▲ Culture Minister Choi Hwi-young speaks during the plenary session of the APEC High-Level Meeting on Culture Industries at the Hilton Hotel in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province, on Aug. 27, 2025. Photo provided by the ministry. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

 

SEOUL, Sept. 12 (Yonhap) -- The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism said Friday it will host a traditional performing arts festival "Seorabeol Pungnyu" from Thursday through Oct. 29 in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province, to celebrate the upcoming 2025 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit.

 

The event will feature 37 performances by about 700 artists from 31 troupes, blending music, song and dance inspired by the spirit of Silla’s Hwarang warriors and the cultural legacy of the ancient Buddhist kingdom.

 

Twenty-three groups selected through a nationwide audition, along with local artists and young gugak (traditional Korean music) performers, will present traditional and contemporary Korean music at Gyochon Village Square from Sept. 12 to Oct. 12.

 

▲ This Yonhap file photo shoss the Gyeonggi Sinawi Orchestra performing in Germany on June 29, 2023. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

 

From Oct. 20 to 29, daily performances will be staged at Yukbuchon and Cheomseongdae, featuring the National Youth Traditional Music Troupe, the National Youth Dance Company and various regional groups.

 

During the APEC summit period from Oct. 31 to Nov. 4, the National Jeongdong Theater Company will present "Dansim" at the Munmu Hall of Gyeongju Expo Park. Based on the classic tale of "Simcheong," the performance reinterprets the theme of filial piety through modern LED visuals.

 

A ministry official said the event aims to create "a national festival where everyone can enjoy and share in traditional culture while commemorating the APEC summit."

[ⓒ K-VIBE. 무단전재-재배포 금지]