With their star-studded casts, bright lights, and beautiful music scores, K-musicals are the next big thing following K-dramas and K-pop! Now is the time to fall in love with K-musicals! Learn about the musicals happening from now until the end of the year, tips for people who have never attended a musical, and even participate in a VISITKOREA-exclusive event for musical tickets and more!

Act 1. K-Musicals Attract Worldwide Attention

Korean musicals have expanded their reach, spreading across the world. Discover what it is that makes K-musicals so attractive to international fans.

First off, one can’t ignore the huge influence of K-dramas and K-pop. Fans of Korean pop culture naturally are attracted to events where they can see their favorite actors and idols showing their talents in person. Examples include Cho Seung-woo in “Phantom of the Opera,” Kim Junsu in “Dracula,” and Kyuhyun in “The Man Who Laughs.”

Another high point of Korean musicals is the outstanding quality that improves over time. Small changes in the casting, musical numbers, and script make repeat visits fun and enjoyable. The ensemble of colorful costumes, outstanding orchestra, and interesting synopsis also add to Korean musical’s charm. All of this wouldn’t be possible without the hard work of the staff who remain unseen backstage.

The strong storytelling and refined stage directing of Korean-made musicals must also be emphasized. Korean-made musicals can be based on historical materials, adaptations of both Korean and foreign novels, or even new content written from scratch. Examples that have seen international success include “The Last Empress” (historical material), “Frankenstein” (novel), “Marie Curie” (historical figure), and “Washing” (new content).

TIP: Korean-made musicals are written in Korea, with Korea holding the rights to its production. In comparison, licensed musicals are written overseas and purchased for production in Korea.

Act 2. VISITKOREA Recommendation! Current & Up-coming Musicals

Learn more about the musicals running at the end of 2023 and into early 2024.

1) Currently Showing

2) Up-coming Musicals

3) K-Musical Evolution, Hit Musical

☞ Join the “Sister Act” Ticket Event

4) Purchasing Tickets

(1) Online purchase

Purchasing tickets online is the most common method. Reservations will vary by website, but most follow the stand below.

Reservation process

Ticketing website > Sign-up and log-in > Select the musical > Select a date and time and then click “Buy Tickets” > Select a seat > Pay
Global websites may also offer reservations without logging in.

Main ticketing websites

Interpark Ticket (English, Japanese, Chinese)
Ticketlink (English, Japanese, Chinese)
YES24 Ticket (English)
Melon Ticket (English, Japanese, Chinese)

(2) On-site purchase

On-site ticket purchase is only available for any remaining seats for the show that day. If the show is fully booked, on-site ticketing is impossible. For musicals held at small and mid-sized theaters, be sure to check the production company’s social media! Sometimes you can find posts for discounts of up to 50% off for on-site ticketing! On-site ticketing usually opens 1-2 hours before showtime.

Act 3. Tips for Musical Newbies

All you need to know to enjoy musicals.

1) During reservation

Seating class

Musical seats are usually divided into VIP, R, S, and A sections, with prices decreasing as you go down levels. VIP seats, located in the front middle block, offer the best view of the stage and are highly desired seats.

Online reservations

Ticket sales start on a set date and time. If there is a musical you want to see, be sure to check the time ticketing opens. Musicals featuring popular actors quickly sell out so you’ll have to be fast!

2) During the musical

Do your homework

There are lots of ways to prepare for watching a musical; read the musical synopsis, listen to the musical numbers, or learn about the different characters. Doing this “homework” in advance will make your experience all the more enjoyable!

Arrive 1 hour before showtime (30 minutes at the latest)

Be sure to arrive early to pick up your ticket, take photos in the photo zone, and browse the merchandise area.

Rent opera glasses

Opera glasses are a must-have item if you don’t want to miss a single expression on the actors’ faces! Opera glasses can be rented from the main theater lobby starting from one hour before showtime. Be aware that some theaters (Charlotte Theater, Chungmu Art Center, Dream Theater) require an online reservation through their official website.

* This content was last updated in November 2023, and therefore information may differ from what is presented here. We advise you to check for updates before visiting.