The traditional performing arts troupe Anseong Namsadang Baudeogi on March 23 brings to the stage pungmulnori (folk music and dance) at the opening ceremony for the 2025 East Asian culture cities project in Macao. (Anseong City Hall)

By Lee Jihae

A year of cultural exchange for 2025-26 with Japan and China has begun to cover music, exhibitions, sports and tourism.

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism in Seoul on April 25 announced that the opening ceremony for the 2025-26 East Asian cultural city was held that day at Anseong Art Hall in Anseong, Gyeonggi-do Province.

The event showcased the traditional performing arts troupe Anseong Namsadang Baudeogi's pungmulnori (folk music and dance), Chinese dragon dance and Japanese noh play. Congratulatory performances were also done by an Anseong children's choir, musical group Harmonize and singer Gummy.

Beginning with the ceremony, Anseong will host events featuring the three countries such as a traditional performing arts festival, food contest, and a joint choir.

Every year since 2014, the three sides have selected cities in each nation to stimulate cultural exchange and cooperation projects under an agreement concluded in 2012 at their fourth trilateral summit of culture ministers.

The East Asian culture cities designated this year are Anseong, Huzhou and Macao (China), and Kamakura (Japan).

jihlee08@korea.kr