Indeed, I am glad to be a part of 2014 Global Seoul Mate! So, what is that?
What is Global Seoul Mate?
Global Seoul Mate is a promotion program started by the Seoul Metropolitan Government to promote Seoul by producing Seoul-specific content in various media forms such as text, photos and videos that promote the charms of Seoul to the online community!
What we Global Seoul Mates going to do ??
As a 2014 Seoul Mate, we will continue to actively promote and share useful insights, news and information about Seoul using text, photos, videos and pictures, and participate in publicity campaign missions organized by the Seoul Metropolitan Government.
So stay tuned, we promise to bring you much more exciting stories on Seoul!
The World B-boy Masters Championships (R-16) is a series of competitions
where world-class b-boy groups (selected by regional preliminaries
overseas and national selection in Korea) compete for the title of the
world best b-boy group. “R” in the official title comes from “Respect.” The 2014 R16 World Championships successfully
completed their 8th global tournament on August 5 and 6 in
Seoul, South Korea. With 25 national and regional eliminations around
the world, and more than 300 artists, musicians, grassroots-content creators, promoters,
producers, urban enthusiasts, hip-hop heads and b-boys from around the
world convene in Korea, in an attempt to provide the proper inspiration
necessary to push the movement forward. What started out as a
world-championship-level b-boy tournament has now evolved into a massive
annual festival, which seeks to encompass all aspects of urban youth
cultures, as the festival draws visitors and spectators not only from
Korea, but also from different regions of Asia and the world.
Besides the high production level and unique, concert-like
atmosphere, what separates the R16 World Championships from all other
events in the world is the scoring system and standards in which the
B-Boy battle results are based upon. While all other events gather their
results from the subjective opinions through a random variety of judges
who each have their own mysterious methods, the R16 judging system
(better known as O.U.R. System) ensures a fair and equal shot for every
type of style and approach to breaking, while providing a whole new
level of transparency and education, bridging the longtime missing gap
between the judges, the B-Boys and the audience.
It
was a great honor for me to be there and watch some incredible B boy’s
competitions as a 3rd K-performance supporters. A massive event at Seoul Olympic park and K-Pop lovers at their peak to enjoy artistic competitions from the winners
of different regions and to choose the best B boy, and the best team of the
year 2014. R16 offers many prizes for the winner and runner up (1000
USD-3000USD), which is presented at the spot. The judges were former
famous locking, popping and b-boys stars from USA, France, Korea, Japan and Germany for different
categories. The gamblers from Korea won the crew battle after a tough
competition with Predators from Russia. However the crew performance won by the
predators. B-boy champion 2014 won by Issie of Japan for the consecutive 3rd
year, this time defeating lil-Zoo from Morocco. Here is a link for the amazing B-boy battle.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YNzPm2ZpY1U&feature=youtu.be
"NANTA" a exciting stage of cooking without a dialogue, but through rhythmic banging of knives, pots and pans, NANTA (or Cookin’ as it was known in the States) tells the story of excellent crazy chefs, but unmanly HEAD CHEF, a very sexy, masculine SEXY GUY, and the powerful, sassy, the only woman cook, HOT SAUCE! The three attractive, characteristic chefs start their day. Washing vegetable, carrying meat loafs, setting fire, cooks at NANTA kitchen is about to begin their busy job as always, then the ill-natured manager orders them to prepare wedding ceremony menus, along with his little nephew, in just an hour.
It was pleasant evening of on June 7 2014, I had a chance to enjoy the amazing Cookin' or Cookin' NANTA at chungjeongno therater. I have never seen anything quite unique like this before. The show is about the chefs who are told by their manager that they should prepare food for a wedding by 6pm. Time is short which makes them nervous and also, they have to teach cooking to the manager’s nephew which adds to their disappointment. They are not happy about the addition of the manager's nephew in their team. However, as time pass, the nephew becomes a vital part of the team. NANTA show is non verbal and people from all across the world can appreciate, understand and enjoy a good laugh and be thoroughly entertained from the beginning till end. Humorous scenes in the kitchen take place as they cook, clean, create music with wonderful beats using kitchen utensils and cutlery. The chefs engage the audience by inviting a few to the stage to help out. The audience is also encouraged to clap, cheer and follow comical instructions that actually gets the crowd involved and entertained.
Although I carried my camera with me, I didn't take any photos. The audience were requested not to take pictures and video, although I saw so many people taking photos, once the show started. When I took out my camera, my husband reminded me to abide by the organizer's request. The photos I shared here are from the official website of the NANTA, this will gave you an idea of what it was like. Thanks once again for Korea Tourism organisation for providing us a opportunity enjoy these moments and hoping to have these again.
1) Gangbuk Jeongdong Nanta Theatre [Subway] Seodaemun Station (Seoul Subway Line 5), Exit 5. Walk 150m in the direction of Sejongno Juc. until you see the Kyunghyang Newspaper Building.
2) Myeongdong Nanta Theatre [Subway] Euljiro 1-ga Station (Seoul Subway Line 2), Exit 6. Go straight for 220m and turn left onto Myeongdong gil. The theatre (Unesco Building) is 120m ahead on the right.
OR
Myeongdong Station (Seoul Subway Line 4), Exit 6. Go straight for 300m along Myeongdong 8 gil. Turn left in front of Woori Bank. The theatre is 100m ahead on the left.
3) Hongdae Nanta Theatre[Subway] Hongik University Station (Seoul Subway Line 2), Exit 9. Go straight for 350m and turn left onto Yanghwa-ro 16-gil. Continue 120m until you see the Cultural Multiplex on the left.
4) Jeju Nanta Theatre From Jeju International Airport, take bus 200 or 300. Get off at Jeju Culture & Art Center. (문예회관; Munye Hoegwan) Walk 300m towards Sinsan Park.
OR Take a taxi from Jeju International Airport to Jeju Media Center. (10-15min)
"SACHOOM" a fantastic stage that creates energy in audience with music and dance.
"SACHOOM" is a nonverbal dance musical that can be appreciated across the world due to various dance geres including hip-hop, jazz, break dancing and more, along with subtitling in Korean, Japaneses, Thai, Chinese and ofcourse in English as well for foreigners enjoyment. Stylish scenes create the backdrop for powerful choreography coming to life through talented performers. Sachoom overpowers the audience’s inhibitions and encourages to participate in the show with hearty cheers. After the musical, audience can spend time with the performers at the stage lobby.
Life in the body !!
It was Sunday June 8 2014, when i had an opportunity to watch the Sachoom along with my buddy. SACHOOM was production of DOBECOM started in 2008 from the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Located in the heart of Seoul, with fully facilitated by all the amenities including a big waiting hall, coffee and cold drink corner. Inside theater was fully decorated with wonderful seat arrangements facing a giant stage. The music, lightening and sound is perfect.
SACHOOM is story of 3 ambitious friends growing up together, the different phase of life which they experience. It was something most of the audience could relate to. I appreciate the DOBECOM for their unique production and source of entertainment. The language that the performers use is the universal language, dance.
<Life in the body> Witty physical expressions of birth combined with brilliant visual images.
<Lantern Dance> Precise timing creates a flying lantern experience.
<Sensuality and Temptation> Puts the audience into breathless intensity.
<HERO> Makes the audience identify with the heroic characters with themselves, swinging arms in the air.
<Contest> Talent and technique is shown in the highlight of the show.
<Lets dance> After the conflict is solved, the vibrant music and dancing makes the audience stand up and jive to the music.
A great side of performance was interaction with audience, that bought the crowd to its feet by the end. Everyone was called to dance along. That's the biggest point of Sachoom's Dance Musical. Photography was also allowed throughout the performance so we was able to capture some moments. Overall Sachoom was a unique and great performance thanks to KTO for providing us such a moments to refreshes the hard life.
Directions: Sachoom Theater (4F, Nakwonsanga building in Insa-dong)
[Subway] Jongno 3-ga Station (Seoul Subway Line 1, 3, 5), Exit 5. Walk 1 minute towards Nakwonsanga Building. Sachoom Theater is located on the 4th floor of the building.
"KABOOM케쎄라쎄라" is a surprising performance along with creativity of "KOLLEEN PARK", who not only provide a single platform of entertainment but also bring the past with present. The show was designed for entertainment in four categories:
Va Va Voom - "Female trio that touches the soul, fusion Korean classical music"
Morning of Owl - "World's number 1 B-boy team"
Magic Trunk - "Storytelling magic show"
PID (Performance in the Darkness) - "You can't take your eyes off it, black light laser performance!"
It was Saturday, June 7 2014, when i had opportunity to watch the KABOOM along with my best buddy. Thanks for Korea Tourism organization for providing us a remarkable opportunity to enjoy the artistic performance with fusion of Korean traditional music.
"Va Va Voom"
Va Va Voom accompanying with the recorded K-pop instrumentals giving a astonishing performance on traditional zithers and drums, switching instruments, playing to the crowd and performing well. The performance and great source of recreation for traditional music lovers with modern beat.
Kaboom was not only music but also about the dance. Morning of Owl offered some impressive b-boy skills comprises with their specific break dance that was occasionally combined with traditional tunes. They are a talented potential professional mixing the Korean traditional beats and music with the frenzied spins, kicks and body pops.
"Magic Trunk"
Magic Trunk managed to combine a simple tragic story with some old tricks done well. Nothing new or original for magic fans, but they pulled off each trick with panache and it's always great to see quick changes and other flashy routines done with style.
PID were the showstoppers. An exciting team of night offering different dance sequences but no doubt they stolen the show with their fabulous performance, sparkling choreography and amazing creativity with use of technology. Their last but not least sequence of dancing was introducing the robotic movement into the house. I recommend PID was alone the worth of ticket price (Although I enjoyed it free).
Performance in darkness
Kaboom located at Jongo-3-ga station of subway line 1,3 & 5 along with a nice set, nicely facilitated with comfortable sound and comfortable sitting facilities according to the demand of the enjoying the thrills of music.
The real story of the show was acting different by doing their own created things and its worth taking. As Kaboom pamphlet proclaims "Forget about stories. Enjoy pure pleasure beyond your imagination" and there were indeed moments of pure pleasure in my evening, though I do wish it had been a more cohesive sequence of acts and not just a series of unrelated incidents. Thanks to KTO for making a memorable movements.
R16 elimination Korea is an annual local b-boy tournament and urban arts cultural festival. The main event features solo and crew b-boy battles. Over twenty R16 Championships take place in numerous countries around the globe to determine the competitors for the World Finals, taking place in Seoul, South Korea.
“Respect” is the enduring theme that makes the “R” in R16, and the R16 World Finals Championship is one of the most respectable sought-after titles in the street dance culture. As a street dancer, holding the R16 title opens up numerous opportunities worldwide. The first R16 took place in 2007 and the event has since encompassed all aspects of urban youth cultures; taking the street movement to a higher level.
A couple of week ago, on 14.06.14 (Saturday), I travel for Uijeongbu it was far away from the center of Seoul. A small town near capital developing itself into center for arts and culture. Thanks for Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) for giving us chance to enjoy the AMAZING performances.
As for the selection-elimination concerns, it was exciting to see every one with their maximum. But the luck goes with listing winners........
[R16 KOREA 2014 National Championship Winners] Popping Winner: Poppin DS Locking Winner: Locking Khan Bboy Crew Winner: Gamblerz Crew
The performances started with popping and locking and proceeded till the b-boys crews. Passionated people enjoyed the whole performance but the b-boys crew performers was awesome. I don’t know much about b-boying, so I can’t explain all kind of technical critique, but I can say that it was really fun, and the crews put an amazing amount of creativity into each routine.
Well all i had that's the fun, and i was really glad after experience the exciting performances of R16 elimination compositions. Thanks once again for KTO for allowing me to participate as 3rd K-Performances supporter!! I hope I will follow the winners team in the R16 world finals.
Some moments in the camera eye JJJJJJ
The Final Winners Crews
Will you be tuning in to watch the R16 competitions?
"Recompose" a fantastic stage rediscovering Korean classical music interpreting by the foreign composers as a great show held on 13 June 2014 at National Theater of Junh-gu, Seoul, Korea. The show was fascinated by the artistic work of world renowned four foreign composers, including Baudouin de Jaer (Belgium), Takada Midori (Japan), Michael Timpson (U.S) and Chichun Lee (Taian). Their re-composition and reinterpretation of Korean classical music with their own individual vision and demonstration in "Recompose" open a new horizon in the Korean classical music.
Welcome to Recompose.!!
The venue was Haeoreum Theater in the Main Hall Located at the National Theater of Korea in the heart of Seoul near Dongguk University Station Line: 3 exit 6.
JJJJJJ How to get direction ??JJJJJJ
Inside theater was excellent piece of artistic work along with excellent sitting and stage facilities.
Stage of Recompose.!!
Ending of Heart Beat (Performance by: Michael Timpson)
Thanks to Korea Tourism organization (KTO) for providing us a fabulous opportunity to enjoy the artistic part of Korean classical music with unique interpretation of foreign composers. The concert was comprises in two parts of 45 minutes along with 20 minutes break but well arranged. The artistic work enhanced the beauty of the Korean traditional music by its beautiful melodies and fusion of traditional and modern instruments. I like this true representation and invasion of diverse cultures to others. Unfortunately, I can't enjoy all the performance as my buddy struck in the Seoul traffic because of weekend and reached late, but have hope to enjoy much more artistic work with the passage of time from the national and internal performers in near future.
