SEOUL — The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST), in collaboration with the Foundation for Korean Traditional Performing Arts, announced a series of traditional arts performances, "Seorabeol Pungnyu," to commemorate the 2025 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit. The events will take place in Gyeongju's Gyochon Village and other venues from September 12 to October 29.

Over 700 gugak (Korean traditional music) artists from 31 groups will participate in 37 performances, weaving the spirit of the Silla Hwarang (elite youth corps) and the historical legacy of the Buddhist state into music, song, and dance.

A Glimpse into the Performances 

The festivities kick off with 23 groups and local and young gugak artists selected through a nationwide open call in June and July. They will present a diverse program at the Gyochon Village Square, featuring traditional instrumental music, vocal performances, dance, and modern creative gugak centered on chamber music.

The Gyochon Village Square performances will be held at 5 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays from September 12 to 27, and daily from October 7 to 12.

Later in the series, the National Youth Performing Arts Troupe and the National Youth Dance Company, along with local performing arts groups, will stage shows at Yukbu Village daily at 7 p.m. from October 20 to 29.

A special stage will be set up at Cheomseongdae Observatory, where performances will be held daily at 7 p.m. from October 22 to 29. Renowned groups, including the National Gugak Center, the Gyeonggi Sinawi Orchestra, Gugak Broadcasting, and the Jeollabuk-do Provincial Gugak Center, will grace this stage.

Special APEC Summit Performances 

During the main APEC Summit from October 31 to November 4, the National Jeongdong Theater will present "Danshim" at the Gyeongju Expo Grand Park's Munmu Hall. This performance reinterprets the classical Korean tale of "Sim Cheong," using modern LED visuals to explore the theme of filial piety (hyo).

An MCST official stated, "We are working closely with the Foundation for Korean Traditional Performing Arts, Gyeongju City, and the Gyeongbuk Cultural Tourism Corporation to make the APEC commemorative performances a gugak festival that all citizens can enjoy and appreciate."

The "Seorabeol Pungnyu" series is designed to share the cultural richness of the Silla Kingdom with the world, offering APEC delegates and visitors a unique experience of Korea's traditional arts. It's a fitting tribute to the historic city of Gyeongju, which served as the capital of the Silla Kingdom for nearly a thousand years. The events aim to foster a deeper understanding of Korea's heritage and create a lasting memory of the 2025 APEC Summit.

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