Korean traditional music concert held at Seoul's Gyeongbokgung Palace

Once again, the season of cultural festivity is upon us. This time, a unique night music concert at one of Seoul's best-loved tourist hotspots. Our Choi Si-young takes us there. Korean traditional music resonates at the front gate to Gyeongbokgung Palace, the best-loved of the five remaining palaces in Seoul.Over the years, many music concerts have been held at the palace, but this time it's a whole new experience. "For most traditional music concerts, the audience plays a passive role,… but rather than just sitting and watching, the audience at this concert at Gyeongbokgung Palace follows the performers around the palace grounds." As part of the 2018 Art Spot Series, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism aims to deliver a more intimate experience with Korean traditional music taking center stage. The unique sounds of a large transverse bamboo flute mark the start of the night music concert.The audience is mesmerized by the contemporary interpretation of the famous Korean folk song Arirang played with the double bass.Poem recital interspersed with Korean string melodies adds to the allure.The highlight is the royal dance at the private residence for the queen of the Joseon Dynasty. "I could read the positive response from the faces of the people in the audience. I feel I communicated with them very well." "Without microphones or speakers, I could tune in to the royal music my ancestors would have heard. It was an exceptionally fun experience." "We all took part in the concert. Some of us probably didn't know that much about Korean traditional music. Tonight was an opportunity to boost our awareness." And don't worry if you missed out this time.The culture ministry says the concert will be held several more times this year at other Seoul palaces, the National Assembly and Dongdaemun Design Plaza.Choi Si-young, Arirang News.