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.


Seoul(Jung-gu)

At Seoul Drum Festival, professional and amateur percussionists from around the world gather to stage exciting performances featuring different types of percussion instrument as used in diverse genres of music.


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

As part of the Creation of Living Palaces project, the Changdeokgung Palace Moonlight Tour offers a unique opportunity to witness and experience palatial beauty. The tour begins from the main gate, Donhwamun Gate (돈화문), and continues on for approximately two hours through Injeongjeon Hall (인정전), Nakseonjae (낙선재), and Huwon (후원, meaning "secret garden"). To make a reservation, visit the Korea Cultural Heritage Foundation website. Reservations are accepted from 20 days before the event.Initially built as a royal villa, Changdeokgung Palace became the central governance compound during the Joseon Dynasty after the former principal palace, Gyeongbokgung Palace, was burned to the ground during the Japanese invasion in the 16th century. In addition to its political significance, the palace is known for its aesthetics and architecture, set against breathtaking natural scenery. In 1997, UNESCO designated Changdeokgung Palace as a World Cultural Heritage site.


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

Seokchon Lake Cherry Blossom Festival is an annual event held at Seokchon Lake area, Seoul. The event normally takes place during early to mid April, when cherry blossoms are beautifully embroidering the city. In addition, a variety of performances, exhibitions, and hands-on activities will take place during the festival period.


Seoul(Gangnam-gu)

The Seoul Design Festival began in 2002. Since its inception, the festival has aimed at presenting the future of design by showcasing the work of internationally renowned designers and up-and-coming designers from both home and abroad. The Seoul Design Festival venue is located in COEX, which is directly connected to Exit 5 and 6 of Samseong Station (Subway Line 2).


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Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

“Sachoom” is a nonverbal dance musical that can be appreciated by all generations from all countries, as it presents a simple plot full of various dance genres including hip-hop, jazz, contemporary dance, break dancing, and more. Since the first Sachoom performance stage opened in October of 2004, the dance musical has been seen over 1,900 performances to this date, and is still receiving high popularity. In 2007, Sachoom completely sold-out all of their performances in Japan (Shinjuku Face Theater May 1 ~ May 7), and Sachoom took the record as the most internationally performed musical production in a short period of time as it toured 32 cities. Sachoom was also the first Korean production to perform at the opening ceremonies of the 2008 Edinburgh Festival Fringe (August 3, 2008 ~ August 25, 2008), receiving international acclaim as it was nominated as a powerful musical.The nonverbal performance projects subtitling in Korean, English, Japanese, and Chinese for foreigners to enjoy. After the musical, audience members can spend time with the performers at the stage lobby.