K-Performance: Experience the Best of K-Performance!

The Fateful First Love Story, Musical Finding Mr. Destiny

The first snowfall, first steps, first birthday, first date—every “first” is a blend of excitement and nervousness. It’s the thrill of anticipation mixed with the fear of getting it wrong. Perhaps that’s why these moments linger in our memories. And among them, is there any memory as powerful as your first love?
The musical Finding Mr. Destiny brings the story of first love to life. The protagonist, known as That Woman, is determined to find her destined first love, Mr. Destiny, whom she met during a trip to India nine years ago. Helping her on this journey is That Man, the CEO of Finding First Love Co., Ltd. Together, they embark on a search for Mr. Destiny, armed with nothing but his name. Will they be able to find her long-lost love?
Finding Mr. Destiny is a cornerstone of Korean creative musicals. Its enduring popularity led to a 2010 film adaptation starring Gong Yoo and Im Soo-jung, and it won the musical category at the 2018 Korean Wave Awards. The production has also been a launchpad for some of Korea’s most talented actors, including Kim Mu-yeol (The Roundup: Punishment), Kwak Sun-young (Moving), and Jeon Mi-do (Hospital Playlist). Jin Seon-gyu (Extreme Job) took on the role of the multi-man, portraying an impressive 22 characters in the musical, showcasing his unique and versatile acting skills.

• Finding Mr. Destiny
• • Genre: Musical
• • Age Rating: 7 years and older
• • Duration: 100 minutes
• • Subtitles Available: English, Simplified Chinese, Japanese
• • Performance Schedule: Ongoing
• • Ticket Price: KRW 10,800–35,000
• • Venue: Bricks Theater (25 Daehak-ro 8-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul)
• • Contact: +82-2-766-7667

Nakseonjae Hall at Changdeokgung Palace: Finding a King’s First Love

Inspired by the tale of first love in Finding Mr. Destiny, let us explore a real story of first love from the Joseon Dynasty. King Heonjong of Joseon was so deeply moved by his first love that he created a special space in her honor—Nakseonjae Hall at Changdeokgung Palace.

Nakseonjae Hall, filled with love between King Heonjong and Gyeongbin Kim

In Joseon, queens were chosen through an official selection process in which the king had little direct involvement. Yet, King Heonjong couldn't forget Gyeongbin Kim, whom he met during this process. Eventually, he welcomed her as his concubine and built Seokbokheon Hall—meaning 'bringing good fortune'—to the east of Nakseonjae Hall, where the king often read and rested, and gave it to her as a residence. Together with the surrounding buildings, these structures are collectively referred to as Nakseonjae Hall.
Although historical records lack specific details, King Heonjong’s devotion to Gyeongbin Kim is evident. Tragically, their love story was short-lived, as King Heonjong passed away in 1849, just two years after their union.

Seokbokheon Hall, built by King Heonjong for Gyeongbin Kim

Nakseonjae Hall, adorned with the beauty of latticework instead of dancheong

Unlike other palace buildings adorned with ornate dancheong (colorful decorative patterns), Nakseonjae Hall appears simple. However, the intricate muntin patterns and the vibrant flowers that bloom in its garden create an atmosphere of elegance. We recommend joining a guided tour for a deeper exploration of Changdeokgung Palace, including Nakseonjae Hall. With commentary available in English, Chinese, and Japanese, you'll gain a vivid understanding of the historical background and hidden stories of this remarkable space.

• Nakseonjae Hall
• • Address: 99 Yulgok-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
• • Operating Hours: 09:00–18:00 (Closes 30 minutes earlier during winter months, November–January, and 30 minutes later during summer months, June–August). Closed on Mondays.
• • Contact: +82-2-3668-2300
• • Website: https://royal.khs.go.kr
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• *Changdeokgung Palace Regular Guided Tours (Palace Buildings)
• • Meeting Point: In front of the General Information Map at Donhwamun Gate Area
• • Duration: 50 minutes (No reservation required)
• • English Tour: Every Tuesday–Sunday (10:15, 13:15)
• • Chinese Tour: Every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday (10:00)
• • Japanese Tour: Every Wednesday, Friday, Sunday (11:00)

A Hilariously B-Level Comedy, Musical Vamp x Hunter

At first glance, Vamp x Hunter might sound like a serious tale of a vampire and a hunter locked in battle. In reality, it’s a B-level comedy musical packed with humor and charm. True to its self-proclaimed tagline, “Heroic, comical, romantic, suspenseful, touching, and a huge blockbuster, ” this show delivers joy across multiple genres.
The characters are interesting. There's Jun-hong, a handsome young man turned into a vampire by Saint Germain; Ryu-jin, a shooter who visits Manseong Woodworks to overcome her slump but finds herself falling for Jun-hong in a fateful romance; and Heon-sik, an exorcist priest seeking revenge against Saint Germain for a fallen clergyman. Will this unlikely trio, who form an alliance after various twists and turns, be able to defeat Saint Germain?
The storyline is straightforward, and the humor shines with unexpected, laugh-out-loud moments that surprise and delight audiences. The show’s charming B-level appeal is enhanced by unique touches, such as a vampire in a dragon robe speaking in dialect, and ad-libs that cleverly reference popular memes. These elements add an extra layer of fun, making the performance even more entertaining. The ending is both satisfying and heartwarming, leaving audiences with a smile. Be sure to stay until the very end—there’s a post-credits scene waiting for you after the curtain call!

• Vamp x Hunter
• • Genre: Musical
• • Age Rating: 12 years and older
• • Duration: 90 minutes
• • Subtitles Available: English, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Japanese
• • Performance Schedule: Ongoing
• • Ticket Price: KRW 60,000 (All Seats)
• • Venue: JS Art Hall (94 Dongsung-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul)
• • Contact: +82-2-747-2232

A Korean-Style B-Level Horror Experience at Korean Folk Village

Gwigul: A Haunted Prison, a new highlight at the Korean Folk Village

B-level genres aren’t just for musicals—they can be found in travel destinations too. The Korean Folk Village, a traditional cultural theme park, reimagines heritage with a playful B-level twist, captivating younger generations with its creative and unconventional festivals. Notable events include the spring festival Welcome to Joseon, which blends witty humor with modern comedy, and the summer festival Wottyeobam, offering a nostalgic spin on water play by recreating the atmosphere of playing at a grandmother’s countryside home rather than a typical waterpark vibe.
A standout attraction is Gwigul, a horror experience that uses special effects and visual art against the backdrop of a traditional Korean setting. Gwigul features two thrilling themes: A Haunted Prison, an outdoor maze escape, and A Haunted Den, an eerie indoor exploration. In A Haunted Prison, participants become exorcists tasked with confronting demons and evil spirits in a cursed village—a story reminiscent of the vampire hunts in Vamp x Hunter. Fans of Vamp x Hunter’s suspense and B-level charm will find the same thrilling excitement in A Haunted Prison.

Inside the horror experience of Gwigul: A Haunted Prison (Courtesy of the Korean Folk Village)

Gwigul: A Haunted Den, the Korean Folk Village's new horror attraction (Courtesy of the Korean Folk Village)

Although Gwigul ended on November 10 this year, it’s set to return with an upgraded version in 2025. For a more convenient tour of the Korean Folk Village, audio guides are available to rent in English, Chinese, and Japanese for a small fee.

• Korean Folk Village
• • Address: 90 Minsokchon-ro, Giheung-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do
• • Contact: +82-31-288-0000
• • Foreign Language Audio Guide: KRW 2,000 (KRW 10,000 deposit required)
• • Website: www.koreanfolk.co.kr