Jeonju's Sound
K-pop
The pride of South Korea,「SORI」of Jeonju
K-「SORI」
K-「SORI」combines traditional instruments and narrative melodies with modern music, showcasing its globally recognized originality and artistry. Through this, it naturally introduces Korea’s traditions and cultural pride to the world. K-「SORI」embodies Korea’s unique emotions of 'Han' and 'Heung' serving as more than just music—it is a vital cultural asset that shares Korea’s culture and history with the world, delivering deep emotions to global audiences. K-「SORI」includes a wide range of music, from traditional genres such as Pansori, Gayageum Byeongchang, Nongak, and folk songs to modernized fusion Gugak. In particular, Pansori is an important Korean intangible cultural heritage and has been recognized by UNESCO as a 'Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.' The combination of a sorikkun(vocalist) and gosu(drummer) creates a musical storytelling experience that expresses the deep emotions of 'Han' and the excitement of 'Heung' connecting with audiences through masterful musical techniques and profound emotions. Jeonju is the center of K-「SORI」and the birthplace of legendary Pansori masters. The city is home to the National Intangible Heritage Center, Korea Sound Culture Hall, and Jeonbuk Special Self-Governing Province Gugak Center. The National Intangible Heritage Center preserves, researches, and promotes Korea’s traditional intangible heritage worldwide. The Korea Sound Culture Hall serves as a cultural and artistic hub, hosting various performances ranging from traditional to contemporary music. The Jeonbuk Special Self-Governing Province Gugak Center is dedicated to studying and preserving traditional Korean music, including Pansori and Nongak, continuously fostering master vocalists and artists for the future.
Jeonju Daesaseupnori
Daesaseupnori is a traditional music competition that has been held since the Joseon Dynasty, serving as a grand music festival to select the finest artists. The word 'Saseup' means to refine one's skills, and Daesaseupnori is an event that showcases traditional music performances, including Pansori, while enhancing its artistic value. Originally, Daesaseupnori began as a royal festival, but it later expanded to the public, contributing to the popularization and development of traditional music. Today, Jeonju Daesaseupnori hosts national and student competitions annually to nurture professional performers, with Jeonju being the most prominent venue. The competition includes various categories such as Pansori, instrumental music, Nongak (farmers' music), and folk songs, where artists showcase their talents. As a prestigious event that has produced master singers and traditional music virtuosos, Jeonju Daesaseupnori continues to preserve and promote traditional music while discovering new talents and sharing its cultural significance with the world. More than just a competition, this festival offers audiences a unique opportunity to experience the essence of traditional music firsthand. Jeonju Daesaseupnori is a symbolic event that reinterprets traditional music for modern times while preserving its roots, enhancing Jeonju's cultural standing.
Jeonju Int'l Sori Festival
The Jeonju Int'l Sori Festival is an international music festival that blends Korean traditional music with various musical genres from around the world. Held annually in Jeonju, this festival plays a crucial role in showcasing the cultural significance of Jeonju and the excellence of K-「SORI」to the global audience. The festival features Korean traditional music such as pansori, gugak, and nongak, while also inviting diverse international music performances to promote cultural exchange. It offers a wide range of performances that bridge tradition and modernity, including fusion performances that reinterpret traditional music in contemporary ways, music academies, and interactive programs. Through these experiences, audiences can appreciate the depth of traditional music and the diversity of global music. More than just a musical event, the Jeonju Int'l Sori Festival serves as a platform for communication, connecting tradition and modernity, as well as local and global cultures. It plays a vital role in promoting the value and charm of Korean traditional music to international audiences, solidifying Jeonju’s status as the center of K-「SORI」.
Joseon Pop Festival & Regular Performance
The 'Joseon Pop Festival & Regular Performance' held annually in Jeonju is a special music festival where the deep resonance of traditional Korean music harmonizes with the fresh energy of modern popular music. This festival reinterprets Jeonju's unique culture and art with a contemporary sensibility, providing emotion and inspiration to audiences. Joseon Pop Festival & Regular Performance strengthens Jeonju's reputation as the 'City of Joseon Pop,' preserving its tradition as a center of traditional music while adding modern elements to create a new music culture. At this festival, which features performances by various artists showcasing emotional music and performances, audiences can enjoy diverse stages combining traditional Korean instruments with modern sounds. With all prepared seats filled and overflowing, people gather from afar, standing and immersing themselves in the joy of Joseon Pop. Let's experience the charm of Joseon Pop together in Jeonju, a city filled with various sounds of Joseon Pop, where people of all ages can enjoy.