This scene is from the National Jeongdong Theater of Korea's creative traditional performance "Pure Heart." The show will run from Oct. 31 to Nov. 4 in coinciding with the period of the APEC Summit at Gyeongju Expo Grand Park in Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do Province. (National Jeongdong Theater of Korea)
By Kang Gahui
A feast of gugak (traditional music) performances is slated in Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, to mark the provincial city's hosting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit from late next month.
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korean Traditional Performing Arts Foundation will host the traditional arts performance "Seorabeol Pungnyu" from Sept. 12 through Oct. 29 in Gyeongju Gyochon Traditional Village; Yukbuchon, a Hanok (traditional home) housing the nation's first international convention center; and Cheomgseongdae Observatory.
The event showcases 37 performances by 31 organizations and 700 traditional music performers in capturing the spirit of the hwarang, an elite warrior group of the ancient Silla Kingdom (57 B.C.-A.D. 935), and the historical legacy of the Buddhist kingdom through music, song and dance.
Shows at the village are held every Friday and Saturday from Sept. 12-27 starting at 5 p.m. and daily from Oct. 7-12 at 5 p.m. over the Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving) holidays.
Twenty-three organizations, regional artists and young musicians will showcase traditional arts including instrumental music, singing, dance and theater and creative gugak centered on chamber music.
The National Youth Theater Company, National Youth Dance Company and regional performing arts groups will hold shows daily from Oct. 20-29 at 7 p.m. at Yukbuchon. The National Gugak Center, Gyeonggi Sinawi Orchestra, Gugak Broadcasting System and Jeonbuk State Gugak Center will also perform daily on a stage at Cheomseongdae Observatory from Oct. 22-29 at 7 p.m.
The Jeongdong Theater Arts Group of the National Jeongdong Theater of Korea will put on its creative performance "Pure Heart" from Oct. 31 to Nov. 4, coinciding with the APEC Summit period, at Gyeongju Expo Grand Park.
kgh89@korea.kr