The Sejong Center for the Performing Arts is preparing to turn Seoul's iconic Gwanghwamun Square into a massive outdoor dance venue for the 2025 Sejong Summer Festival, scheduled to run from August 28 through August 31. This ambitious four-day event promises to showcase a diverse range of dance styles, with each evening dedicated to a specific genre and featuring both established performers and interactive community participation.
The festival will launch on August 28 with "Funk & Shuffle Night," combining high-energy shuffle dancing with acrobatic breakdancing performances set to live funk music. The evening will be headlined by the shuffle dance crew KSDA Shuffle, alongside Breaking Symphonic, a street dance group known for incorporating big band elements, and the b-boy crew Fusion MC. This opening night is designed to set an energetic tone for the entire festival.
August 29 will feature "Bbong & Techno Night," presenting an innovative fusion of traditional Korean dance, electronic techno music, and ppongjjak, the Korean term for the popular trot music genre. The evening will be led by the creative dance troupe Chumsuncap, under the direction of Suncapboi, who gained recognition through the television show "Street Dance Fighter." This performance aims to blend the spontaneous and playful elements of traditional folk dance with the mesmerizing rhythms of ppongjjak and modern techno beats.
"Hook Dance Night" takes center stage on August 30, offering a comprehensive showcase of various street dance forms including hip-hop, locking, and other urban dance styles. The evening will be guided by choreographer and Hook leader Aiki, with the program incorporating impromptu dance sessions that embody the spontaneous and free-spirited nature of street dance culture. This night emphasizes the improvisational aspect that makes street dance so dynamic and engaging.
The festival concludes on August 31 with "Swing & Jazz Night," bringing a sophisticated Broadway atmosphere to Gwanghwamun Square. Jazz and swing dancers will perform to the live musical accompaniment of Sage Min Swingtet, joined by Frances Bordeaux Swing and Korea's own Tuxedo Junction. The evening will feature performances by swing acts including Airdrop, Jazz Witz, and Bopster & Giant Steps, while Hip It Up will provide large-scale choreographed performances to create a spectacular finale.
As a special addition to the final evening, the public will have the opportunity to participate in a complimentary swing dance workshop held just before the main "Swing & Jazz Night" performances. This hands-on workshop will teach basic swing dance steps and help participants connect with the music in an interactive way. The workshop will be conducted in three short, omnibus-style sessions and is open to both those who register in advance and walk-up participants who decide to join on the day of the event.
All performances throughout the four-day festival are completely free of charge to attend. While advance reservations can be made through the Sejong Center's official website, any remaining seats will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis at the venue on each evening of the festival. To accommodate visitors who may have difficulty standing for extended periods, the center has announced that its grand staircase will be opened as a designated seating area, ensuring the event remains accessible to all attendees.
