pm

Walks, Runs And Marathons

April 18^th
Cheongyang Chilgap Mountain Marathon
15k at the Chilgap Mountain near Cheongyang-gun, to begin at 10 am. They’re not kidding about the mountain part. W20,000. Sign up by April 10^th. korcmc.org, 041-942-0007

May 9^th
Pink Ribbon Love Marathon
5k and 10k at the Daejeon Expo Park, to begin at 9:30 am. W10,000 for all courses, with all proceeds going to the Korea Breast Cancer Foundation. Sign up by April 30^th. pinkmarathon.com, 02-1688-9744

May 9^th
Sunyang Masai Festival
This is one running event that doesn’t require fancy shoes, or any shoes at all for that matter. Go barefoot at this “eco-healing cultural festival” with 5k and 13k races along paths on Gyejok Mountain near Daejeon. All ages and genders welcome, and socks are allowed (though barefoot runners get a head start). Musical performances are planned if you want to give your feet a break. 10 am.

Koreans: W5,000/W13,000 for 5k/13k. Non-Koreans: free. Sign up by April 23^rd. masaimarathon.com, sey@seychellestour.co.kr, 042-527-1880

Travel

Weekend Stay at Musangsa Temple
More relaxed than the winter retreats, these weekend programs involve a Sunday meditation class and Dharma talk. Details on the English site. musangsa.org, 042-841-6084

Art

Ongoing
Painter’s Portrait Exhibit
Daecheong Lake Art Museum. Cheong-won-gun. 9 am – 6 pm. Closed Mon. Free. museum.puru.net, 043-251-3275

Through March 7th
East of Eden: Sun-u Mun Exhibit
This multi-talented artist creates photography, installations, paintings, and pottery. Asia Museum in Daejeon. 10 am – 6 pm, Sun 1 – 6 pm. Closed Mondays. asiamuseum.asia, 042-863-0055

Decoration and Aestheticism in Asia
Eighteen pieces from the permanent collection of the Asia Museum in Daejeon. 10 am – 6 pm, Sun 1 – 6 pm. Closed Mondays. Adults W2,000, students W1,500. asiamuseum.asia, 042-863-0055

Through March 21st
“Fragile” Contemporary Art Exhibit
Rather than dwelling on spectacular, shocking topics, the artwork in this exhibit presents the viewer with confidential episodes from everyday life. “Fragile” gives 50 artists from around the world the chance to share their personal story with you through these 200 pieces. Daejeon Art Museum. 10 am – 6 pm. Fridays till 9 pm. Closed Mondays. Adults W500, minors W300. dmma.metro.daejeon.kr, 042-602-3253

Through March 31st
Non-Painting: Ung-no Lee Exhibit
To mark the 20th year since ground-breaking Korean artist Ung-no Lee passed away, the museum erected in his honor presents 35 tapestries and collages created from the 60s through the 80s. Ungnolee Museum in Daejeon. 10 am – 6 pm. Till 9 pm on Fri. Closed Mon. ungnolee-museum.daejeon.kr, 042-602-3270

Theater & Dance

March 5th – 6th
Man of La Mancha: The Musical
In Korean. Daejeon Culture and Arts Center. Fri 7:30 pm, Sat 3 & 7 pm. W2,000 – W100,000.
djac.or.kr, 042-610-2222

March 16th
Night of Traditional Dance
Featuring the Yeonjeong Gugak Center. Daejeon Culture and Arts Center.
djac.or.kr, 042-610-2222

March 27th – 28th
Chicago: The Musical
The same tale of greed, deceit, and murder, just in Korean this time. Daejeon Culture and Arts Center. Sat 3 & 7:30 pm, Sun 2 & 6:30 pm. W40,000 – W120,000. djac.or.kr, 042-610-2222

March 30th
Traditional Dance Feast
Performance by the Daejeon Dance Company. Daejeon Culture and Arts Center. djac.or.kr, 042-610-2222

Concerts

March 2nd
Yanacek String Quartet
Daejeon Culture and Arts Center. 7:30 pm. W20,000 – W30,000.
djac.or.kr, 042-485-3355

March 4th
The Barber of Seville: The Opera by Rossini
Daejeon Culture and Arts Center. 7:30 pm. W20,000 – W50,000. djac.or.kr, 011-408-0012

March 12th
Daejeon Symphony Orchestra
Beethoven’s 5th Symphony and more. Daejeon Culture and Arts Center. 7:30 pm. W5,000 – W30,000.
djac.or.kr, 042-610-2266

March 14th
Millennium Symphony Orchestra
Daejeon Culture and Arts Center. 3 & 7 pm. djac.or.kr, 042-610-2222

March 15th
Seoul Baroque Ensemble
Vivaldi’s violin and cello concerto in G major and other pieces. Daejeon Culture and Arts Center. 7:30 pm. W1,000. djac.or.kr, 042-610-2222

March 16th
Cellist Yunoske Yamamoto and Pianist Kyoko Koyama
Daejeon Culture and Arts Center. 11 am. W10,000. djac.or.kr, 042-610-2222

March 17th
Countertenor Andreas Scholl
Daejeon Culture and Arts Center. 7:30 pm. W10,000 – W70,000.
djac.or.kr, 042-610-2222

Pianist Seon-ae Yun Left-Handed Recital
Daejeon Culture and Arts Center. 7:30 pm. W10,000 – W20,000.
djac.or.kr, 042-485-3355

March 20th
“The Most” Classical Guitar Group
Winner of numerous awards, including “Worst Konglish Band Name Ever.” Daejeon Culture and Arts Center. 7 pm. W10,000 – W30,000.
djac.or.kr, 042-486-7705

March 25th
Daejeon Symphony Orchestra
Daejeon Culture and Arts Center.
djac.or.kr, 042-610-2222

March 27th
Moscow Children’s Choir
Eumseong Culture and Arts Center. 7 pm. W20,000. esart.kr, 043-871-3883

Family

Through March 1st
Pregnancy, Childbirth, and Infancy Expo
Children’s Education Fair to be held simultaneously. Kotra Trade Exhibition Center in Daejeon. Sign up early for free admission. 10 am – 6 pm. baby-fair.co.kr, 1588-4858

March 16th

Indong Market Independence Movement Reenactment
Games, performances, and a reenactment of events surrounding the 1919 independence movement. Indong Rice Market in Daejeon. 6 – 8 pm. tour.donggu.go.kr, 042-250-1114

March 19th – 21st
Okcheon Iwon Sapling Festival
How far can you drag around a sapling? Light-hearted games like this as well as plenty of products for sale and items on display at the Iwon Sapling Distribution Center in Okcheon-gun.
tour.oc.go.kr, 043-730-3781

Education and Conferences

Korea Traditional Architecture Museum
Most of Korea’s beautiful structures did not survive its various wars and uprisings, but at this museum you can see what Korean traditional architecture probably looked like. Outside, exact replicas of Paljakjeong Pavilion and other buildings are worthy of attention, as well as the miniatures and photos on display inside. Yesan-gun. 8 am – 5 pm. Closed Mondays. Adults W2,000, teens W1,500, children W1,000. English site available. ktam.or.kr, 041-337-5877

Winter Retreat at Musangsa Temple
The one week winter programs offered at the Gyeryong Mountain International Zen Center are best suited for serious students of Buddhism. Visitors must stay for the entire week in shared rooms. February programs start 2/13. Space is limited and you must apply two weeks before the program begins. Check out the English site.
musangsa.org, 042-841-6084

Yegok Natural Dye Workshop
Learn how to have fun without adding pollution to your surroundings at Yegok, a workshop that uses natural, eco-friendly materials for cool crafts and projects. They offer classes where you learn how to color your scarves, t-shirts, cushions, or other cloth items with seasonal dyes. Another option is a class for making natural soap. Call a week early to arrange a lesson. Discounts available for groups over 20. Okcheon-gun, just east of Daejeon. yegok.co.kr, 043-733-0978

Dine & Drink

March 22nd – 30th
Seocheon Camellia Baby Octopus Festival
Whether you’re a flower person or a baby octopus person, you’re sure to find something to like here. Seocheon-gun. seocheon.go.kr, 010-9254-6891

Through March 5th
Muchangpo Beach Baby Octopus and Flounder Festival
Before, you may have feared these tentacle-toting terrors. Now learn to eat them. Near Boryeong (famous for its mud festival). ubtour.go.kr, 041-930-3822

Sport & Fitness

April 10th
Cheongnam University Ultramarathon
100k at Cheongnam University in Cheongwon-gun, on the shore of Lake Daecheong, to begin at 3 pm. W50,000. Sign up by March 31st. cndu.org, 010-8839-3635

April 11th
Yesan Cherry Blossom Marathon
5k, 10k and half at the Municipal Stadium in Yesan-gun, to begin at 10 am. W15,000 for 5k and W30,000 for 10k and half. Sign up by March 24th. yesanmarathon.co.kr, 041-331-3630

March 14th
Daejeon Citizens vs Suwon  Bluewings K-league Soccer
Daejeon World Cup Stadium at 3 pm

Celebrate the New Year Korean fashion by staying up all night (or getting up in the wee hours) to see the last sunset of 2009 and the first sunrise of 2010. No matter where you live in Korea, there’s bound to be a festival close to you. So unless you’re set on a night out with friends or a jaunt down to Bosingak in Seoul to hear the bell tolled, read on!

Seoul

January 1st
Dobong Mountain Sunrise Festival
Make your way to Meeting Rock at Dobong Mountain in northern Seoul to see the first sunrise of 2010. Visitors will make New Year’s wishes, the Korean equivalent of New Year’s resolutions. tour.dobong.go.kr, 02-2289-1114

Heaven Park Sunrise Festival
Join the crowds at Mapo-gu’s yearly festival at Heaven Park near World Cup Stadium (line 6, ex. 2). 7 am – 8 am. mapo.go.kr, 02-3153-8354

Acha Mountain Sunrise Festival
Get off the subway at Gwangnaru St. (line 5, ex. 1) and follow the winding path up the hill for about 15 minutes till you reach the Sunrise Plaza. You’re standing on Acha Mountain, the first spot in Seoul from which you can see the sun rise. 7 – 8:20 am. gwangjin.go.kr, 02-450-1300

Gyeonggi Province

December 31st
Paju Sunset Festival
See the sun go down at the meeting place of the Imjin and Han Rivers. Simhak Mountain in Paju. 4 pm – 7 pm. tour.paju.go.kr, 031-940-8522

Gangwon Province

December 31st – January 1st
Sunrise Festivals on the East Sea
This New Year’s Eve, why cough on someone else’s smoke in a murky bar when you could be watching the first sunrise of 2009 with the fresh morning wind whipping off the sea? Gangwon offers you the best options for the New Year with great scenery, exciting concerts, and loads of fireworks.

Gyeongpo (Gangneung): On the white sands of Gyeongpo Beach, find out why Gangneung is one of the best places to see the sunrise in Korea. gntour.go.kr, 033-640-5128

Jeongdongjin (Gangneung): Famous not only as the location of the drama Hourglass but also for its rugged natural beauty. gntour.go.kr, 033-640-5128

Donghae: The Chuam and Mangsang beaches here host a Korean flag parade and a fireworks show. dhtour.go.kr, 033-532-2801

Taebaek Mountain: Weary and aching from your climb, you reach the summit in time to see the sun rise above a sea of clouds. Concerts and other events held at Danggol Plaza. festival.taebaek.go.kr, 033-550-2081

Okkye (Gangneung): As well as offering a fine view of Okkye Harbor and Mangsang Beach, the Okkye rest stop hosts a singing contest, fireworks, and more. gntour.go.kr, 033-640-5129

Yangyang: There’s an old saying that if you make a wish as you watch the sun go down at Naksan Beach at Yangyang, it will come true. sunrise.yangyang.go.kr, 033-670-2723

Chungcheong Province

December 31st
Daecheon Sunset Festival
Daecheon Beach, perhaps more famous for the yearly summer mud festival held there, is the site of this sunset festival. Enjoy the samulnori performance, a choir concert, and a candle procession as the sun sinks behind the horizon in Boryeong, west of Daejeon. ubtour.go.kr, 041-933-7051

Gyeongsang Province

December 31st – January 1st
Busan New Year’s Sunset and Sunrise Festival
If you’re not watching the ball drop or partying with friends, why not head down to the beach with the tens of thousands of Koreans who join in Busan’s Sunset and Sunrise Festival? As one of Busan’s most distinctive winter events, the festival is composed of the sunset fest at Dadaepo Beach, the bell tolling ceremony at Yongdusan Park, and the sunrise fest at Haeundae Beach. Tons of activities and games will keep you busy from 11 pm until the first daylight of 2010. festival.busan.kr, 051-888-3392

Gangdong Coast Sunrise Festival
Thousands are expected to be present for the meal and music provided as entertainment for this New Year’s festival located at Jeongja Harbor in Ulsan. sunrise.bukgu.ulsan.kr, 052-289-9999

Ganjeolgot New Year’s Festival
Visitors at Ganjeolgot, a picturesque promontory near Ulsan, get the first glimpse of the rising sun each morning throughout the continent of Asia. Be the first to welcome in the New Year by being there. ganjeolgot.org, 052-229-7642

Homigot National Sunrise Festival
Join in traditional New Year’s activities such as releasing good luck balloons, flying kites, eating rice cake soup, and of course watching the first sunrise of 2010. Held at Homigot in Pohang. festival.ipohang.org, 054-270-2114

January 1st
Catching the Sunrise at Uljin-gun
The coastal county of Uljin-gun in the northeast corner of Gyeongsang Province boasts some great sites to see the first sunrise of the new year. Sit on the sand at Nagok Beach or Hujeong Beach, dangle your legs off the pier at Jukbyeon Harbor or Hyeonnae Harbor, or admire the way the sun illuminates scenic spots like Wolsongjeong. tour.uljin.go.kr, 054-789-6902

Geoje Island New Year Sunrise Festival
Held at Mongdolgae in Jangseungpo-dong on rustic and picturesque Geoje Island. tour.geoje.go.kr, 055-639-3546

Gijang Sunrise Festival
A drum show and all of the other New Year’s events are to take place at Imnang Beach. Gijang-gun just outside of Busan. tour.gijang.go.kr, 051-709-4084

Ilwol Mountain Sunrise Festival
For the best spot to watch the sun come up in Yeongyang-gun, try Ilwol Mountain. Sunrise is expected to take place at 7:25 am, but arrive by 7 am for the festivities. tour.yyg.go.kr, 054-680-6062

Seongju Sunrise Festival
In addition to hoping for good fortune for the New Year, visitors to this festival offers up prayers for the safety of soldiers. Seongju, just west of Daegu. sjmelon.go.kr, 054-933-0021

Jeolla Province

December 31st
Baeksu Coastal Road Sunset Event
At the Chilsan Gazebo near Baeksu Coastal Road. In Yeonggwang west of Gwangju. ygtour.uokdc.com, 061-350-5752

January 1st
Yeongam Lake Sunrise Festival
Starting at 7 am, listen to military bands perform, release balloons, share the lucky rice cake, and write New Year’s postcards. If that doesn’t remind you of a typical New Year’s Day, just remember that this is Korea. Plaza in front of Hotel Hyundai in Yeongam-gun, south of Gwangju. sunrise.yeongam.go.kr, 061-470-2255

Jeju Island

December 30th
Seong Mountain Sunrise Festival
There’s no shortage of reasons for you to attend the Seong Mountain Sunrise Festival for the New Year. The awesome wilderness around the mountain is considered a world heritage site, the festivals lasts three days instead of the usual two, and you can find some fine music, a street parade, a children’s festival, and even a “Frugal Fest” flea market. Don’t forget, it’s probably the warmest place in Korea to enjoy the first sunrise of the New Year. Just east of Seogwipo. culture.jeju.go.kr, 064-760-2661

EDIT 5: Can’t forget about Waegook Cook!

EDIT 4: Still wavering on which turkey to feast on for Christmas? Check out two more great dinners planned for Bucheon (one of them free!) and one in Seoul.

EDIT 3: Anyone interested in buying the classy gift of some wine this Christmas should look at Joshua Hall’s fantastic post.

EDIT 2: More great options for those visiting Daegu or Busan this holiday seasons.

EDIT: We’ve added four new holiday dinners! Keep the info coming.

Maybe you missed out on your fair share of Thanksgiving turkey, or maybe you’re miffed that your job isn’t giving you enough time for a trip back home for the holidays. Whatever the reason, if you’re set on finding a decent dinner for Christmas, check out the list below. As always, 10 Magazine provides the information you need at the time you need it!

NOTE: We’ll keep updating the list as we get more information. Please send us an email at comments@10magazine.asia or simply leave a comment on this post.

Ongoing

Toque Diner’s Turkey Dinners (Seoul)
Get your turkey fix with help from Toque Diner. Groups of 15 or more can call a week in advance to get their own traditional turkey buffet set up at Toque Diner, or if you’d prefer, you can order half or whole turkeys with all of the fixings and have your own turkey dinner with friends at home. 02-794-3834

Christmas Eve

NEW! Christmas Eve Dinner @ Waegook Cook (Gumi)
Turkey, gravy, mashed potatoes, and more for only W19,000. Reserve your spot early. 011-546-3775

Christmas Carol Buffet Dinner at the Millennium Seoul Hilton
Enjoy festive decorations including a Christmas tree and train as you dine at the Grand Ballroom. Adults W79,000, children W39,500. 02-317-3012

Romantic Christmas at Walker Hill (Seoul)
Enjoy a special time with your sweetheart at restaurant Starlight. Hall seating W200,000, window seating W250,000. Includes wine or champagne. 6 – 9 pm. 02-455-5000

Christmas Jazz Night and Buffet at the Ritz-Carlton (Seoul)
Great food and live jazz music In the Grand Ballroom. 6:30 – 10 pm. Adults W80,000, children W40,000. 02-3451-8474

Christmas Eve & Christmas Day

Holiday Menu at Park Hyatt Seoul’s Cornerstone
Christmas Eve W160,000, Christmas Day W120,000 – W160,000. 6 – 8 pm, 8:30 – 10 pm. 02-2016-1234

Seascapes Christmas Buffet at Novotel Ambassador Busan
Turkey, roasted beef, pumpkin pie, and dozens of other delicacies, available Dec 21^st – 31^st. W55,000. 051-743-1234

Christmas Delights at the Ritz-Carlton’s Oksan Buffet (Seoul)
All kinds of Christmas dishes and desserts. 02-3451-8474

Table 34’s Christmas Luncheon (Seoul)
The elegant French restaurant Table 34 at Grand InterContinental Seoul is preparing a special set menu with the most luxurious ingredients including lobsters, tender Wagyu beef and caviar. W180,000++. 02-559-7631

Toque Diner Christmas Buffet (Seoul)
Six course dinner on Christmas Eve (6:30 pm, 8:30 pm) and turkey brunch on Christmas Day (11 am – 4 pm). W40,000. Make your reservation now. 02-794-3834

Traditional French Christmas at Novotel’s The Square (Daegu)
Festive buffet features French roasted turkey, gingerbread yule log, and after dinner hot wine. W50,000. Kids half off. 053-664-1168

Christmas Day

FREE (!) Christmas Dinner @ The Park (Bucheon)
Rotisserie chicken, mashed potatoes, and  more. 6 – 9 pm.  RSVP by 12/23.

Turkey Buffet @ Rocky Mountain Tavern (Itaewon)
Plus all-you-can-drink draft and house wine. 3 -6 pm. W45,000. Pre-sold tickets only.

NEW! Christmas Dinner @ Rhythm & Blues (Bucheon)
Guests invited to join in gift exchange. 6 – 8 pm. W35,000. RSVP by 12/22

Charity Buffet Dinner at Wolfhound (Seoul)
Turkey, stuffing,  baked potatoes, and much more. Proceeds go to Myongdo Services for People with Disabilities. 5 pm. W40,000. Email for reservations. wolfhoundpub@gmail.com, 02-749-7971

The Holy Grill’s Christmas Feast (Daegu)
Along with the home-cooked holiday meal, you can join in a food drive and fundraiser for a local orphanage. W35,000. Must visit the Holy Grill to buy tickets. 053-423-4048

Christmas Dinner at Big Rock (Seoul)
Near Gangnam St., exit 7. 8 am – 12 pm. 02-539-6650

American Christmas Dinner at Suji’s Restaurant (Seoul)
Traditional American turkey dinner buffet with roast turkey and all the fixings, including eggnog and pumpkin pie. W50,000. Reservations required. 02-797-3698

A Rocky Mountain Christmas (Seoul)
A turkey buffet with stuffing, mashed potatoes and other sides along with all the Cass and house wine you can drink. 3 – 6 pm. W45,000. rockymountaintavern.com, 010-5775-2327

Christmas with McCarthy’s (Suncheon)
Christmas buffet with turkeys, dressing, and the rest along with a Secret Santa present exchange. 2 – 7 pm. W25,000. RSVP dsyfunctional_01@hotmail.com 061-724-3034