Gwanghwamun in Seoul will be bathed in light this week thanks to a cutting-edge 3-D projection light show at the Sejong Center.

The “Nights of Sound & Lights” will launch at the Sejong Center on March 22.

The show will then run until March 25, starting at 6:15 p.m. each night, with the first 10-minute light show at 7:20 p.m. and several more displays throughout each evening.

It has been created by Swiss production company Starlight Events in collaboration with a young group of Swiss sound and light artists. It combines a story about Switzerland with music to emphasize the value of water as one of the most important sources of life. The narrative is in keeping with the Switzerland Yeosu Expo pavilion’s theme “The Source: It’s in your hands.” It tells of water locked for thousands of years in the glaciers of the Swiss Alps springing from the source to become a mountain stream, then a river to eventually flow into the sea. 

The event starting Thursday will also give the public the chance to enjoy musical performances by Swiss musicians, Albin Brun Alpin Ensemble, Korean pop group, Ulalla Session, as well as Korean Children Yodel Choir. Traditional Swiss cuisine including raclette cheese and fondue will also be on offer.

It is part of the Swiss Weeks in Seoul, which are being held to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of diplomatic relations between Switzerland and Korea. The series of events themed around culture, design, sustainability and innovation aims to introduce less commonly know aspects of Switzerland to Korean people.

Exhibition “Design Prize Switzerland 2011” will also be open to the public at the Sejong Center from March 22-April 1, and then at the Gallery of KT&G SangsangMadang from April 5-May 6. Nominated and winning Swiss design projects from various disciplines will be displayed first at the Seoul galleries before going on a worldwide tour.

For more information on the free ‘Swiss Weeks in Seoul’ programs, go to www.swisspavilion.or.kr.

By Kirsty Taylor