What is Burns Night and who is Robert Burns? If you've ever heard (or attempted to sing) the song played at midnight while at a New Year's Eve party, you've perhaps unknowingly encountered one of Robert Burn's most famous compositions, "Auld Lang Syne".
Robert Burns (25 January 1759 – 21 July 1796) is the most well-known Scot and for good reason! He pioneered the Romantic movement and, after his death, became the pinnacle of Scottish culture and an inspiration to generations of poets, writers and composers. For example, American writer John Steinbeck got the title for his novel "Of Mice and Men", from a stanza in Burn's poem,"To A Mouse".
Other poems and songs of Burns that remain well known across the world today include "A Red, Red Rose", "A Man's a Man for A' That", "To a Louse", "The Battle of Sherramuir", "Tam o' Shanter" and "Ae Fond Kiss".
Burns Night, Scotland's second national holiday after St. Andrew's Day, is celebrated on Burn's birthday, 25 January. Across the globe you will find many celebrating the works of Rabbie Burns, both formally and informally, with recitals, exciting tributes, haggis and, of course, whisky.
Where is the British Embassy in Seoul? The British Embassy is located at Seoul, Jung-gu, Sejongdaero19-gil 24. 주한 영국 대사관 서울 중구 세종대로19길 24
What should I wear? The dress code for the event is smart casual, meaning that you are relaxed yet still professional.
If your a Scot, kilts and ghillie shirts are always encouraged! The non-Scot should opt for a pair of dark, well-fitting jeans or chinos with a collared shirt or knit polo shirt (no graphics or crazy prints) and a nice jacket. For footwear, high-quality leather sneakers or Chelsea boots are acceptable.
As for the lassies - blazers, sweaters, button-up shirts, dress pants and skirts are all appropriate. Shoes can be chunky-heeled or modern loafers, flats, or an ankle boot.
I want to volunteer to perform a song or poem, how do I sign up? Once ticket sales open, you can sign up via the booking form. We have limited performance slots available which will be filled on a first-come, first-served, basis so be sure to sign up right away! Is there any Scottish dancing at Burns Night? No, so be sure to leave your dancing shoes at home (or breathe a sigh of relief)!
Can I make changes to my booking? Yes. You can make changes by editing your booking form (sent to your email) until Friday 17 January. If you are having trouble editing your booking form, you can email us at [email protected]
I unfortunately must cancel my booking, how can I do that and can I get a full refund? Please contact us at [email protected] for any cancellation and refund requests. However, full refunds will only be considered until 17 January.
My friend and I are paying separately but we want to sit together, is that possible? Of course! Once ticket sales open, you can request to sit as part of a group or with a friend in the booking form. If you already booked your tickets, check you email for a copy of your booking form to edit it! You can edit the form until Friday,17 January. If you are having trouble with the booking form, you can email us at [email protected]
Will there be parking available? There is some paid parking available at the Koreana Hotel (코리아나호텔) and outside the Seoul Anglican Church (대한성공회 서울주교좌성당).
If I have a special diet (vegetarian, vegan, pescatarian, allergies, alcohol-free, etc) how can I let you know? Once ticket sales are open, this information can be provided in the booking form. If you need to edit information after booking, you can do so by editing your form response (sent to your email after booking) until Friday, 17 January. If you are having trouble with the booking form, you can email us at [email protected] When do ticket sales close? Ticket sales will close Friday, 17 January or if capacity is reached.
For any other questions or concerns, please email us at [email protected]