Events Held Nationwide for the First-Ever 'Gugak Day' This Year

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism announced on June 4 that it has designated the period from June 5, the first-ever 'Gugak Day,' to June 30 as 'Gugak Week,' during which a variety of events will be held across the country to allow people to enjoy traditional Korean music.

This year marks the inaugural Gugak Day, newly established under the 'Gugak Promotion Act' enacted last year. June 5 was chosen because it is the date when 'Yeominrak,' a musical piece composed by King Sejong himself to enjoy music with the people, was first recorded in volume 116 of the 'Annals of King Sejong.'

On Gugak Day itself, traditional Korean music performances and events will take place at Gwanghwamun Square, in front of Heungnyemun Gate at Gyeongbokgung Palace, and at Geunjeongjeon Hall, among other locations. At the outdoor plaza of Heungnyemun Gate, the inaugural Gugak Day proclamation ceremony and a commemorative event attended by figures from the traditional music community will be held. At this event, individuals who contributed to the enactment of the Gugak Promotion Act will be awarded commendations in the name of the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism. The ceremony will be broadcast live nationwide via Gugak Broadcasting.

In addition, a wide range of cultural events will be organized throughout Gugak Week. At Geunjeongjeon Hall in Gyeongbokgung Palace, the commemorative performance 'Sejongjo Hoerye-yeon' will be held over two days on June 7 and 8. At Gwanghwamun Square, the 'Yeominrak Grand Festival,' featuring street parades and special performances by six regional Nongak troupes, as well as hands-on activities, will take place from June 5 to 8. Beyond these, various performances, educational and experiential programs, academic conferences, and meetings organized by Gugak centers and cultural foundations will be held nationwide.

Minister Yoo In-chon said, "Through Gugak Day, I hope we can renew our appreciation for the meaning and value of traditional Korean music, and that not only those in the Gugak community but also all citizens who love Gugak will take a greater interest in its preservation, promotion, and the expansion of its reach."