Yeongdong: An expo dedicated to "gugak," Korean traditional music, will open Friday, spotlighting the roots of Korean music that have paved the way for the global phenomenon of K-pop. The 2025 Yeongdong World Traditional Music and Arts Expo, the first of its kind, is scheduled to run through Oct. 11 in Yeongdong County, 185 kilometers southeast of Seoul.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the event is designed to broaden the audience base for traditional music, foster exchange among industry experts and musicians, and boost the regional economy through cultural tourism. Under the slogan "The Fragrance of Gugak, Permeating the World," the expo will commence with an opening ceremony at Yeongdong Citizens' Stadium at 7 p.m., with about 10,000 local government officials, gugak performers, and residents expected to attend.