Hangang Nodeul Island Festival Returns, Marrying Nature and Classic Performances

Seoul Foundation for Arts and Cultur

In a mesmerizing fusion of art and nature, a small island nestled at the heart of the Han River will undergo a magical transformation into a captivating stage, hosting enchanting ballet and opera performances every Saturday and Sunday night from October 14th to 22nd.

The Seoul Foundation for Arts and Culture's Hangang Nodeul Island Festival returns for its second edition under the evocative theme "Timeless Classic," converging the talents of Korea's premier performers to present one ballet and one opera performance.

Following the resounding success of last year's inaugural event featuring "The Magic Flute," this year's festival presents a double bill of grace and grandeur, featuring the ballet masterpiece "Swan Lake" and the iconic opera "The Barber of Seville."

For "Swan Lake," Universal Ballet and Ballet STP, a collective of seven ballet companies, have joined artistic forces to craft an extraordinary outdoor ballet experience. Against the picturesque backdrop of the Han River, Kang Mi-sun and Rhee Hyon-jun Rhee will grace the stage as Odette and Siegfried respectively. The performances are scheduled for October 14th and 15th.

On October 21st and 22nd, "The Barber of Seville" takes center stage, boasting a star-studded lineup including soprano Park Hye-sang, baritone Ahn Dae-hyun, and tenor Alex Kim. Under the baton of conductor Kim Ghun, this operatic masterpiece promises an evening of enchantment.

Emphasizing a symbiotic relationship between art and the environment, the producers have pledged to craft a stunning stage that seamlessly melds with nature, with the iconic Han River forming a breathtaking backdrop.

Part of the broader Festival Seoul, which unfolds from May to December across the city, this event joins a series of artistic celebrations including the Seoul Street Art Festival, Seoul Circus Festival, Seoul B-Boy Festival, and Seoul Convergence Art Festival.

Nodeul Island, which was officially inaugurated in September 2019, stands beneath the Han River Bridge linking Yongsan and Noryangjin. This cultural haven, devoted to the convergence of nature, literature, and music, offers an array of facilities such as the Live House, Nodeul Gallery, Nodeul Lounge, and Nodeul Book Store.

Admission to this captivating festival is open to all, although tickets must be secured in advance. Starting from 2 p.m. on September 13th, reservations will be accessible through the Interpark ticketing platform. While nature's whims dictate, the event remains subject to cancellation in the event of heavy rainfall, safeguarding the enchantment of both the performances and the natural environment.

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