Yongsan Cultural Heritage Night Walk: A Journey Through Time Under the Autumn Moon

Date: September 20th – 21st, 2024

The Yongsan Cultural Heritage Night Walk is an immersive cultural program held in the heart of Seoul’s historical Yongsan district. Taking place in and around the poignant Hyochang Park, the final resting place of Korean independence martyrs, this event offers a unique opportunity to explore the area’s rich heritage under the soft glow of the autumn moon.

Across four distinct themes – Night View, Night History, Night Road, and Night Story – participants will engage with history through performances, interactive experiences, educational tours, and exhibitions. It’s a chance to walk in the footsteps of those who fought for Korea’s independence, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for their sacrifices.

Program Highlights:

1. Night View (夜景):

• Enjoy captivating independent busking performances that bring the park to life.
• Witness the powerful play "Bongchang," a theatrical tribute to the spirit of independence.

2. Night History (夜史):

• Drawing Hyochang with Sand: Immerse yourself in the art of sand art, creating your own depiction of Hyochang Park.
• People from that Time: Step back in time by donning traditional clothing from the independence movement era.
• Making Independence with My Own Hands: Participate in hands-on crafts that connect you to the spirit of the time.
• Independence Movement Together: Engage in interactive play zones that bring history to life for all ages.

3. Night Road (夜路):

• Independence Story Tour: Embark on a guided tour that unveils the captivating stories behind Yongsan’s historical landmarks.
• Challenge! 21st Century Korean Patriotic Corps: Participate in activities that challenge you to embody the spirit of patriotism in the modern era.

4. Night Story (夜話):

• Extended Exhibition Hours: Explore the Lee Bong-chang Memorial Hall and the Kim Koo Museum & Library, which will remain open until 10 p.m., offering a unique opportunity for evening contemplation.

Location: Hyochang Park, 177-18, Hyochangwon-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

Admission: Free

Contact: 02-761-2578

Find us on Instagram: [Insert Instagram link if available]

Website: Yongsan Cultural Heritage Night Walk

Gochang Blue Farm Pink Muhly Season: Immerse Yourself in a Sea of Pink

Date: September 20th, 2024 – October 27th, 2024

Embrace the beauty of autumn at Gochang Blue Farm, located in Gongeum-myeon, Gochang-gun, Jeollabuk-do. This year, the farm is hosting the Pink Muhly Season, showcasing a breathtaking spectacle of pink muhly grass in full bloom.

A Symphony of Pink and White

The Pink Muhly Garden at Blue Farm sprawls across approximately 5,000 pyeong (roughly 4 acres), creating a mesmerizing vista of pink waves during peak season. Adding to the visual symphony, the upper field of the garden is adorned with white buckwheat, offering a delightful contrast and harmony of colors.

More Than Just Pink Muhly

Blue Farm, whose name originates from Cheongcheon (凊川) Village – meaning "village with clear water" – boasts a rich history and a diverse landscape. Within its expansive 20,000-pyeong area, visitors can explore:

• Sulamje, a traditional Korean house: Experience the old-fashioned charm of this resting place, once a haven for weary travelers.
• Lavender Garden (May-June): During the designated months, immerse yourself in the soothing fragrance and vibrant purple hues of the lavender fields.
• Photo Zones: Capture unforgettable memories with numerous photo opportunities scattered throughout the farm.
• Spacious Yard: Children and pets can freely run and play in the expansive yard of the traditional Korean house.
• Pine and Oak Forests: Find tranquility amidst the rustling leaves and fresh, clean air of the surrounding forests.

Event Highlights

• Main Program: Pink Muhly Garden
• Additional Program: Photo Zones

Plan Your Visit

Address: 41-27 Cheongcheon-gil, Gongeum-myeon, Gochang-gun, Jeollabuk-do

Entrance Fee: 5,000 won (Free for children born in 2012 or later – up to elementary school students)

Contact:

• 010-8801-7722
• 010-6383-5294

Connect with Gochang Blue Farm:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gochang_bluefarm/
• Homepage: https://blog.naver.com/gobluefarm

Seoul Gugak Festival: Immerse Yourself in Korean Traditional Music

Date: September 17th – 18th, 2024

Location: Gugak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul (Waryong-dong) – The heart of Seoul’s vibrant traditional music scene.

The Seoul Gugak Festival is a captivating event that celebrates the rich heritage of Korean traditional music, known as Gugak. Held in the culturally significant Gugak-ro district, the festival offers a diverse program of performances, workshops, and activities that showcase the beauty and dynamism of this art form.

Experience the "Breath of Seoul" and the "Waves of Gugak"

The festival’s theme revolves around the "Breath of Seoul" and the "Waves of Gugak." It aims to connect audiences with the historical depth and enduring spirit of Gugak while highlighting its evolution and contemporary expressions.

Stage Program Highlights

1. Pan-Nori Pan-Pan-Pan: A Festive Street Parade

• Enjoy a lively street parade that winds its way from Stage Pan to Stage Heung and culminates at the Donhwamun Traditional Theater.
• September 17th: Featuring The Gwangdae and Nongakcheonhajidaebon.

2. Ga·Mu·Ak·Hee (歌舞樂嬉) Madang: The Essence of Gugak

• Witness captivating performances showcasing the core elements of Gugak, including Pansori (narrative singing), Yeonhui (instrumental ensemble music), Sanjo (solo instrumental music with drum accompaniment), and traditional Korean dance.
• September 17th:
  • The Gwangdae (Ahn Dae-cheon, Heo Chang-yeol, Seon Yeong-uk)
  • Sanjo Madang (Lee Ji-young, Noh Eun-ah, Kim Jeong-seung, Kim Woong-sik (Janggu))
  • Nori Madang (Bongsan Mask Dance Preservation Association)
• September 18th:
  • Pansori Madang (Jeong Bo-gwon, Yoo Tae-pyeongyang, Kim Jun-su)
  • Chum Madang (Noh Hae-jin, Lee Jeong-min, Lee Yoon-kyung)
  • Nori Madang (Jang In-sook Heewon Dance Company)

3. Gugak Soksok: Youth Wave – The Future of Gugak

• Discover the talent of emerging Gugak artists, including participants from the "Young Gugak Director" project at the Seoul Namsan Gugakdang and other promising young musicians.
• September 17th: Stringin, Newbie, Nongakcheonhajidaebon
• September 18th: Sido, Creative Artist Oneul, Gwangnak

4. All Together Hanmaeum Hanmadang: Collaborative Performances

• Youngjae Gugakhoe: Be mesmerized by the exceptional skills of young Gugak prodigies, the future torchbearers of this tradition.
• Nap Concert: Enjoy a relaxing afternoon filled with Gugak through a collaboration program with the Seoul Donhwamun Traditional Theater.
• September 17th:
  • Youngjae Gugakhoe (Sori Punggyeong)
  • Nap Concert (Gayageum Palette, Simpul)
• September 18th:
  • Youngjae Gugakhoe (Sori Soeun)
  • Nap Concert (Creative Artist Soul, Kim Min-jeong Haegeum Ensemble)

5. The Essence of Gugak: Gugakdaejejeon! – A Comprehensive Showcase

• Experience the full spectrum of Gugak, encompassing creative Gugak, court music and dance, and folk music and dance traditions.
• September 17th: World Music Group Gongmyoung, Sangjaru, 4-person Nori
• September 18th:
  • Jeongak Court Music and Dance (Kim Young-ki, Song Young-in)
  • Folk Music and Dance (Lee Chun-hee, Choi Kyung-man, Yoo Ji-sook, Kim Young-gil, Kim Chung-han)

Engaging Side Events

Immerse yourself in Korean culture with these interactive activities:

• Traditional Play Experience Zone: Engage with hands-on activities and learn about traditional Korean games and crafts.
• Seoul Tori Market: Eol-Su (Handcraft) Jeol-Su (Handcraft) Store: Explore a vibrant marketplace featuring handcrafted goods and traditional Korean products.
• Gugak-ro Commentary Program: Gugak-ro Outing:
  • Join guided tours to delve deeper into the history and significance of Gugak-ro.
  • Schedule: September 17th and 18th, twice daily at 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM (50 minutes per tour).
  • Capacity: 30 people per tour.

Event Details

Address: 102, Yulgok-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul (Waryong-dong)

Admission: Free

Contact: 02-6462-7407

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seoulgugak/

Website: http://www.seoulgugak.com

Immerse Yourself in History at the Suwon Hwaseong Cultural Festival

A Journey Through Time and Culture

Date: October 4th – 6th, 2024

The Suwon Hwaseong Cultural Festival invites you to delve into the captivating stories of Suwon Hwaseong, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of this historical fortress, including the magnificent Hwaseong Haenggung Palace and the vibrant Haenggung Square, the festival offers a rich tapestry of cultural and artistic experiences.

One of the festival’s highlights is the grand reenactment of King Jeongjo’s Royal Procession, a spectacular event that unfolds on the final day. As Korea’s largest royal parade, this immersive experience, meticulously based on historical records, allows you to participate in the journey to the Royal Tomb, transforming you from a mere spectator into a part of history.

Festival Highlights:

1. Main Program: Prepare to be mesmerized by themed performances that artfully weave narratives centered around the historical significance of Suwon Hwaseong.

2. Engaging Activities: Explore a diverse range of programs inspired by Suwon Hwaseong and Hwaseong Haenggung Palace. Immerse yourself in guided tours, captivating exhibitions, dynamic performances, and hands-on experiences that bring history to life.

3. Interactive Experiences: Unleash your creativity with "Citizen Dohwaseo," a collaborative art project where you can contribute to a large-scale painting. Step back in time with "Chukseong Playground," an engaging activity that allows you to experience the construction process of Suwon Hwaseong firsthand.

4. Grand Finale: Witness the awe-inspiring "Joint Reenactment of King Jeongjo’s Royal Procession," a magnificent spectacle that serves as the festival’s grand finale. This elaborate parade, Korea’s largest of its kind, is a sight to behold.

Plan Your Visit:

Food & Beverages: Please note that there are no food stalls within the festival grounds. A variety of restaurants are conveniently located in the surrounding areas, offering a diverse range of culinary delights to satisfy your appetite.

Location: 825, Jeongjo-ro, Paldal-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do

Admission: Free (While the festival is free to attend, please be aware that some programs may require advance reservation and could be subject to a fee.)

Contact: For inquiries and further information, please contact 031-228-3920.

Connect with Us:

• Instagram: Follow us on Instagram for updates and captivating visuals.
• Website: Visit our official website for detailed program schedules, event information, and reservation details.