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)

Deoksugung Pungnyu is a night-time traditional arts performance that takes place at Deoksugung Palace in downtown Seoul. Traditional art specialists (many officially recognized as ‘intangible cultural assets’) take the stage with their apprentices to fill the cool night air around the stately palace walls with the hauntingly beautiful melodies of the past. The performance is part of an effort to help visitors immerse themselves in the traditional Korean arts while getting a more authentic experience of the palace, instead of just observing the world of the ancients from afar.


Gyeonggi-do(Yongin-si)

Jeongwol Daeboreum falls on January 15 each year on the lunar calendar, and always takes places on the full moon. It is the brightest moon of the year, and a day for telling fortunes and a national holiday in Korea. The Korean Folk Village plans a special Jeongwol Daeboreum event each year to celebrate. The event features traditional Daeboreum activities including burning daljip (brushwood), Jangseungje ceremony, Byeotgaritdae seugi (making a stack of rice straw), Jisinbapgi and Gilnori, sharing Boreum food and special performances like Bukcheong Saja Noreum (play about lions), juldarigi (tug-of-war) and more. For more information, check out the folk village's homepage or make inquiries at +82-31-288-0000.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Gyeongju-si)

Silla's Wonderful Entertainment Culture, Customs and Historical Sites Resurrected as a Performance "Song in Praise of Giparang" is a 10-line folk ballad written by the monk Chungdamsa to praise the Hwarang during King Gyeongdeok’s reign. It is a ballad that aims to portray the proud spirit and character of Hwarang Gi-pa. "Song in Praise of Giparang" recreates the activities and customs of the Silla Dynasty including the five traditional banquet acts "Silla Ogi," full moon pagoda circling "Daeboreum Tapdori" and a traditional Buddhist ritual of throwing flowers on the road for Buddha "Sanhwa Gongdeok" that are recorded in Choi Chi-won's Chinese-styled poetry, Hansi. In addition, Gi-pa and Bo-guk's great love story that continues from the world of the living to the afterlife is beautifully recreated with ancient ruins from the time of Silla such as Donggung Palace, the palace of the crown prince of Silla, Wolji Pond, Bulguksa Temple, and the nine-story pagoda of Hwangnyongsa Temple as backgrounds. -Courtesy of Jeongdong Theater


Seoul(Mapo-gu)

K-POP CAMP offers dance and vocal courses, along with audition processing courses where the participants can create portfolio of their own and participate in the auditions. The camp options include sessions that last either 2, 4 or 6 weeks. K-POP CAMP will be with Hongdae KMC Music Academy and T.I.P Dance Academy. Anyone who loves K-POP music are welcomed!  


Seoul()

Korea Grand Sale is an integrated festival that promotes culture, tourism and shopping to international visitors. Online platform provide various contents and promotions throughout the year with January and February providing the biggest discounts and programs.


Gyeonggi-do(Yongin-si) , Yongin

Started in 1985, a long running Rose Festival opens every year in May. With 20,000 m² size rose garden, visitors can see various kind of flowers while enjoying the amusement park.


Busan(Haeundae-gu)

Busan International Travel Fair (BITF) offers a look into world travel and culture, with about 210 participating companies from 30 countries. About the Fair: The Busan International Travel Fair takes place at BEXCO, the very location where 2005 APEC was held. This fair is open to everyone interested in travel and culture. BEXCO installed an APEC promotional hall and hosted cultural shows during the 2005 APEC. Korea’s local government bodies will be there to introduce Korea’s provincial tour resources and culture. The Travel Industry section’s participants include local government bodies and travel industries. The International Exchange section’s participants include international companies, cities, and foreign government bodies. Visitors will have access to a variety of information through these sectors. The center stage in the exhibition hall will hold cultural performances from all over the world, and also show promotional screen images. A photo exhibition showing Korea’s major tour sites will also be on display along with souvenirs. Fair Highlights: The Busan International Travel Fair is well known for it large scale free gift events. The main stage displays a car, international flight vouchers, international travel vouchers, hotel accommodation vouchers, and more. Furthermore, each booth offers their very own performances and events. Visitors can win a free calling card and/or other items just by participating in a short quiz or event. Gather travel related information and win some free gifts at the Busan International Travel Fair.


Jeollabuk-do(Jeonju-si)

Sponsors / Management Jeonju Gamaek Festival Organizing Committe / Introduction Gamaek Festival held its first event in 2015 with an aim to become a "kind festival" by revitalizing the local economy, securing small business markets, promoting community bonding, and contributing to the society. The festival venue changed in 2017 from its previous location to accommodate more people, How to Particpate Present ID upon entering (Separate charge for beer & food coupons) Age Limit Age 19 & over Transportation From Jeonju Station Bus Stop (in front of Jeonju Station), take Bus No. 79, 72. Walk for approx. 700 m to Jeonju Sports Stadium. Homepage www.gamaek.com (Korean only)


Seoul(Seodaemun-gu)

Sinchon Christmas Market offers a chance to enjoy a special Christmas event with the loved ones. Started in 2013, the streets of Sinchon is blocked off for a safe and fun street festival. Don't miss out on this special winter street festival!