I landed in Seoul on Sunday, and today it finally begins: the Belgian National Orchestra’s tour of South Korea kicks off with the first concert at the Seoul Arts Center. To outsmart the jet lag, I arrived a few days earlier from Helsinki, where I’ve just started rehearsals for Humperdinck’s Hänsel und Gretel.

Seoul keeps amazing me. I’ve been here several times as a guest conductor with the Seoul Philharmonic, but every time I’m struck again by the city’s vibrant energy. And the food… simply irresistible!

Yesterday, our section leaders opened the tour with a chamber music concert at the brand-new Shinsegae Trinity Hall — a venue with truly sensational acoustics. Afterwards, the dinner made us feel a little closer to home: sausages and Belgian fries… in Seoul!

Antony

The past few days have also been full of wonderful encounters. Pianist Nikola Meeuwsen, this year’s Queen Elisabeth Competition winner, happened to be touring Asia and was in Seoul too — perfect excuse for a lovely dinner. © Antony Hermus
And Wayne Lin, the phenomenal concertmaster of the Seoul Philharmonic, welcomed us for a Korean BBQ evening. As you can see, we’re definitely not going hungry here. © Antony Hermus

(left) The past few days have also been a celebration of encounters. Pianist Nikola Meeuwsen – this year's winner of the Queen Elisabeth Competition – happened to be on tour in Asia, and coincidentally also in Seoul, so we enjoyed a pleasant dinner together. © Antony Hermus

(right) Wayne Lin, the phenomenal concertmaster of the Seoul Philharmonic, was also ready for an evening of Korean BBQ. (As you can see, you don't go hungry here.) © Antony Hermus

24.09.2025 – Belgian Fries in Seoul