[Seoul] Saturday Gugak Concert(토요명품)

[Programs]
The National Gugak Center continues the tradition of Korea’s royal music institution dating back to the Silla, Goryeo, and Joseon dynasties. It not only preserves and inherits Korean musical resources but also presents Korean music to domestic and international audiences.

Every Saturday, the center’s Umyeondang Hall hosts a permanent performance called the Saturday Gugak Concert. It has been the center’s most famous performance for nearly 40 years. Its main feature is that it combines several genres of Korean music, from singing to playing and dancing, on one stage. For example, Daechwita, a military ceremonial music played during the procession of kings and dignitaries, Bakjeommu, a dance depicting the fluttering of butterflies, and Seodo Minyo, folk songs from the western provinces, are performed for 80 minutes. It’s a great opportunity for those who are new to Traditional Korean music.

The performers on stage are also first class. Four regular performance groups are ready for the concert: Court Music Orchestra, Folk Music Group, Dance Theater, and Contemporary Gugak Orchestra. They have a rich repertoire of Korean music, ranging from traditional court music to folk music. Certainly, the performances are of high quality and quantity. Still, tickets are affordable at around 20,000 to 30,000 won. After the performance, it’s worth visiting the Gugak Museum.