A New Global Platform for Performing Arts in Seoul
Uniting Over 110 Festivals and Performances Across the City This Autumn
From "Artrekking" to International Forums,
Seoul Autumn Festa Aims to Become a World-Class Cultural Event
"I thought it was necessary to have at least one festival where artists take the lead and Seoul citizens can enjoy it together with people from around the world. 'Seoul Autumn Festa' will become a platform for Seoul as a city of artists and a global cultural metropolis."
The Seoul Foundation for Arts and Culture is launching a new performing arts season brand, 'Seoul Autumn Festa,' which connects various performances and festivals held in Seoul every autumn into a single event. In its inaugural year, under the slogan "Connecting Performing Arts and Seoul," the festival will present more than 110 performances and festivals over 40 days, from October 4 to November 12, at major venues throughout Seoul, including Seoul Plaza, Cheonggyecheon, and Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP).
Hyungjong Song, CEO of the Seoul Foundation for Arts and Culture, said at a press conference held at the Korea Press Center in Jung-gu, Seoul, on the 1st that having a world-class cultural festival representing Seoul had long been a dream. "Since 1998, when I served as Secretary General of the Korean Center of the International Theatre Institute (ITI), I have believed that our culture and arts must become global. For the future of Seoul, I felt that not starting the Autumn Festa now would be a mistake. I will do my utmost to ensure that Seoul Autumn Festa becomes a world-renowned festival representing Seoul."
Hyungjong Song, co-chairman of the Seoul Autumn Festa, is explaining the background of the project at the 2025 Seoul Autumn Festa press conference held at the Korea Press Center in Jung-gu, Seoul, on the 1st. [Photo by Seoul Foundation for Arts and Culture]
As a global metropolis, Seoul hosts countless festivals and performances during the queen of seasons, autumn. The purpose of Seoul Autumn Festa is to bring these together, promote them widely, and provide a stage where more people can enjoy them.
Nam Myeongryeol, actor and promotional ambassador for Seoul Autumn Festa, said, "World-famous festivals like Avignon and Edinburgh are often mentioned, but since Seoul is a much larger city, it is actually more challenging to promote its festivals and performances." He added, "Through 'Seoul Autumn Festa,' we aim to unite the festivals and performances held across Seoul in the fall into one."
The foundation plans to present a total of 116 performances and festivals, including 74 private sector events selected through the first and second open calls, and 42 public sector events in collaboration with related organizations such as Sejong Center for the Performing Arts, Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra, and district offices.
Notable performances include: ▲ 'Dante's Divine Comedy' by Theater Piak, directed by Jinwhan Na and starring Donghwan Jeong; ▲ 'The Burning Life,' the Grand Prize winner of the 3rd Seoul Arts Awards, by 99 Art Company; ▲ a classical lecture concert commemorating the 150th anniversary of Ravel's birth, titled 'Ravel and the Piano, His Most Beloved Instrument'; ▲ 'The Drum Shaman,' a performance combining traditional Korean percussion and dance. In addition, there will be ▲ the 46th Seoul Dance Festival; ▲ 'Seoul Street Arts Festival 2025 (SSAF)' organized by the Seoul Foundation for Arts and Culture; and genre-specific flagship festivals such as ▲ '2025 Seoul International Music Festival (SIMF)' and ▲ '2025 Seoul Traditional Dance Festival,' offering a diverse array of festival entries.
'2025 Seoul Autumn Festa' Promotion Committee and Participating Project Group (from left: Jaejun Ryu, Artistic Director of Seoul International Music Festival; Sora Kim, CEO of Jangdanyui; Geonwang Lee, President of Seoul Autonomous District Cultural Foundation Association; Taeji Choi, former Director of National Ballet Company; Hyeongjong Song, CEO of Seoul Foundation for Arts and Culture; Myeongryeol Nam, actor; Ruda Lee, CEO of Blacktom Dance Company; Byeol Yoon, ballet dancer) Photo by Seoul Foundation for Arts and Culture
The opening ceremony, themed "Seoul's Autumn, Colored by Performing Arts," will be held on October 4 at Seoul Plaza. Goseonung, Director of Seoul Metropolitan Theatre Company, and Jeongwan Seo, CEO of Geukgongjakso Mabangjin, will participate as key directors, presenting a 100-minute stage that connects various genres such as theater, dance, music, and traditional arts on the central stage and plaza.
During the Chuseok holiday from October 6 to 8, the representative outdoor festival of Seoul, 'Seoul Street Arts Festival,' will take place at Seoul Plaza and Cheonggyecheon under the theme of 'Seoul-ness.' Ruda Lee, CEO of Blacktom Dance Company, will serve as the main director, introducing the new program 'Artrekking,' where participants can enjoy performances while walking along the 5.2 km stretch from Cheonggye Plaza to Cheonggye 9-ga. Artrekking, a new addition to this year's festival, is a combination of 'Art' and 'Trekking,' designed to allow participants to experience artistic inspiration and healthy walking along the Cheonggyecheon stream.
On November 4, the first Seoul International Arts Forum will be held at DDP under the theme "Arts and the Future: A Global Conversation in Seoul."
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