The 2025 Intangible Heritage Festival will celebrate Korea's rich cultural legacy from October 23 to 26 at the National Intangible Heritage Center in Jeonju, North Jeolla Province. Organized by the Korea Heritage Service and the National Intangible Heritage Center, this annual event aims to create meaningful connections between traditional and contemporary culture while bringing together people of all ages from Korea and around the world.
The festival will commence with an opening ceremony at 5 p.m. on October 23, immediately followed by a premiere performance titled "The Beginning of Intangible Heritage" at 7:30 p.m. This opening night will feature several remarkable performances, including a dynamic showcase of Korean traditional percussion music led by samulnori master Kim Duk-soo. Another highlight will be "Namdo Farmers' Song," a special commemorative performance honoring the late Cho Gong-rye, who was widely recognized as a master of southern Korean folk songs. In a groundbreaking fusion of technology and tradition, Cho's performances will be recreated using artificial intelligence, allowing her to virtually "perform" alongside her living disciples.
The second day of festivities, October 24, will present an innovative blend of Korea's cultural heritage with contemporary artistic expressions. The evening's "Master's Homage" performance, scheduled for 7:30 p.m., will feature the revival of classic Korean songs that have shaped the nation's musical identity. Additionally, the "Continue" performance will offer audiences a creative fusion experience that seamlessly blends traditional Gyeonggi Province folk music with modern contemporary sounds.
October 25 will showcase a special collaborative performance bringing together several of Korea's most distinguished traditional musicians. The evening will feature Lee Saeng-gang, a master of the daegeum (a traditional Korean bamboo flute), performing alongside Kim Cheong-man, a renowned pansori singer known for his mastery of this traditional Korean musical storytelling art form.
The festival's grand finale on October 26 will feature closing ceremony performances by the Hareem and Blue Camel Ensemble. These groups are known for their ability to create evocative musical experiences that seamlessly blend traditional Korean melodies with modern instrumental arrangements, providing a fitting conclusion to the four-day celebration.
Beyond the musical performances, festival attendees will have access to the "53rd Artist's Works Exhibition," an impressive showcase featuring more than 230 handcrafted works created by 102 master craftspeople. These artisans continue to preserve and practice Korea's intangible cultural heritage through their dedication to traditional craftsmanship techniques passed down through generations.
Cinema enthusiasts can enjoy the Intangible Heritage Film Festival, which will screen several award-winning Korean films including "The Magician" and "The King and the Clown." These films explore themes related to Korean cultural heritage and traditional performing arts.
For those seeking hands-on cultural experiences, the Folk Playground will offer visitors the opportunity to participate in traditional Korean games such as yutnori (a board game played with wooden sticks) and tuho (a game involving throwing arrows into a narrow-necked jar). The festival will also feature the Paldo Heung Market and Traditional Gourmet Festival, where attendees can sample authentic traditional Korean foods and purchase handcrafted items that represent various regions throughout Korea.
Tickets for all 2025 Intangible Heritage Festival events can be reserved through the National Intangible Heritage Center's official website, allowing visitors to plan their cultural journey through Korea's living heritage.
