KF뉴스레터-Korea's Eclectic Music Festivals

Korea's Eclectic Music Festivals

In the Korea of 15 or even six years ago, the very words “music festival” were rarely heard, but now dozens of festivals are held nationwide every year. Music at these fervent festivals varies from the raw, original sounds of up-and-coming bands to popular tunes from established musicians and even world-class artists. Festivals are also becoming increasingly diverse by genre. Earlier events usually focused on rock bands, but the scene has since expanded to include hip-hop, jazz, electronic, folk, soul, and other forms to draw all kinds of music enthusiasts.
Furthermore, major festivals are no longer experiences exclusive to the Seoul metropolitan area. Festivals both big and small have sprouted nationwide—including the Jeonju Ultimate Music Festival, Gwangju Soundpark Festival, Busan International Hip-Hop Festival, and Jeju Music Festival—offering residents throughout the country musical and cultural fulfillment.
Continually evolving Korean music festivals are expanding beyond the typical younger crowds to cater to people of all age groups.

Incheon Pentaport Rock Festival

Known as one of Korea’s greatest rock concerts, the Pentaport Rock Festival was launched in 2006 and has greatly contributed to the cultural growth of Korea’s music scene. As opposed to its Jisan counterpart, which recruits from various genres, Pentaport adheres mainly to branches of hard rock and metal. This year’s event features a lively lineup that includes Suede, credited for opening a new golden age for British rock, and legendary American alternative band Weezer. Korean artists such as Nell, Galaxy Express, and 10cm will also light up the stage.

Songdo Dalbit (Moonlight) Festival Park,
Songdo International Business District, Incheon
8/12–8/14
1544-1555

Seoul Soul Festival

The first black-music festival not only in Korea but all of Asia, the launch of the Seoul Soul Festival will recruit over 40 top artists that span genres such as R&B, soul, and hip-hop for a truly soulful event. Soul artists such as Maxwell and Eric Benét will be joined by world-famous rappers, including Tyga and Ty Dolla Sign. The Korean lineup includes Skull, Korea’s foremost reggae artist, as well as Kim Ban Jang & Windy City, acclaimed for its elegant mix of reggae and soul, and Urban Zakaba.

Jamsil Sports Complex, Seoul
8/13–8/14
031-923-0372

World DJ Festival

Korea’s first and only electronic dance music festival, the World DJ Festival celebrates its tenth year by holding concerts in both spring and summer. The spring concert was held this past May under the theme, “Sounce (sound and dance) Parade,” while the summer event in August will be themed “Water War,” a battle of water guns. Intense sounds, flashy performances, and a grand-scale water-gun fight are sure to result in a unique event that cools you off.

Songam Leports Town, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do
8/19–8/21
031-312-2013

Jarasum International Jazz Festival

Held annually on Jarasum Island in Gapyeong, Jarasum International Jazz Festival is Korea’s premier autumn jazz festival. More than just a concert, the festival has been acclaimed for creating an environment where families, friends, and lovers can enjoy world-class jazz artists while relaxing in the beauty of natural surroundings. Since 2011, the festival has spotlighted the jazz scene in a different country every year, with this year’s country being France, in honor of 130 years of Korea-France relations.