An annual series of performances of traditional music in Seoul’s royal palaces will reopen next month, offering free gugak and pansori concerts against palatial backdrops.

This year’s performances will be held simultaneously at the Changdeokgung Palace, Deoksugung Palace and Jongmyo Shrine from Sept. 5 to Oct. 11. Each venue will vary in its themes and hold a total of 34 performances, and unlike in previous years, the upcoming performances will also include storytelling.

“This year’s traditional palace performance series will be particularly special because, for the first time, we are also going to feature historical folktale storytelling at the Jongmyo Shrine,” said event organizer Kim Sung-mi, during a press conference held at the Jongmyo Shrine on Wednesday.

Participating in Jongmyo Shrine’s upcoming folktales reenactment is TV and film actor Lee Min-woo, who will play the role of King Sejong to demonstrate the Joseon era king’s thought processes and intentions behind building Jongmyo.

Along with the play-like storytelling repertories, the upcoming performance series will also include two special cultural shows for international guests. 

“This year we have organized events especially for non-Korean guests, a walking tour and an international music collaboration performance at Changdeokgung Palace,” Kim said. “Although this walking tour of the palaces for foreigners is held every year, this year is particularly unique because we have prepared a special music performance in collaboration with directors and artists from both the U.S. and Europe.”

The Changdeokgung Palace walking tour and musical performance for foreigners will be held on Oct. 4, while the special international collaboration performance will be shown for one day only on Oct. 7.

“Korean Music in Ancient Palace” shows will be held at the Jongmyo Shrine every Saturday from Sept. 5–26 under the theme of, “A Story to Tell.” Changdeokgung Palace will host its events every Sunday from Sept. 6-Oct. 11 under the theme of “Together With Humanity,” while the “Together With Family” musical performances will be held at Deoksugung Palace every weekend from Sept. 19-Oct. 11. 

Those who wish to attend any of the upcoming events must register online in advance. For more information, visit www.kotpa.org.

By Julie Jackson (juliejackson@heraldcorp.com)