Did you know that Korean musicals are a big thing? There are so many small productions popping up in Seoul that get tested here and then spread over the world. Yes, don’t just look to New York’s Broadway or London’s West End for exciting new musicals. Definitely book yourself into one when visiting Seoul as well.
This post wasn’t sponsored but came to be thanks for a press pass to attend a musical performance. Any affiliate links that may be included are marked with an asterisk *. If you buy/book anything after clicking on them, this doesn’t cost you anything extra but gives me a little commission from qualifying purchases to help keep uploading free travel tips for you on to this blog.
Are all musicals in Seoul in Korean?
Pretty much. BUT there are also a few that come with subtitles! I visited one such musical and I definitely enjoyed it, even if I had to check the screens to follow the details. The expressive acting and dramatic music renditions definitely helped explain a lot of the dynamics already.
Plus, if you’re into theatre, there are also shows and plays with English subtitles. (I wrote a guide on that.)
Where to see musicals in Seoul
The best place to catch a musical in Korea’s capital is definitely the area of Daehakro, named after the main street Daehang-ro. In a rather short area spanning between Ihwa-dong and Hyehwa-dong you can find dozens of small stages and venues hosting short-term or open-run shows.
To be in the loop on what’s currently running, you can visit the tourist information next to Marronnier Park. You cannot book a showing there, however.
How to book a musical ticket
That you get your musical tickets at the small sale point pop-ups nearby, or online. You can get flyers for shows at the tourist information at Marronnier Park or Seoul Play Central across the street. On the flyers, you find QR codes that take you to the website and booking page.
Many shows you can find listed on sites like Interpark, where you can make your booking as well. The site has an option for English, too.
How to get Korean musicals in English
When you know which shows offer subtitles in different languages – usually English, Japanese and Chinese – you can find that in the booking options as well.
There are only certain show times when you can expect the subtitles. Those differ between shows, so definitely check when booking what time slots provide those services.
Review – VampXHunter
If you are wondering what seeing a Korean musical live is like, listen up. I got invited to see a showing of the ongoing musical Vamp X Hunter, which started in September 2024. It’s a small musical, comprised of 4 characters that are embodied by three actors per role respectively.
It’s silly, funny and comes with unexpected twists. There’s also a small interactive segment, where one actor mingles with the crowd. But fear not, you don’t have to go up on stage.
To give you the gist of the plot: An evil vampire is in dire need of inhabiting a new body. For that purpose, he has chosen an overambitious school girl and a suicidal loner school boy, whom he lures into his woodwork shop to kill on Halloween.
All the while a young ne’er-do-well gets kicked out of priest school and is given the task of being a vampire hunter by the ghost of his mentor. He’s very much concerned with looking good while doing the job he is only half equipped for.
Even though both cast and stage are small, it feels just right as the pacing and the laughs make it feel very dynamic. Add to that the whimsical set design with round corners and crooked houses, giving a Tim Burton-esque vibe.
What I loved most was the over-the-top delivery of each of the actors. Their singing was powerful, their songs very heartfelt, yet comical.
So, even though the plot line was rather dark – with kids having to come to terms with potentially being killed by a too-powerful vampire for lack of a competent vampire hunter – the ultimate message was that of the joy of being alive and holding onto your dreams despite whatever life throws at you. Sounds cheesy, but you truly feel with the characters (except for the vampire, who is an amazingly vicious villain).
The ending felt a bit abrupt, but the bonus end threw you back into the comic relief, leaving the audience with a high.
I definitely enjoyed this show and can recommend it to any lovers of campy musicals. And if you always wanted to sit close to the stage and really feel the action, this is your chance!
- English subtitle showings:
- Booking page
- Address: JS Art Hall