By Honorary Reporter Alice Hong from Canada
Photos = Alice Hong

This performance is from the inaugural World Pansori Festival held from Nov. 7-8 at Seoul Namsan Gukakdang in the Korean capital.

The first World Pansori Festival from Nov. 7-8 celebrated the UNESCO-recognized pansori (traditional lyrical opera) at Seoul Namsan Gukakdang in the nation's capital. 

The event featured the Pansori Relay Project, a 20-hour journey led by 60 vocalists, filling Crown Haitai Hall of the facility with the mesmerizing sounds of pansori. From 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., visitors could explore pansori through engaging workshops for both beginners and advanced vocalists. The interactive zone offered hands-on activities such as making traditional fans and taking photos at booths. 

This is the front gate of Seoul Namsan Gukakdang.

I got to participate in workshops and performances over the two days. The first workshop led by renowned pansori singer Min Hye-sung offered insights into the intricacies of her art. The second taught by Kim Hee-sun, an ethnomusicology professor at Kookmin University, covered the history and evolution of pansori.

Notable participants at the festival included Mafo Laure from France and Nancy Castro from Mexico, two famous expats in Korea studying traditional Korean music. A remarkable aspect of the performances was the profound engagement of the audience, with their enthusiasm and encouragement adding to the vibrant atmosphere.

A pansori singer performs with her drum accompanist.

For generations, pansori has brought entertainment and joy to Koreans with lyrics encapsulating the humor, happiness and sorrow of life in the Joseon Dynasty; many of the genre's themes still resonate today. This cultural treasure remains relatively undiscovered by the world so festivals like this one play a crucial role in spreading pansori to a broader global audience. The hope is that traditional Korean music like this will join the ranks of the globally popular Hallyu.

msjeon22@korea.kr

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.