Seoul transforms into a vibrant hub of creative energy each October as the city hosts the Performing Arts Market in Seoul (PAMS), one of Asia's premier cultural showcases. The 21st edition of PAMS, celebrating its remarkable 20th anniversary, runs from October 14 to November 9, spanning 27 days of performances, networking events, and international collaborations that highlight Korea's growing influence in the global performing arts landscape.
This milestone event takes place across Seoul's most prestigious cultural venues, including the National Theater of Korea, Seoul Namsan Gugakdang, ARKO Arts Theater, Daehakro Arts Theater, SFAC Theater QUAD, TINC, Arts Theater at the Korea National University of Arts (Seokgwan-dong Campus), and Jindalrae Theater operated by the Gangbuk Cultural Foundation. The main segment, called Market Focus, operates Tuesday through Friday, featuring the year's most significant themes and participants.
The event operates under the collaborative leadership of the Korea Arts Management Service (KAMS) and the National Theater of Korea (NTOK), with generous sponsorship from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and Arts Council Korea (ARKO). KAMS President Kim Jang-ho emphasized the platform's evolution over two decades, noting how PAMS has become a cornerstone for the sustainable circulation of Korean performing arts both domestically and internationally. He highlighted that the numerous showcase stages have enabled creators to discover new possibilities while extensive business meetings and exchange programs have fostered meaningful collaborations between arts organizations and professionals worldwide.
Among the most anticipated performances is "Gyogam (Access)" by FORCE, Korea's only robotic art circus company, scheduled for October 16 at the National Theater of Korea's Haneul Theater. This groundbreaking production merges an industrial robot arm with traditional circus performance, exploring the fascinating interactions between humans and machines. The robot transcends its mechanical nature to become a true performer, generating emotion and narrative alongside human artists. The performance creates a unique blend where human vitality meets mechanical precision, offering audiences moments that are simultaneously unfamiliar and intimate, challenging conventional boundaries while fostering unexpected connections.
The event's pitching sessions, running Wednesday through Saturday, represent a crucial component of PAMS 2025, introducing innovative works and concepts from performing arts groups seeking international partnerships for touring, co-productions, residencies, and various collaborative ventures. This year features 49 diverse projects from Korea and abroad, showcasing performing artists from Korea, Canada, Australia, Spain, and Colombia, demonstrating the truly global scope of contemporary performing arts.
One standout international participant is 5AngryMen, Australia's legendary performance company celebrated for their bold, genre-defying outdoor works that seamlessly blend physical theater, public installation, and ritual elements. Their captivating performances take place in public spaces, town squares, parks, and streets, attracting diverse audiences from all walks of life. Their featured piece, "The BELLS," represents a one-of-a-kind performance designed to unite audiences through shared experience. Through PAMS' pitching platform, 5AngryMen aims to engage in meaningful discussions with programmers, producers, and artistic directors from arts and music festivals across Asia, South America, and Europe about bringing their innovative shows to new international markets.
Another highlight includes Lee Ja-ram's original pansori piece "Snow, Snow, Snow," showcasing the evolution of traditional Korean musical storytelling. Additionally, UHEE Company presents "Yeonhee Physics: The Quantum Ritual," demonstrating how contemporary Korean artists are pushing creative boundaries by incorporating scientific concepts into theatrical performances.
To commemorate its 20th anniversary, PAMS 2025 has set ambitious goals to revitalize Korea's performing arts market through multiple strategic initiatives. The organization plans to showcase an exceptionally wide range of outstanding performances while actively collaborating with major international events and organizations worldwide. Furthermore, PAMS is conducting a comprehensive nationwide integrated promotion campaign designed to elevate the profile of performing arts across Korea and strengthen the country's cultural export capabilities.
This anniversary edition represents more than just a celebration of past achievements; it serves as a launching pad for the next phase of Korean performing arts' international expansion. The event continues to provide an essential platform where Korean artists can connect with global audiences while international performers gain access to Asian markets, fostering a truly reciprocal cultural exchange that benefits artists and audiences alike. For detailed information about performances, schedules, and participation opportunities, interested parties can visit pams.or.kr.
