Koreans are familiar with French chanson, Brazilian Bossa nova, and the tango from Argentina. Most of these homegrown music are based on the traditional folk music that existed in their respective countries, which were then fused with popular music to create a new modern music genre.World music is not simply a collection of local rhythmical music with beautiful melodies. Rather, it’s music that has roots in each nation’s culture, history and way of life, reflecting and crystallizing the many facets of the local culture. This will be the inaugural year for the Gwangju World Music Festival, which will facilitate the aim of making Gwangju a culture-centered city of

Asia. After two years of careful preparation, this festival will foster and celebrate the cultures of the world. After the completion of the Asian Culture Complex in 2014, the Gwangju World Music Festival will be able to grow even further as a popular cultural event. Along with the Gwangju Biennale, the music festival will symbolize the rich artistic and musical background of Gwangju.

One of the unique aspects of the Gwangju World Music Festival is that it is not an event that simply invites international musicians to give performances to the domestic audience. Instead, the festival promotes collaboration with Korean musicians with their international counterparts, allowing for communication across cultures through music. Bringing Gugak, classical Korean music, onto the world stage is another goal of the Gwangju World Music Festival, and this sets it apart from other international cultural events. Thus, Kim Duk-soo (samulnori musician), Ahn Suk-sun (pansori singer), Heo Yoon-jung (geomungo player), Kim Dong-won (percussionist), Cnang Jae-hyo (percussionist) and other excellent traditional Korean musicians will hold joint concerts with foreign musicians. Meanwhile, the International World Music Forum that will be held in June will give people a preview of the actual festival, while also providing a meaningful discussion between musicians to bridge the gap in musical perspectives from different countries and also promote a better understanding of different kinds of world music.

Another key point of the festival is that it will go beyond simply being a celebration of music by channeling a collaborative atmosphere to allow the fusion and exchange of a diverse range of music and different cultures. When the Asian Culture Complex is completed in 2014, it will foster new experimental music, which will later be included in the festival. Various interactive programs for participants and attendees to enjoy will be offered at the festival this year while local artists will be given an opportunity to perform to the delight of Gwangju citizens and foreign attendees alike. From Pungam Sports Park to Bitgoeul Civic Culture Center, Geumnam-ro Park, Acoustic Guitar Street in Sajik Park and Music Bar. This street presented to you by Gwangju World Music Festival is the place where you can enjoy all kinds of music from around the world in August. This is also the place where world music will soar into the future.

We are looking forward to seeing you at this international event that will bring Korean culture and cultures from around the world together in one place.