Author’s note: There’s bound to be updates to this month’s events – keep checking back for more information and new events! If you have an event you’d like to plug, comment on this post or contact me with all the details. Please follow a few guidelines for the maximum benefit.

February 1 – 27: Trick art escapes from Jeju-do, braving the cold to be enjoyed around Busan, Daegu (closes the 20th, not the 27th), and Gwangju. In case the term ‘trick art’ is new, it’s simply a chance to let your eyes and dimensions be fooled by the clever paintings and props. If you don’t bring your camera, you’ll be missing out on 85% of the fun. Check out mbctrickart.com for more information (Korean only), or call your friendly tourist office at 1330 for directions.

February 1 – 27: If you hail from south of Seoul and need to get your sledding on, Sangnok Resort is just east of Cheonan. Watch out for the kids, and avoid the temptation to view the people as bowling pins. Check out the directions online if you can read Korean, and enjoy the day trip away from Seoul.

February 1 – 28: Picasso and Modern Art – not to be confused with some amateur painters or dusty works that haven’t seen the light to day. Worth the visit if you’d like to relive those college art classes or are fascinated by the classics. Head to the National Museum of Contemporary Art near City Hall Station, or visit moca.go.kr for more information.

Traditional-style Hanbok in the modern-day department store.

February 2 – 4: Happy Seolnal! Also known as the Lunar New Year or the Chinese New Year, expect three days of the working week off. Unless you booked tickets back in 2007, expect travel around Korea to take longer than usual. The Lady in Red and I will be getting around Seoul’s subway system and avoiding any longer-distance trips. If you’re unfamiliar with the holiday, an excellent primer can be found on the GwangJu Blog. If you’re looking for things to do, the list at Korea4Expats is highly recommended.

Until February 5th: Anya Dennis Solo Photography Exhibition – The Color of Calm

Exhibition open: January 29th-February 5th, 4-9pm
February 6th-12th by appointment ([email protected])

The Color of Calm, explores the relationship between color, beauty and emotions. All images are connected through a common thread of green which symbolizes renewal, life, growth, nature, and harmony. This body of work embraces the balance and opulence lent by its companion of color. Be awakened and be renewed as you witness the The Color of Calm.

See more at Laughing Tree’s Facebook event page.

February 2 and 16: 8mm: Art Cinema at Laughing Tree Gallery
The gallery will open at 8:00pm, and the film will start at 8:30pm.
8mm is a bi-weekly night of vintage and/or art film at Laughing Tree Gallery in Haebangchon.

(more details at http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=353513142612)

February 4: The Frills and Thrills Burlesque troupe - performing at Roofers in Itaewon. See a review of last month’s Burlesque show in Hongdae, or just ready to see some sexy ladies dancing. See more details on the Facebook event page.

February 10 – 13: Because opera might just be your thing – La Boheme performed by the Incheon Opera Group. Korea4Expats gives you all the details you need – 30,000 to 100,000 won at the Seoul Arts Center.

February 14: Valentine’s Day – expect plenty of sweet gifts at the convenience store. Boys, be prepared to give back to your girl in March.

February 18-20: Yongpyong International Ski Festival - if you’re up for skiing or just watching, this looks to be the place to go. Check out the official website for more details.

February 26th 4:00-10:00pm: Joel Bewley solo painting exhibition – “Internal Affairs” – Opening Reception
Laughing Tree Gallery. Go support a foreigner-owned gallery in Haebongcheon! See more at http://www.laughingtree.com/events/?event_id=20.

February 26 (9pm): V-Day Seoul will host an art auction featuring local and international artists at The Alley, a new gallery and restaurant in Itaewon. Proceeds from the evening will benefit Korean Unwed Mothers & Families Association (KUMFA) – the only non-governmental organization that supports unwed mothers and their families throughout Korea. KUMFA, more commonly known as Miss Mamma Mia, is working to erase the stigma attached to unwed mothers in Korean culture. Admission by donation.

In addition to the vagina-inspired art works up for silent auction, talented artists will deliver their own ‘vagina monologues’, and a deejay will set the mood for good times. Guests are encouraged to bring cash for wine, beer and/or auction items. For more information, check out http://vdayseoul.com/.

© Chris Backe – 2011

This post was originally published on my blog,Chris in South Korea. If you are reading this on another website and there is no linkback or credit given, you are reading an UNAUTHORIZED FEED.

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