Entertainment

Having just returned from a wonderful performance of Cookin' Nanta the issue of entertainment is on my mind. There are at least two other similar non-verbal performances which sound fun to which I didn't get during this visit. I also had hoped to attend one of the traditional Korean music performances, but didn't make any of those either. Ah, well. . . . Guess I'll have to come back.

When I thought about the upcoming trip, I wondered what I'd do in terms of entertainment. I assumed I'd read, as I do at home, and I have. I'm down to the last two books I brought along; may have to buy a murder mystery for the plane trip home.

I wasn't sure about TV watching -- how much would be available in English. Fortunately, my room has access to a number of cable systems. I get one of the Armed Forces Network (AFN) stations; the others must be limited to base or be available on a cable system not accessed by my TV. A few of the AFN entertainment programs are ones I watch at home although they tend to be episodes I've already seen since the broadcasts here are several months behind the showing in the U.S. There are also programs I've never seen, perhaps because they're on cable which I don't have in Minnesota. The ABC evening news is on at 6 p.m. here on AFN, about 15 hours after its original broadcast. At 10:30 I can watch Jay Leno from yesterday 's U.S. broadcast, followed by David Letterman and then Craig Ferguson. So if I want to stay up late, I can get my fill of late night comedians.

Other entertainment TV is available through BBC Entertainment, although there are only a couple of programs I consider worthwhile. It's amazing, but BBC programming, at least as evidenced by what's broadcast here, is worse than U.S. TV. Some real drivel. . . . I did, however, enjoy Strictly Come Dancing, the predecessor to Dancing with the Stars on U.S. TV. Also there's a Korean movie station that broadcasts movies in their original language with Korean subtitles. I've watched four movies during my stay -- more films than I've seen in several years! There are several stations which broadcast in Japanese, including dubbed American TV comedies. It's hilarious watching the characters in I Dream of Jeannie speaking Japanese!

Of course, there's plenty of news. In addition to what's on AFN, I can watch CNN, BBC News, and Ariana, a Korean network for foreigners which does a lot of broadcasting in English. Most news, however, comes as it does for me at home from Minnesota Public Radio, which I listen to on my computer. It is confusing, however, since I'm listening to All Things Considered and Marketplace in the morning and Morning Edition in the evening. Not having a lot of alternatives, I even listened through a lot of the recent membership campaign!

There are two English-language newspapers available on a daily basis. I usually pick up one of them once or twice a week, mostly to see what's the latest Korean news and read the editorials and commentaries, which are often foreigner's perspectives on life in Korea. I am rather missing my Newsweek; haven't found any English-language magazines (although there may be some).

I've been to a symphony concert and to two jazz concerts with my friend Dong Won's group playing. The Great Jang Geum introduced me to a modern Korean musical play production, although based on an ancient story. I've also been to three art exhibits, more than I usually attend at home in a year. I've been to two museums, Seoul History and Sondaemun Prison History. And I've visited a number of parks and historic sites throughout the city which provided both education and exercise.

Then, of course, there were the festivals and parades which provided great entertainment and much fun. When thinking about my visit beforehand, I thought I might go out to some movies, something I seldom do at home. Well, it's more complicated and equally expensive here so I never did get to a movie house.

Keeping busy with interesting activities has not been a problem. . . .