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