Gwangju(Buk-gu)

Gwangju Biennale is an international contemporary art exhibition that takes place once every two years. Taking place in 2014, the event marks 10th anniversay and will celebrate the importance of being together though the theme of “Burning Down the House (터전을 불태우라).” It will bring together many different people, different times, various roles in arts production, and numerous different positions toward power such as exist  in various social, political, and cultural situations. The biennale consists of an exhibition, several workshops, e-journals, books, and various programs such as residency programs and new commissions. [About the 2014's theme] Burning Down the Houseexplores the process of burning and transformation, a cycle of obliteration and renewal witnessed throughout history. Evident in aesthetics, historical events, and an increasingly rapid course of redundancy and renewal in commercial culture, the Biennale reflects on this process of, often violent, events of destruction or self-destruction―burning the home one occupies―followed by the promise of the new and the hope for change. In the 1930s the critic Walter Benjamin coined the term ‘Tigersprung’ (the tiger’s leap) for a new model of history where the past is activated in and through the present within a culture industry that demands constant renewal. What can the ‘Tigerspung’ mean for today’s ‘tiger economies’ like South Korea in a context where economic and political powers deliver the eternally new of fashionable commodities and industrial progress at the apparent expense of a cultural past? Burning Down the House looks at the spiral of rejection and revitalization that this process implies. The theme highlights the capacity of art to critique the establishment through an exploration that includes the visual, sound, movement and dramatic performance. At the same time, it recognises the possibility and impossibility within art to deal directly and concretely with politics. The energy, the materiality and processes of burning ― the manner in which material is changed and destroyed by flames into the residue of dramatic interventions or remnants of celebrations ― have long informed artistic practice. The transformative powers of fire are central to the way in which this exhibition has been imagined. -Courtesy of Gwangju Biennale Foundation  


Seoul(Jung-gu) , Seoul City Hall・Gwanghwamun

The year 2013 marks the 18th anniversary of the Seoul Friendship Fair. This year’s festival will be attended by 300 performance teams from sister cities from over 14 different countries as well as teams from foreign embassies, tour agencies, and cultural centers from over 60 countries. A wide spectrum of unique culture events will be taking place, including traditional performances and sampling of cuisine from around the world. Other events include traditional costume shows and a traditional folk art exhibition.


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Seoul(Yeongdeungpo-gu) , Yeouido・Yeongdeungpo・Mapo

Introduced since 2006, the annual 'Seoul Drama Awards' is hosted to connect a variety of countries and encourage them to share their finest drama productions for all drama fans in the world to enjoy. By cultivating hallyu, Seoul tourism and developing a healthy national cultural festival, the festival ultimately hopes to promote and create a harmonious relation in the drama industry.  


Gyeonggi-do(Gwacheon-si) , Seoul Grand Park

The Seoul Grand Park Rose Walking Festival will be held at the Rose Theme Garden within Seoul Grand Park. The festival will have about 20,000 rose trees from close to 290 species from different places all over the world.


Busan(Yeongdo-gu)

Busan Port Festival has been held annually since 2008 to introduce one of the five top ports in the word, Busan Port, and offer a variety of programs, combined with Busan port-related industry, culture and education. Also, related corporations, organizations and universities take part in the festival to introduce the world-class port festival all over the world. Nearly 30 programs are planned for visitors of families, friends, and couples alike. One of the outstanding programs featured at the festival is the Busan Port Tour, in which visitors get on a ship to see North Port. Another popular program is the Embarkment Experience that displays a naval vessel and marine police vessel, both of which are rare to see. Busan Port Parade offers a dynamic performance and music, and Busan Port Stamp Tour is available to enjoy various exhibitions and hands-on programs at the National Maritime Museum and other festival facilities.


Seoul(Jung-gu) , Euljiro・Chungmuro・Namsan

'Original Drawing Show' premiered in 2007 by artistic producer Kim Jin-kyu as the world's first performance that features both art and painting as the main protagonists of the show. Along with a variety of special effects and artistic directing, this is yet another refreshing concept of a 'Non-verbal Drawing Performance'. A fantasy of live drawings, as well as performance arts will bring out the artistic element in you by stretching one's imagination. It is also considered a great show to be enjoyed by families. 


Seoul(Yeongdeungpo-gu)

Designed to promote Korean films, Daejong Film Festival is the oldest film award ceremony in Korea and the only film award program hosted by the government. The festival screens and honors many of the past year’s movies and provides a weeklong opportunity for the public to enjoy nominated selections free-of-charge. Each year’s winners are selected based on opinions of festival-goers and film experts. The event brings together fans, the media and people from across the film industry for an exciting public event.Festival Information:The festival selects and awards notable films released in the last year. During the festival, the public can enjoy over 40 nominated movies at no cost that showcase areas of the Korean film industry. The ceremony offers 26 awards including ones for ‘Special Film’ by the Review Committee, Best Actor in a Leading Role, Best Actor in a Supporting Role, Cinematography, Film Editing, Music, Visual Effects, and Directing. As the most prestigious industry award program in Korea, the Daejong Film Awards hundreds of Korean stars together in one place. In the hours leading up to the ceremony, visitors wait outside for stars to grace the red carpet. The show also invites several guest performers to highlight the event.Facts & Tidbits :In the days leading up to the awards ceremony, the public is often abuzz with guesses as to who will win in each category of awards. But after the show, the talk also focuses on those claiming the unofficial titles of most stylish outfit, best hairstyles and the not-so coveted branding of worse dressed.


Seoul(Gangnam-gu) , Gangnam・Samseongdong(COEX)

Korean World Travel Fair, Korea’s longest and most reliable travel fair, will take place. The fair aims to actively communicate new tour ideas, tour items, and tourism information from nearly 500 participating companies from 60 different nations. As part of the fair, various events including the promotion of tour items and destinations, exhibitions of tourism souvenirs, tourism seminars and world folk performances will take place.


Seoul(Jongno-gu)

Jongno Cultural Festival is one of the biggest festivals held by the district located in central Seoul.This festival is comprised of several festivals under the district theme including the Insadong Cultural Festival, Royal Court and the Nobility’s Traditional Food Festival, Yukuijeon (Six Major Markets of the Joseon Dynasty) Experience Festival and Daehangno Small Theater Festival.In addition, visitors can participate in a wide range of themed events like the Bukchon Festival and Nationwide Archery Competition.


Busan(Haeundae-gu) , Haeundae

The first in Asia, started as the International Comedy Festival in 2013, it is now known as the Busan International Comedy Festival (BICF) and is noted for developing comedy cultural contents, introducing both Korean and famous international comedians from abroad.  Regardless of gender and ages, the comedy festival is open to anyone to enjoy and have fun laughing throughout the funny acts presented by the comedians. The audience also get to be actively involve with the artistes through the performances and programs presented at this globally diverse international comedy festival. In addition, a comedy open concert will also be hosted for free to allow all visitors to enjoy comedies of international level quality.