The 36th Geochang International Theater Festival Begins
Hello.
In the heart of summer, the best cultural festival representing Geochang, the ‘36th Geochang International Theater Festival,’ kicked off with a spectacular opening yesterday (July 31) at the Susungdae tourist site.
This year’s festival, themed “Free Immersion, Sweet Imagination” in celebration of the ‘2026 Geochang Visit Year,’ saw me visiting the Susungdae site on the first day to capture the vibrant atmosphere.
The opening ceremony took place at Geobukjeong Hall, located right next to the Guryanseowon, allowing me to leisurely walk and feel the festival's energy.
From the moment I approached Guryanseowon, the festive spirit was palpable. Performers donned unique large dinosaur costumes made from paper and newspapers, entertaining visitors as they roamed the streets.
As dusk fell, the turtle rock, illuminated in red light, captivated onlookers. The picturesque setting, with lush pine trees, bizarre rock formations, and the refreshing Wicheon Valley below, truly showcased why Susungdae is Korea's premier outdoor theater festival venue.
Upon entering the performance area, the staff's meticulous ticket checks and thoughtful gestures for visitors stood out. They provided fans to cool off from the summer heat, refreshing water, and comfortable cushions, making the atmosphere feel refreshing even before the festival began.
Even before the pre-show began, the outdoor seating at Geobukjeong was already filled with locals and vacationers who had secured their spots early!
As the audience waited with excited expressions, fanning themselves, the anticipation for the festival was palpable. The aisles were safely and comfortably maintained, while the excitement and enthusiasm of the packed seating areas made it clear: “Ah, the festival is finally starting!”
The grand opening performance commenced on the special stage at Susungdae.
[Pre-show Performance 1] Korean Dance by Baek Hyung-min
To the deep melodies of the geomungo sanjo, he showcased a traditional dance with a wide-swaying green robe. The dynamic movements and graceful posture while energetically wielding a fan drew admiration and applause from the audience, marking a splendid start to the festival.
[Pre-show Performance 2] Blue Note Tap Dance
A lively and upbeat tap dance performance that blended Irish dance and musical styles. The dancers divided into teams, synchronizing different rhythms and beats, culminating in a moment of perfect tap sounds that elicited gasps of awe.
The rhythmic footwork filled the stage, prompting spontaneous applause from the audience and further elevating the atmosphere.
With the pre-show igniting the stage, the official opening ceremony soon followed.
After introducing distinguished guests via a large screen, Geochang County Mayor Lee Hong-ki, along with local council members, expressed their gratitude to the community and visitors.
As the festival's ambassadors, actors Kang Bu-ja and Kim Sung-kyun took the stage, elevating the excitement to its peak! Holding hands and sharing warm smiles, their heartfelt congratulations for the festival were met with cheers and thunderous applause from the audience.
[Opening Performance] Su Company
Cast: Son Suk, Lee Il-hwa, Lee Pil-mo, Park Ji-il, and others.
Work: Winner of the 2026 New York Festival National Brand Award.
The touching story of grandmother ‘Chunae’ who wants to draw her portrait and her conversation with director ‘Bom-hee’ filled the night at Susungdae with deep emotion.
(* Photography of the opening performance is restricted to protect the copyrights and likeness rights of the performers.)
“Free Immersion, Sweet Imagination”
Enjoy the unforgettable romance and artistic feast of summer nights at the 36th Geochang International Theater Festival.
Source :https://blog.naver.com/geochanggun/224365223217
No comments yet.
