The 34th Korean Dance Festival Opens a New Chapter for Daejeon with Dance

HONG MOON HWA Senior Reporter

hgeranti@hanmail.net | 2025-08-23 12:27:51

The 34th Korean Dance Festival will be held for 11 days from September 5th to the 15th across Daejeon under the slogan, "Daejeon, Meeting the Future with Dance." Hosted by Daejeon Metropolitan City and the Korea Dance Association, and organized by the 34th Korean Dance Festival Executive Committee, this event is expected to be a festival that brings together the passion and artistic capabilities of dancers from all over the country.

A Festival of 11 Days, Daejeon Unites with Dance 

The opening ceremony at the Daejeon Museum of Art fountain plaza will kick off the festival at 5:30 PM with a dynamic performance. Following this, the Daejeon Arts Center's Art Hall will feature celebratory performances by the Daejeon City Dance Company and Linkin Art, a recipient of the Korea Dance Awards, to heighten the festive atmosphere.

The highlight of this year's festival is undoubtedly the main competition. The competition, featuring 16 representative teams from across the nation, will be held in both group and solo divisions.

Group Division: Held daily from September 6th to the 14th at 7:00 PM at the Daejeon Arts Center's Art Hall and the Daejeon Yeonjeong Korean Music Center's Main Hall.
Solo Division: Held on September 11th and 12th at 4:00 PM at the Nuri Hall of the Daejeon Artists' House.
The main competition is expected to be a prime opportunity to glimpse the present and future of the Korean dance world. High-quality dance pieces, showcasing the unique individuality and original choreography of each region, will deeply move the audience.

Rich Side Events to Enhance the Festival's Vibe 

In addition to the main competition, the festival offers various side events for citizens to enjoy. The rich programs held throughout Daejeon during the festival are designed to increase public interest in dance and elevate the festive atmosphere.

Masterpiece Dance Theater: On August 23rd at the Daejeon Yeonjeong Korean Music Center, you can see masterpieces that represent the essence of Korean dance.
K-Ballet World Star Gala: On August 30th at the Daejeon Yeonjeong Korean Music Center, you can enjoy the spectacular performances of world-renowned ballet stars.
Daejeon Master and Virtuoso Performance: On September 3rd at the Daejeon Yeonjeong Korean Music Center, performances by master dancers and virtuosos representing Daejeon will take place.
Outdoor Fringe Performances: On September 6th and 7th at the Daejeon Museum of Art fountain plaza, outdoor performances will be held to get closer to the public.
Academic Symposium: On September 5th at the Daejeon Museum of Art auditorium, a symposium will be held to discuss the future direction of dance art.
Additionally, a media art and archive exhibition featuring local choreographers will be held at the Daejeon Arts Center and the Daejeon Yeonjeong Korean Music Center, showcasing the diverse facets of dance art.

The festival will conclude with a closing ceremony on September 15th at 4:00 PM in the Daejeon City Hall auditorium. The 11-day journey will come to a close with an awards ceremony, the handover of the festival flag to the next host city, and the closing declaration. Daejeon Mayor Lee Jang-woo stated that this Korean Dance Festival will be a significant opportunity to elevate Daejeon as a first-class cultural city and expressed his ambition to create unforgettable memories for both citizens and visitors. The 34th Korean Dance Festival is expected to be more than just a dance-viewing experience; it will be a cultural event where everyone can come together to meet the future of the city through dance.

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