By Diplomacy Journal Kayla Lee

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST), in collaboration with the Korean Traditional Performing Arts Foundation (KoTPA), is showcasing a special traditional arts performance event “Soerabeol Pungnyu,” featuring a total of 37 stage performances, in celebration of the 2025 APEC Summit from September 12 to October 29 across Korea’s premier historic-cultural city Gyeongju, including Gyochon Traditional Village, Yukbuchon, and Cheomseongdae Observatory.

“Seorabeol Pungnyu” inherits the spirit of Eumseongseo, Korea’s first royal music institute. The performance aspires to create a stage where the ancient and modern, tradition and innovation come together.

More than 700 traditional musical artists from 31 ensembles are staging the spirit of Silla’s hwarang and the historical heritage of the Buddhist Land in the form of music, song, and dance, presenting audiences with inspiring sights and experiences.

The series begins at the village square stage in Gyochon Traditional Village, where performances take place every Friday and Saturday at 5 PM from September 12–27 and daily at 5 PM during the Chuseok holiday period from October 7–12.

Many leading gugak musicians from the Yeongnam region joins to present traditional musical performances that include instruments, vocals, and dances, along with chamber ensemble-based contemporary creative gugak compositions, to all domestic and international visitors to Gyeongju.

At Yukbuchon, performances will take place every day at 7 PM from October 20–29, where the National Youth Traditional Performing Arts Troupe, the National Youth Dance Troupe, and regional performing arts groups will showcase dazzling artistry and passionate movement in the Yukbuchon courtyard. Audiences can also experience the very essence of Korean traditional arts inside the main hall aided by multilingual commentary.

The ministry will work closely with the Korean Traditional Performing Arts Foundation (KoTPA), Gyeongju City, and Gyeongsangbuk-do Culture and Tourism Organization to ensure that “Seorabeol Pungnyu,” a commemorative performance series for the APEC Summit, is remembered as a national gugak festival shared and enjoyed by all domestic and international audiences.