(C) Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism

The Korean Cultural Center (KCC) in Russia is moving to promote traditional culture locally through performances of traditional Korean string instruments.

The KCC in Russia announced that it will hold a traditional Korean music concert featuring the Gayageum and Geomungo at 7 PM on March 26 in the center's auditorium.

Recently, as Korean popular culture such as K-pop, films, and dramas has gained widespread popularity in Russia, interest in traditional arts and cultural heritage has also been rising. Accordingly, the KCC organized this performance to introduce the artistic value and musical characteristics of traditional Korean music to the local audience and to enhance their understanding of Korean culture.

Traditional Korean music is a cultural asset with a long history and a unique musical structure, evaluated as a core field that embodies the identity and artistic value of Korean culture. In particular, the Gayageum and Geomungo are representative traditional string instruments that convey Korea’s unique emotions through delicate yet deep tones and distinctive performance techniques.

For this performance, Gayageum player Lee Ye-won and Geomungo player Lee Seo-jin, who are participating in the Tchaikovsky Conservatory's "International String Instrument Forum," will take the stage to showcase the charm of traditional Korean strings. Prior to the performances, commentaries on the performers and instruments will be provided to help the audience's understanding.

The program consists of pieces such as the Gayageum Sanjo "Kim Byeong-ho Style," "Hamadan," as well as Geomungo Jeongak "Suyeonjangjigok," "Han Gap-deuk Style Geomungo Sanjo," and the creative composition "Cheong-u."

Park Jeong-gon, Director of the KCC, stated, "I hope local audiences will have the opportunity to directly experience the beautiful tones of the Gayageum and Geomungo and feel the charm of traditional Korean music. We will continue to expand cultural exchanges between Korea and Russia through various traditional cultural programs."

The performance is open to local citizens and fans of Korean culture, with a capacity of approximately 120 people.