The ancient city of Gyeongju in North Gyeongsang Province is preparing to showcase Korea's rich cultural heritage through an extensive traditional arts festival designed to commemorate the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit. The comprehensive cultural celebration will feature 37 performances by 31 organizations and 700 traditional music performers across multiple historic venues throughout the city.
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, in partnership with the Korean Traditional Performing Arts Foundation, will present "Seorabeol Pungnyu," a major traditional arts performance series running from September 12 through October 29. This ambitious cultural program will take place at three significant locations: Gyeongju Gyochon Traditional Village, Yukbuchon (a traditional Korean house complex that houses the nation's first international convention center), and the historic Cheomseongdae Observatory.
The festival aims to capture the spirit of the hwarang, an elite warrior group from the ancient Silla Kingdom (57 B.C.-A.D. 935), while celebrating the historical legacy of this Buddhist kingdom through music, song, and dance. The performances will encompass various forms of gugak (traditional Korean music), including instrumental music, singing, dance, theater, and creative interpretations centered on chamber music.
At Gyeongju Gyochon Traditional Village, performances will be held every Friday and Saturday from September 12-27, beginning at 5 p.m. During the Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving) holiday period, shows will run daily from October 7-12, also starting at 5 p.m. These performances will feature 23 organizations, regional artists, and young musicians presenting both traditional and contemporary interpretations of Korean classical arts.
From October 20-29, the National Youth Theater Company, National Youth Dance Company, and various regional performing arts groups will present daily shows at 7 p.m. at Yukbuchon. This venue, which uniquely combines traditional Korean architecture with modern international conference facilities, will provide an ideal setting for these cultural presentations.
The historic Cheomseongdae Observatory will serve as the stage for performances by some of Korea's most prestigious traditional music organizations. From October 22-29, the National Gugak Center, Gyeonggi Sinawi Orchestra, Gugak Broadcasting System, and Jeonbuk State Gugak Center will perform daily at 7 p.m., offering audiences the opportunity to experience traditional Korean music in one of the country's most iconic historical settings.
Coinciding directly with the APEC Summit period, the Jeongdong Theater Arts Group of the National Jeongdong Theater of Korea will present its creative performance "Pure Heart" from October 31 to November 4 at Gyeongju Expo Grand Park. This special presentation will serve as the cultural highlight of the summit period, showcasing Korea's artistic excellence to international delegates and visitors.
The extensive cultural program represents a significant effort to promote Korean traditional performing arts on an international stage while celebrating Gyeongju's role as a center of Korean cultural heritage. The festival will provide both domestic and international visitors with an immersive experience of Korea's artistic traditions, set against the backdrop of one of the country's most historically significant cities.
