Festival Draws Crowds with Lineup of International and Korean Artists

Courtesy of PRIVATE CURVE

The 2024 Seoul Jazz Festival took place from Friday to Sunday at Olympic Park in Songpa District, attracting a diverse audience to enjoy performances by a variety of artists. The lineup included jazz musicians such as Hiromi, Jason Lee, and Melody Gardot, as well as rock bands like DAY6, and artists spanning various genres.

The festival featured notable international performers, including Lauv, Laufey, Lianne La Havas, producer FKJ, and the jazz band Jungle. Korean acts such as singer BIBI and the bands wave to earth and Jannabi also took the stage.

Tickets for the three-day event were priced at 420,000 won ($304). The festival offered a range of activities and amenities, including food vendors and entertainment provided by sponsors.
 

▲ Jazz pianist Hiromi plays a set with her band, Sonicwonder, at the Seoul Jazz Festival held at Olympic Park in southern Seoul on May 31 / Courtesy of PRIVATE CURVE

Originally established in 2007 at the Sejong Center as a jazz-centric event, the Seoul Jazz Festival has evolved into a general music festival, relocating to Olympic Park to accommodate larger crowds both inside and outside the stadium domes.

Despite its diversification, the festival has faced some skepticism regarding its jazz credentials. However, it continues to invite prominent international jazz artists. The festival was organized across four stages, allowing attendees to curate their own schedules according to their musical preferences. 

▲ Sunwoo Junga performs in the May Forest section of Seoul Jazz Festival on May 31 / Courtesy of PRIVATE CURVE

May Forest, an open-air space, featured performances by jazz artists such as Melody Gardot, Hiromi, and Laufey. This venue was divided into a central standing area for more energetic fans and a surrounding picnic area for those seeking a relaxed experience.

Sparkling Dome showcased mainstream pop artists, predominantly from Korea, in a colosseum-style layout with standing and seated sections. Performers included rock bands DAY6 and Jannabi, rapper Lee Young-ji, and singer BIBI, among others. 

▲ Fans fill the Sparkling Dome to watch rock band DAY6 play at the Seoul Jazz Festival on May 31 / Courtesy of PRIVATE CURVESmaller performance areas, Pink Avenue and Spring Garden, offered intimate settings reminiscent of underground clubs and jazz lounges. These stages featured indie acts and smaller jazz ensembles, including wave to earth, Melomance, Jang Ki-ha, Jason Lee, Stella Jang, and the YunSeokCheol Trio.

The festival's diverse offerings and the opportunity to experience various musical genres were highlighted by attendees, who appreciated the ability to tailor their festival experience.

The Seoul Jazz Festival continues to be a significant event on the city’s cultural calendar, drawing fans of all ages and backgrounds to celebrate music in its many forms.

Sayart

Blue YIM, yimyoungseo1010@naver.com