10 Spectacular Shows You’ll Only See in South Korea

There are Broadway shows, Agricultural shows, theatre shows and art shows. But then there’s an entire slew of shows you can only see in South Korea. This quirky-loving country loves its weird and wonderful shows. Seeing a selection of shows in Korea is one of the best ways to experience this dynamic culture. Here’s a list of stellar shows to choose from.

So what is the Nanta Show? The Nanta Show is a nonverbal performance which has enjoyed the biggest audiences in Korean history. It even made it to Broadway in 2004. Mixing Korean folk music rhythms with modern musical forms, the Nanta Show Seoul is a special experience. A storyline runs through the show, as well as a host of comic scenes, all within a kitchen set. The Nanta Show encourages audience participation: be the bride and groom in a traditional Korean wedding, have a dumpling pile-up competition and bounce off the performers! It's a show worth seeing!

For a unique funny Nanta theatre experience, book your Nanta Show Ticket in Seoul. This immersive, non-verbal performance blends martial arts, music, acrobatics and culinary skills. Watch as the performers bring the culinary absurdity to life. Be the audience for some on-stage cooking in Korea’s longest-running 90-minute show! Only in Seoul!

 Review Snippet: ‘Absolutely exhilarating and great fun and laughs for all.’

The Painter: Show in Seoul hails from 2010 and has had a curtain call in most big cities around the world. This unique performance blends world-famous Korean entertainment with supremely gifted artists. It’s like nothing you’ve ever seen before; a one-of-a-kind show which showcases the jaw-dropping skills of live performers with visual effects. There’s also a side of mime, dance and comedy thrown in. Performers show off 10 art techniques, ranging from action drawing to speed drawing. You’ll be awed as amazing images unfold before your eyes, and you may even end up on stage yourself.

 Review Snippet: ‘Words can’t describe how impressed I was by the performance and talent.’

Of course, there’s a show dedicated to the enduring, ever-demanding work of a firefighter – the Fireman Show Ticket. There’s no language barrier because the performance is non-verbal. This show tells the story of a group of fire fighting trainees who struggle to get through their stressful and high-spirit training while they learn the skills of the trade. There’s no shortage of action as the performers dance, do some acrobatic lifts and flips and tumble some parkour, among other moves. Lighting and effects add to the atmosphere in this matchless and funny show. By curtains-down, you’ll have a new insight into the thrill and liveliness involved in a trainee firefighter’s day. 

 Review Snippet: ‘Very entertaining and funny show, great energy, my kids loved it.’

Think Romeo and Juliet with a South Korean spin, and you get the FANTA-STICK Show. This is an ultra-modern performance that shakes up the age-old tale with a fresh perspective. There are two families, an ethereal drum, a flute and wait for it… ghosts! Yes, you guessed it, it’s very loosely based on the Shakespeare classic. And if you’re looking for action, you won’t be disappointed – expect a skilful blend of martial arts, breakdancing, dance, traditional Korean percussion and string music. Then add a sizable whack of comedy, and voila! It’s a show like no other. Enjoy the beating percussive rhythms and the soaring melodies in gorgeous ‘Gukak’ style. This show is the ultimate reimagining of a vintage genre.    

Review Snippet: ‘We super-loved it. The performances were well done, and the tricks were very complex.’

The Sky Water Show Ticket in Jeju is your pass to see a sky aerobics show spectacular! At Jeju Art Land, this is a Korean first. Sit back and enjoy a dazzling display of feats alongside delightful light and water effects. This is a visual bonanza, with Russian and Chinese performers executing aerial rings, swings and stunts as the fountains create a gentle, dreamlike ambience. It’s a hypnotising exhibition of commanding dances and other awe-inspiring gymnastics. And the skills aren’t the only thing to watch – there’s also the vivid costumes and staging to take you into an alternate world. When the show’s done, stick around to have a look at the Jeju Art Land Bonsai Garden.

Review Snippet: ‘A great show with a combination of acrobatics stunts, diving skills and dances. Very entertaining for the whole family.’

Get ready for a truly unique experience with the Sun & Moon Traditional Korean Music (Gugak) Show. This is a colourful and culture-full spectacle, an all-female Gugak Show. A delicious musical extravaganza, this performance showcases traditional Korean music, produced by instruments like the Gayageum, a zither-like string instrument, and the Daegeum, which is a big bamboo flute. Add in large percussion instruments, then team up these conventional musical agents with pop, rock and electronic sounds. What you get is a brilliant blend of new and old, directed by famous music-master, Kolleen Park. It’s a show which features digital effects, dance and music; a distinctive and creative music spectacle.

Review Snippet: ‘An experience not to be missed. Entertaining and splendid performers.’

What’s better than a South Korean show? A South Korean show on a boat! The Pang Show on E-LAND Cruise is the most entertaining performance which combines sightseeing with interactive baking. In this 30-minute show, you’ll learn to make yummy bread while onboard the E-LAND Cruise. An apprentice will take on numerous challenges in their attempt to make bread for the audience. Then, you’ll pass by the Han River Rainbow Fountain at Banpo Bridge, which holds the Guinness World Record for the longest bridge fountain in the world. And keep an eye out for other nighttime views as you travel down the river. This show is a reimagining of the popular Korean drama, ‘King of Baking, Kim Takgu,’ which has aired in 12 Asian countries. As all these shows, it’s multidimensional – see drumming, dance, acrobatics and comedy too, then enjoy the warm ‘pang,’ straight from the oven.

Review Snippet: ‘A great bread-making experience with your family. Kids will enjoy it, and it’s really funny! Go out to the viewing deck to appreciate Korea at night.’

 Your visit isn’t complete without the Seoul Music Drama: Only You Ticket with K-Pop Dance Experience at JTN Art Hall. As one of the country’s most well-known musicals, ‘Only You,’ is a moving love story, told via a couple who’ve been married for 37 years. A carefree, family-friendly and lively musical, you can dance to the soundtrack of sensational Korean 90s pop songs. Don’t worry if you can’t speak the local language; the show has English subtitles so you can still revel in the full impact and meaning. 

Review Snippet: ‘Love it! A funny, touching and meaningful musical drama.’

 

This is a low-key, different kind of show. It doesn’t share the razzamatazz of the other shows; it’s more of an interactive history lesson. Learn about the former Korean war trails with the Talk Show Tour with North Korean Defector from Seoul. Take a private, all-day tour which outlines the infiltration route of North Korean spy commandos. Over the course of the day, you’ll cover around 200kms to and from Seoul in a plush private vehicle. Seo Jae-pyeong, North Korea’s leading defector, will join you throughout the entire experience.

After you’ve seen South Korea’s unique array of shows, keep the culture coming at the country’s one-of-a-kind festivals.