Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

The Seoul Performing Arts Festival is held annually at Arko Arts Theater & Daehangno Arts Theater to create a world-class level of performance arts in one location.


Seoul(Jung-gu)

Seoul International Cartoon & Animation Festival (SICAF) is one of major animated film festivals in the nation. It is held throughout Seoul Square, Myeong-dong Station area, and Seoul Animation. The festival introduces various exhibitions by reinterpreting and rediscovering animation and comics through various exhibitions, animation movie festivals and other various events.


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

Jongmyodaeje (종묘대제), Korea’s Royal Ancestral Memorial Rite, is a traditional ritual that has been recognized with many important designations. It is a UNESCO Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity, Important Intangible Cultural Property No. 56 (Jongmyo Jerye), and Korea’s Important Intangible Cultural Property No. 1 (Jongmyo Jeryeak). The ritual is held yearly on the first Sunday of May. It begins with eogahaengnyeol (어가행렬), the fabulous royal parade dating from the Joseon Dynasy, which is truly a sight to behold as it moves through the modern city. Over 1,200 people proceed from Gyeongbokgung Palace, pass through downtown Seoul via Sejongro, Jongro 1, 2, and 3-ga, and finally arrive at Jongmyo.Jongmyo Daeje originated as a royal ancestral ritual to honor the past kings and queens of the Joseon Dynasty. During the Joseon era, the ritual was held five times a year (spring, summer, autumn, winter, and December) until it was abolished by Japanese colonial rule. In 1969, Jongmyo Daeje was reinstated and has been held every year since in May.Jongmyo Shrine, the destination of the procession, was the setting of ceremonial rituals during the Joseon Dynasty. Originally, Jongmyo only referred to Jeongjeon (Main Hall) where the memorial tablets of Joseon’s reigning kings and queens are enshrined. Today, however, Jongmyo also encompasses Yeongnyeongjeon (Hall of Eternal Peace) where the tablets of posthumous kings and queens are enshrined and Gongsindang (Hall of Meritorious Subjects) where the tablets of esteemed ministers of the state are kept.To participate in the ceremonial rite, the kings of Joseon traveled to Jongmyo Shrine with princes and subjects in the eogahaengnyeol royal procession. Today, its reenactment features a king mounted on a royal palanquin and accompanied by civil and military officials and guards that stretch to the front and rear of the procession.The Jeongjeon Jehyang rituals are held according to Confucian tenets, largely consisting of the greeting, serving, and bidding farewell to the spirits. Each procedure is accompanied with Jongmyo Jeryeak, a ritual music performance played with pyeongyeong, bokgo and other traditional instruments, and parilmu, a dance performed by 64 female dancers.Jongmyo Jeryeak, Korea’s Important Intangible Cultural Property No. 1, was created under King Sejong the Great and adopted by King Sejo. The name refers to the entire series of music and dance performed during the Jongmyo rituals. Distinct music is played for each procedure of the Jongmyo Jerye rituals with accompanying songs called Jongmyoakjang and Ilmu dances called botaepyeongjimu and jeongdaeeopjimu.


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

B-Boy City in Seoul “Kung” is a non-verbal musical performance that tells the story of the dance group Gorilla Crew. The main character, Hochan, anguishes about the stark reality he is facing as a dancer. Through dynamic performances, the B-boys Hyeonmun, Donghui and Seongtaek relate their agony, happiness, and passion for dancing.Gorilla Crew had won previous acclaim as a talented dancing team for well-known performances such as “Ballerina Who Loves B-boy” and “Return.” The performance's energizing mix of dance techniques is certain to delight audiences.*Note: Due to the MERS outbreak, some performances will be discontinued until August, 2015; please call to confirm.


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.


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

‘Saturday Premium Performance’ takes place 50 times this year from January 7 through December 29. Seventeen different kinds of programs consisting of traditional music, dance, and singing performances will be performed throughout the year. Nine programs are suitable for people who have never experienced Korean traditional performing arts before. They consist of court music, solo performances, solo court music performances, traditional dance, folk dance, and play. These nine programs will be staged 38 times total.There will also be six masters’ programs comprised of performances of the maestros of Gugak (Korean traditional music), traditional dance, and play. Each program will be performed only once. Two intangible cultural asset programs also will be performed, consisting of Korean intangible cultural assets that have been added to the UNESCO Intangible Heritage List. They will be performed three times each.Whether you are new to Gugak or an avid lover of Gugak, the Saturday Premium Performance offers performances for everyone.


Seoul(Mapo-gu)

The World Cup Park was established on Nanjido, whose name means the island of "abundant orchids and gromwells." The island was once a wonderful ecosystem where flowers flourished season in and season out, and migrant birds came to visit every year.Unfortunately, Nanjido was used as a landfill site between 1978 and 1993 and the once beautiful ecosystem became a smelly place full of trash and sludge. However, the Landfill Recovery Project began in 1996, once again restoring life to the barren wasteland. Plants and animals returned to the area and it was christened the World Cup Park in May 2002. Each of the five divisions of the World Cup Park (Pyounghwa Park, Haneul Park, Noeul Park, Nanjicheon Park, and Nanji Hangang Park) represents an aspect of the radical transformation of Nanjido back into an ecological haven.Haneul Park (Sky Park) is full of lush Eulalia and home to the Seoul Eulalia Festival, held every year in October when the grass is in bloom. Although the park is open to visitors during the daytime, the park is usually closed at night to reduce the negative effects of visitors on the native plants and animals. During the festival, however, the park remains open until 10 p.m. and the entire grounds are aglow with light. Visitors not only get a beautiful view of the city lights and Hangang River, but can also enjoy the variety of events and performances offered during the festival period.


Seoul(Dongdaemun-gu) , Dongdaemun

The Herb Medicine Festival has been held every fall since 1995 in Yangnyeongsi (약령시), the largest herbal medicine marketplace in Seoul. The festival celebrates the history and effectiveness of the nation's traditional herb medicine and raises international interest in Seoul’s Yangnyeongsi market.During the festival, a wide variety of events will be held, including activity programs such as an herb slicing contest and writing, cooking, and singing contests. Other highlights on the festival calendar include traditional performances and a taekwondo demonstration. Visitors can also enjoy free herbal tea, food, and rice cakes and will be able to buy a variety of herbs at low prices.Perhaps the most anticipated events of the festival are the free herbal medical diagnoses and treatments, which are on offer for Korean and international visitors. This is a good opportunity for you to check your body condition and experience the benefits of oriental medicine.


Seoul(Seocho-gu)

SIDance was created by Seoul Section of the International Dance Council CID UNESCO in 1998 as a proper channel for introducing Korean dance to international stages as well as worldwide trends to the local dance scene. Korean dance had experienced a severe lack of international exchanges, but that has been surmounted, to a certain degree, since the formation of the Seoul Section of the International Dance Council CID-UNESCO in 1996.SIDance stands out among its various activities to promote Korean dance. SIDance, led by LEE, Jong-Ho, the artistic director, has since grown into a dance festival at the international level, marking its 18th anniversary in 2015. SIDance is closely working together with governmental bodies including Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Seoul Metropolitan Government, Korea Foundation, and Seoul Foundation for Arts and Culture as well as embassies and official organizations abroad. SIDance has been also elected as a member of AAPAF (Association of Asian Performing Arts Festivals), being recognized of its active engagement with international exchanging activities in the performing arts scene of Asia. SIDance has recently reached its highest point to collaborate a number of joint projects with prominent festivals including Singapore Arts Festival, Festival Montpellier Danse and Festival Internacional Cervantino. SIDance has invested significant efforts in cultural exchange, collaboration, and co-productions in the field of dance, representing the dance scene in Korea to the international stage. 


Seoul(Mapo-gu) , Hongik-University-Area

Seoul Fringe Festival, the most representative independent arts festival of Korea, is held annually to support indie culture by introducing various genres of artists and artworks. Festival-goers can meet many works of operations, and through the various methods of attempt and communication channels used, explore the charm of dances, plays, music and more at the festival venues throughout the city.