Yeongdong Nangye Korean Traditional Music Festival (영동난계국악축제)

The Yeongdong Nangye Traditional Music Festival is held in Yeongdong, the hometown of the brilliant Korean musician Park Yeon (pen name: Nangye). This festival celebrates his legacy and contributions to traditional Korean music. In addition to gugak (traditional Korean music) performances, visitors can enjoy gugak performances fused with contemporary music, a Jongmyo Jeryeak dance, and a demonstration of the Royal Family's promenade. Festival activities include playing traditional instruments at the main hall or making and playing traditional instruments at the booths. The Korea Wine Festival, which boasts the best-quality wine, is held at the same time and place as the Music Festival, so visitors can enjoy Korea's traditional music with a glass of wine in hand. ◎ Park Yeon (Nangye) Park Yeon was a civil official of the court in the early years of the Joseon Dynasty. He is considered one of Korea's three major musicians, along with Wang Sanak and Ureuk. Park's active contribution to the development of Korean music has earned him the title "the father of gugak."