The National Gugak Center, led by Acting Director Kang Dae-geum, will hold a total of 29 performances of Korean traditional music at the four major palaces in Seoul—Gyeongbokgung, Deoksugung, Changgyeonggung, and Changdeokgung—from April to May and in September. These performances will feature royal court music and dance that were either directly played in the courts during the Joseon Dynasty through the Korean Empire or hold historical significance, along with various traditional Korean arts.
At Changdeokgung’s Yeon-gyeong-dang, performances will be centered around dances created by Crown Prince Hyomyeong, specifically featuring works from the 1828 Queen Sunwon’s banquet. The National Gugak Center’s Court Music Orchestra and Dance Company will present six performances from April 8 to 12.
Changgyeonggung’s Tongmyeongjeon will showcase works from Queen Sunwon’s 60th birthday banquet in 1848, with a total of 10 performances by the Court Music Orchestra and Dance Company from May 13 to 17 and September 9 to 13.
In the Sujeongjeon of Gyeongbokgung, where the Hall of Worthies was located for the creation of Hangeul, the Court Music Orchestra and Dance Company will perform grand presentations primarily featuring works from the reign of King Sejong. There will be eight performances, four in May and four in September.
At Deoksugung’s Seokjojeon in September, the National Gugak Center’s Creative Orchestra will perform Korean orchestral music, reinterpreting the music enjoyed by Emperor Gojong. A total of five performances are scheduled.
This series of performances, hosted in collaboration with the Royal Palaces and Tombs Management Office, will begin at Changdeokgung’s Yeon-gyeong-dang in April, followed by performances at Changgyeonggung, Gyeongbokgung, and Deoksugung. Reservations can be made starting three weeks before each palace’s performance and are free of charge, though palace entrance fees and Changdeokgung’s garden entry fees must be paid separately. For inquiries, call 02-580-3300.