The Home of Scholars Takes the Stage... Premiere of Original Yard Play "Jukgye Scholar's Tale"

Yeongju City in North Gyeongsang Province will stage a creative yard play themed around the spirit of the scholar.

The city announced on September 12 that the original yard play "Jukgye Scholar's Tale," which was selected for the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism's "2025 Regional Representative Arts Group Support Program," will make its debut at 7 p.m. on September 17 at the Magpie Hall of the Yeongju Culture and Arts Center.

This production is inspired by the UNESCO World Heritage Site Sosu Seowon and the Gyeongja Rock of Jukgye Nine Valleys. It depicts the journey of an arrogant Confucian student who swaps bodies with a servant and comes to understand the true meaning of "gyeong" (respect) by experiencing the life of ordinary people. Created in the style of a traditional yard play, it aims to instill pride in local citizens and share the spirit of the scholar and traditional culture with tourists.

Veteran yard play star actor Kim Jongyeop will play the roles of Teacher Ju Sebung and Grandfather Deokbong, while the lead role of Scholar Woo Kiman will be performed by acclaimed actor Chu Hyeonjong. According to the city, the production will feature a blend of veteran and emerging actors to create a rich and vibrant stage.

Starting with its premiere, the play will be performed a total of 16 times at major tourist attractions in Yeongju such as Seonbichon and Seonbisesang, as well as in Bonghwa, Uljin, Yecheon, and finally in Seoul. Detailed schedules can be found on posters, promotional materials, and the Han Culture Art Vision Association's online cafe.

An official from Yeongju City stated, "'Jukgye Scholar's Tale' is an original play representing Yeongju, the home of scholars," and added, "We hope for your interest and support so that this stage can be enjoyed by both citizens and tourists alike."