NANTA Show Tickets Seoul
- Duration1.5 hours
- Open onEvery day
- Meeting pointThe NANTA theatre named on your confirmation in Myeongdong or Hongdae
- Fair, honest prices
- Real people, not bots
- Confirm, then pay
- Secure payment
Overview
NANTA is Seoul's best-known non-verbal show, a comedy set in a restaurant kitchen where cooks turn knives, pots and chopping boards into drums. It runs for about 90 minutes and needs no Korean to enjoy, so it suits families, couples and groups from any country. On this page you choose the theatre, Myeongdong or Hongdae, and the seat category, A, S or VIP. Each ticket is valid only at the theatre you book, and seats are assigned by booking order and confirmed at the venue.
Highlights
- A non-verbal comedy that needs no Korean and works for every age
- Traditional Korean rhythms played on kitchen knives, pots and utensils
- Two theatres to choose from: Myeongdong and Hongdae
- A, S and VIP seat categories, with the theatre chosen at booking
- About 90 minutes, easy to fit into an evening in Seoul
- Audience participation that makes each performance feel different
Full Description
The NANTA show and its story
NANTA premiered in 1997 and has become South Korea's longest-running theatre performance. The name comes from a Korean word for chopping and beating, and the show is built on samulnori, the traditional four-instrument percussion music, played here on kitchen equipment. It has toured internationally and is a fixture on the itineraries of visitors to Seoul.
The story is simple: several cooks have to prepare a wedding banquet within an hour, and the manager's nephew is a clumsy helper. There are no spoken lines, so the story is told through timing, rhythm, mime and slapstick. If you are wondering whether the NANTA show in Seoul is worth it, its energy and humour make it one of the easiest performances to enjoy as a first-time visitor.
Myeongdong Theatre or Hongdae Theatre
There are two theatres for the show. The Myeongdong NANTA Theatre is on the third floor at 26 Myeongdong-gil, in Jung-gu, in the middle of Seoul's shopping district, and is convenient if you are staying near Myeongdong or City Hall. The Hongdae NANTA Theatre is on the second basement level at 29 Yanghwa-ro 16-gil, in Mapo-gu, close to the university area known for its cafes and street life.
Each ticket is valid only at the theatre you select and cannot be used at the other one. Pick the theatre that is closer to your hotel or your plans for the evening, and check the performance times in the booking panel.
Choosing your seat category: A, S or VIP
The options on this page combine each theatre with three seat categories, A, S and VIP. A seats are the standard choice, S seats are closer to the stage, and VIP seats offer the closest and most central view. Seats are assigned by booking order and confirmed at the venue, so booking earlier helps you get a better position.
The show includes moments of audience participation, and closer seats are more likely to be chosen for these. If you prefer to watch without being involved, an A seat is a good option. Sit anywhere and you will still see the action, since the stage is not large.
Planning your visit to NANTA
Performances last about 90 minutes and take place at set times, usually in the afternoon and evening. Arrive at least 20 to 30 minutes before the start so you can find the theatre and collect your seat details. Myeongdong is easy to reach by subway, and Hongdae is close to Hongik University Station.
The show is suitable for families with children of all ages, though very young children may find the noise and pace tiring. Photography and video are normally restricted during the performance, so follow the theatre's instructions. Because the ticket is for entry only, plan dinner nearby before or after the show.
Itinerary
- Travel to your theatreGo to the Myeongdong or Hongdae theatre you booked, arriving 20 to 30 minutes early.
- Collect your seatShow your ticket at the theatre; seats are assigned by booking order and confirmed on site.
- Enter the theatreTake your A, S or VIP seat as the audience settles.
- The NANTA performanceEnjoy the show, about 90 minutes of rhythm, comedy and audience moments.
- After the showLeave the theatre and continue to dinner or shopping nearby.
What's included
- Ticket to the NANTA show, A seat
- Show at the Myeongdong Theatre
- Seat assigned by booking order and confirmed on site
Not included
- Entry to the Hongdae Theatre
- Food and drinks
- Tips
Is this right for you?
Great for
- Families with children — a child price for ages 4–12
- A short visit — about 1.5 hours
- Travellers who want a proven choice — rated 4.8/5 by past travellers
Not suitable for
- Guests who dislike loud percussion
- Very young children who cannot sit for 90 minutes
Meeting point
This is an entry ticket, and hotel pickup is not included. Go directly to the theatre you booked. The Myeongdong NANTA Theatre is on the 3rd floor at 26 Myeongdong-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul. The Hongdae NANTA Theatre is on the 2nd basement level at 29 Yanghwa-ro 16-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul. Arrive 20 to 30 minutes before the show and show your ticket at the entrance.
Important information
- Each ticket is valid only at the theatre and for the seat category you booked; it cannot be used at the other theatre.
- Seats are assigned by booking order and confirmed at the venue.
- The performance lasts about 90 minutes.
- Arrive 20 to 30 minutes early to find the theatre and your seat.
- Follow the theatre's rules on photography and video during the show.
- Hotel pickup and food and drinks are not included.
- Bring your ticket voucher on your phone.
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to what travellers ask us most, before they book.
How much does the NANTA show ticket cost?
The price depends on the option you choose, the theatre and the seat category. The booking panel on this page shows the current price for each option.
What is the difference between the options?
You can choose the Myeongdong or the Hongdae theatre, and A, S or VIP seats. A seats are the standard choice, S seats are closer and VIP seats are the closest.
Is hotel pickup included?
No. The ticket is an entry ticket only, and you go to the theatre yourself by subway or taxi.
How long is the NANTA show?
The performance lasts about 90 minutes.
Is the NANTA show suitable for children?
Yes. It is a family-friendly show with no spoken language and lots of humour, though very young children may find the noise tiring.
What should I wear and bring?
Wear comfortable clothes and bring your ticket voucher on your phone. Arrive early to find your seat.
Can I book for today or tomorrow?
The booking panel shows the performance dates and times available, so you can choose the earliest one.
Do I need to speak Korean to enjoy NANTA?
No. The show is non-verbal, using rhythm, mime and humour, so it works for visitors from any country.
Which theatre should I choose, Myeongdong or Hongdae?
Choose whichever is closer to your hotel and plans. Myeongdong is in the shopping district, and Hongdae is in the lively university area. Your ticket is valid only at the theatre you book.
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