The Korea Traditional Orchestra Music Festival is set to showcase the deep musical roots of Korean culture, offering audiences a chance to explore the traditional foundations that underlie the country's globally popular contemporary music scene. Running from October 15 to 25 at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts in central Seoul, the festival will feature performances by 10 gugak orchestras from across the nation, representing Korea's rich traditional musical heritage.
The festival comes at a time when Korean pop music, from groups like BTS, BLACKPINK, and Seventeen to soundtracks from animated hits like "KPop Demon Hunters," has gained worldwide recognition. However, this event aims to introduce audiences to the traditional musical elements that form the cultural foundation of these modern sounds. Ahn Ho-sang, CEO of Sejong Center, noted during a press conference that the growing popularity of productions like "KPop Demon Hunters" has significantly boosted public interest in gugak.
"In the past two editions, we've seen growing interest and support for gugak among the public. This year, the popularity of 'KPop Demon Hunters' is a big boost," Ahn explained. He reflected on how Koreans may have previously underestimated their own cultural heritage, adding, "Now, traditional Korean music is becoming hot without changing anything. Through this festival, I hope people will feel even closer to gugak."
Gugak encompasses a diverse range of traditional Korean musical forms that have evolved over centuries. These include music that was once exclusively enjoyed by royals and aristocrats during the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), folk genres such as pansori (musical storytelling) and sanjo (solo instrumental music), elaborate court music and dance performances, and ritual music connected to Buddhist practices and shamanistic traditions like salpuri. This rich variety demonstrates the depth and complexity of Korea's musical heritage.
Traditional music orchestras represent a relatively modern adaptation of these ancient forms, having been introduced in the 1960s as part of efforts to present traditional sounds in contemporary contexts. In this orchestral format, traditional Korean string, wind, and percussion instruments are combined to create ensemble performances that resemble Western classical orchestras while maintaining their distinctly Korean character. The Seoul Metropolitan Traditional Orchestra, established in 1965 as the nation's first such ensemble, is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year, marking six decades of preserving and promoting traditional Korean music. Today, nearly 50 traditional orchestras operate throughout the country.
The festival's programming reflects the full spectrum of Korean traditional orchestral music, offering audiences a comprehensive view of both historical and contemporary interpretations. The Gyeonggi Sinawi Orchestra will open the festival on October 15 with music composed by Hwang Byung-ki (1936-2018), the legendary gayageum (Korean zither) player, composer, and sanjo master whose contributions to traditional Korean music are widely celebrated. On October 17, the Contemporary Gugak Orchestra of the National Gugak Center will showcase works by young musicians who draw inspiration from traditional forms while creating new interpretations.
Mid-festival performances will highlight innovative adaptations and cross-cultural collaborations. The Gangwon State Gugak Orchestra will perform on October 19 with excerpts from a traditional Korean music-style adaptation of Shakespeare's "King Lear," demonstrating how Korean musical traditions can be applied to Western literary works. The Daegu Traditional Music Orchestra will present a unique collaboration with a soprano soloist on October 23, blending traditional Korean instrumentation with Western vocal techniques.
International collaboration represents a key feature of this year's festival, emphasizing the universal appeal and adaptability of Korean traditional music. On October 22, the Pyeongtaek Korea Music Orchestra will welcome guest musicians from China, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, and Mongolia, creating a multicultural musical experience that bridges different Asian musical traditions. On October 24, the Jinju Gugak Orchestra will present an orchestral adaptation of the contemporary band Blackstring's "Hanging Gardens of Babylon," showing how traditional orchestras can interpret modern compositions.
The festival will conclude on October 25 with a performance by the Seoul Metropolitan Traditional Orchestra, featuring works by the band sEODo, which is known for successfully combining traditional Korean musical elements with contemporary pop music. This closing performance will demonstrate the ongoing evolution of Korean music and the continued relevance of traditional elements in modern compositions, bringing the festival full circle from ancient traditions to contemporary innovations.
