The National Gugak Center is transforming summer evenings into a cultural celebration with the 2025 Umyeonsan Music Festival, a five-week series of outdoor performances showcasing traditional Korean music and arts. Running every Saturday evening from August 23 through September 20, the festival takes place at the center's outdoor Yeonhui Madang stage, offering audiences a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of city life while experiencing Korea's rich musical heritage.
This flagship seasonal event promises to fill summer nights with captivating performances that seamlessly blend traditional Korean music with contemporary interpretations, creating a bridge between the country's cultural past and present. The festival's outdoor setting provides a romantic and intimate atmosphere that enhances the overall experience for attendees.
The festival kicks off on August 23 with "A Tiger from Mudeungsan Is Here?", an original folk play created by the Gwangju-based Traditional Yeonhui Play Research Institute, known locally as Jeontong Yeonhui Nori Yeonguso. This interactive production invites audience participation as it follows the humorous and comic misadventures of a tiger and his companion who find themselves tumbling into Umyeonsan mountain. The play promises to engage viewers of all ages with its playful storytelling and traditional performance elements.
The second week, on August 30, features a collaboration between the National Gugak Center and renowned pansori singer Ko Yeong-yeol. This performance will present carefully selected pieces from two classical Korean musical narratives: "Chunhyangga," one of the most beloved traditional Korean folk tales, and "Sinbaetnorae," showcasing the depth and emotional range of traditional Korean vocal arts.
September 6 brings "Yeonhui Pan," a vibrant and energetic showcase of traditional Korean street folk arts that promises to dazzle audiences with its variety and spectacle. This performance will feature an array of traditional entertainment including mesmerizing lion dances, skillful traditional circus acts, and beloved folk songs that have been passed down through generations, offering a comprehensive look at Korea's diverse performance traditions.
On September 13, the festival presents a more experimental approach to traditional music with performances by three acclaimed gugak artists: Kim Mu-bin, Sori Maepsi, and Yoon Se-yeon. These talented musicians will offer their own innovative reinterpretations of classic folk pieces, demonstrating how traditional Korean music continues to evolve and find new expressions while maintaining its cultural roots.
The festival concludes on September 20 with the Seoul Gut, a traditional shamanic ritual that holds deep cultural significance. This ceremonial performance is dedicated to honoring and promoting community health and happiness, providing a spiritual and meaningful end to the festival series while connecting audiences to Korea's ancient spiritual traditions.
To enhance the overall festival experience, the National Gugak Center will host a variety of interactive activities starting at 4 p.m. before each evening's main performance. These pre-concert activities take place in the center's front plaza and include hands-on experiences such as traditional Korean knot-tying workshops where visitors can learn this ancient craft, various craft-making experiences that allow participants to create their own traditional items, photo booths for memorable pictures, and food trucks offering a selection of refreshments and local cuisine.
Tickets for the festival are priced at 10,000 won per seat, making this cultural experience accessible to a wide range of audiences. Interested attendees can purchase their tickets conveniently through the Nol Ticket website, ensuring easy access to this unique summer cultural event that celebrates Korea's rich musical and performance traditions.
