When I’m in a new place, I always look for shows or similar activities to experience. Naturally, during my last trip to South Korea, I decided to see the famous Nanta show in Seoul.
Here’s a detailed account of my experience, hoping to inspire you to embark on this unique adventure during your next visit to Seoul.
Preparation and reservation: A small adventure
Before heading to Seoul, I had heard about the Nanta show, a theatrical culinary performance that blends comedy, music, and acrobatics. Determined to attend this show, I tried to book my tickets online, but paying with my foreign card was impossible. No worries, I went directly to the theater to purchase my ticket.
If you find yourself in a similar situation, know that it’s possible to book your tickets directly at the theater, but it requires some patience and flexibility. You can only book for another date after the current show’s start time. For instance, if you arrive at 1:30 PM for a show that starts at 2 PM, you must wait until 2 PM to book for another day. Similarly, if the show starts at 5 PM, you must wait until that time to make your reservation. However, you can always book for the same day one hour before the show starts, though seat choices will be limited.
After taking these precautions, I finally managed to get my ticket for the 5 PM show three days later.
The start of the show: An explosion of laughter and energy
From the first minutes of the show, I was captivated by the actors’ boundless energy. Nanta, which means “wild cooking” in Korean, takes place in a kitchen where four chefs must prepare a wedding banquet in record time. What could seem like an ordinary task quickly transforms into a whirlwind of hilarious chaos, punctuated by visual gags, percussion on kitchen utensils, and breathtaking acrobatics.
The performers are incredibly talented, combining juggling, dancing, and musical skills to create a rhythmic and dynamic show. Each scene is a new surprise, and the audience is constantly engaged, either through invitations to participate or moments of pure interaction. Laughter erupts from all corners, and the atmosphere is truly electric.
A non-stop performance
What particularly struck me about the Nanta show is the sustained pace and the total absence of downtime. For 1 hour and 30 minutes, you are immersed in a world where every minute is used to offer a new performance or gag. The transitions between scenes are smooth and well thought out, and the universal humor transcends language barriers. Even without understanding a word of Korean, I could fully enjoy every moment of the show.
Using kitchen items as musical instruments is also a fascinating aspect of the performance. The percussionist chefs create captivating rhythms by striking pots, pans, and cutting boards, transforming an ordinary kitchen into a true concert stage. The choreographies are perfectly synchronized.
The prohibition of photos and videos
An important point for those who, like me, love to immortalize their memories: taking photos or videos during the show is strictly forbidden. This rule is in place to preserve the performance’s integrity and respect the artists’ work. Although this may be frustrating, it allows you to fully enjoy the show without distractions and stay focused on the present moment. Personally, I found that it added a certain charm to the experience, forcing me to live each moment intensely and remember the details without the intermediary of a screen.
So, I’m sharing a video from YouTube for some highlights.
A cultural and artistic immersion
Attending the Nanta show is also a way to dive into Korean culture in a fun and accessible manner. Traditional costumes, culinary references, and typical interactions of Korean daily life are subtly and intelligently integrated into the performance. For a traveler like me, it was an excellent way to discover a part of the local culture while having a great time.
Moreover, the show is designed to be enjoyed by spectators of all ages. In the audience, I saw families with young children, couples, groups of friends, and even elderly people, all united by laughter and wonder. This ability to gather such a diverse audience is, in my opinion, one of Nanta’s greatest strengths.
Conclusion: An unmissable experience in Seoul
Leaving the theater, I was still under the spell of what I had just experienced. The Nanta show is not just entertainment; it’s a true artistic performance that skillfully blends humor, music, and acrobatics to create an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re in Seoul for a few days or staying longer, I highly recommend reserving an evening to attend this show.
For me, it was one of the highlights of my trip, and I wouldn’t hesitate to return. If you have the opportunity to see Nanta in Seoul, don’t hesitate – you won’t regret it!
