South Korea — Events
Traditional Korean Narrative Songs
January 29, 2011 - December 31, 2011
The National Theater of Korea provides monthly opportunities to experience traditional Korean narrative songs or ‘pansori’. In this traditional art form, sometimes rather misleadingly called ‘Korean Opera’, a narrator may play the parts of all the characters in a story, accompanied by a drummer. Don’t expect to follow the story, but the dramatic effects and the contrasts with Western operatic singing are interesting.
Traditional Korean Narrative Songs
January 1, 2012 - December 31, 2012
The National Theater of Korea provides monthly opportunities to experience traditional Korean narrative songs or ‘pansori’. In this traditional art form, sometimes rather misleadingly called ‘Korean Opera’, a narrator may play the parts of all the characters in a story, accompanied by a drummer. Don’t expect to follow the story, but the dramatic effects and the contrasts with Western operatic singing are interesting.
Jindo Sea Parting Festival
March 7, 2012 - March 25, 2012
This curious event occurs due to a once a year low tide, which causes a walkway to appear that offers passage from the mainland to an island offshore. Thousands of people flock here from all over the world to make the journey.
World Tourism & Food Expo
March 31, 2012 - April 29, 2012
Foodies will enjoy this Seoul event showcasing the best traditional and new cuisine from Korea and around the world. Cooks compete in various competitions, there are demonstrations of how popular dishes likebibimbap are prepared and booths offer free tastings.
Lotus Lantern Festival
April 30, 2012 - May 6, 2012
This beautiful ceremony is held all over Korea in early May, when streets and courtyards are filled with colorful lanterns that flutter in the breeze during the day and are lit up at night. Seoul’s Jongno area has one of the most spectacular.
Insa-dong Festival
April 30, 2012 - May 30, 2012
Over 100 arts, craft and galleries display their most valuable pieces during this popular annual festival in Seoul, while events include a parade, dances, a recreation of a traditional wedding ceremony and various craft demonstrations. It’s also an opportunity to buy arts and antiques at discounted prices.
Jongmyo Daeje (Royal Ancestral Memorial Rite of Joseon)
May 5, 2012
Homage is paid to the Royal Ancestors in this public (and packed) event. Traditional Korean dress is worn as performers chant their respects. So important is this ceremony that it has been given UNESCO heritage status.
Jongmyo Daeje
May 5, 2012
This ancestral rite has been performed for over 500 years, earning it an UNESCO World Heritage listing. The spirits of former kings and queens, believed to reside in tablets at Jongmyo Shrine in Seoul, are honored with elaborate bowing and food-offering rituals from massed ranks in colorful traditional costumes.
Dano Festival
May 16, 2012 - June 9, 2012
One of the three most important Korean festivals, the Dano festival features dancing, sacred liquor, ceremonies, and mask performances. As with Jongmyo Daeje, this festival has UNESCO heritage status and is well worth going out of your way to see.
Boryeong Mud Festival
June 30, 2012 - July 30, 2012
Two and a half hours south of Seoul, you can wallow in everything from therapeutic mud massage to mud-sliding at this spectacularly dirty and fun festival held each July on Daecheon Beach – the longest on Korea’s West coast. The mud is rich in minerals and said to be good for the skin. Most participants will want to bring a swimsuit they won’t care to ever wear again and plan on being covered in mud from head to toe.
