The 36th Geochang International Theatre Festival Opens... "Free Immersion, Sweet Imagination"

A 10-Day Festival Blending Theater and Cultural Experiences Begins
50 Troupes from 8 Countries to Stage 78 Performances Throughout Suseungdae

The 36th Geochang International Theatre Festival, held under the slogan "Free Immersion, Sweet Imagination," kicked off its 10-day run with an opening ceremony at the Turtle Pavilion in Suseungdae on July 31.

According to the Geochang Cultural Foundation, the opening ceremony was attended by Lee Honggi, Governor of Geochang County, National Assemblyman Shin Sungbeom, Pyo Joosuk, Chairman of the Geochang County Council, as well as figures from the fields of culture, arts, and theater.

Photo by Soonkyung Choi
Hongki Lee, Governor of Geochang County, is delivering a greeting speech at the opening ceremony of the 36th Geochang International Theatre Festival held at the Turtle Pavilion in Suseungdae.

During the pre-ceremony performance, dancer Baek Hyeongmin showcased a traditional dance set to geomungo sanjo, while Blue Note Tap Dance heightened the opening atmosphere with a tap dance performance that integrated Irish dance, acapella, and musical elements.

In his opening remarks, Lee Honggi, Governor of Geochang County, stated, "I hope you will fully enjoy the imagination and inspiration that theater brings amidst the beautiful nature here," adding, "Alongside the performances, we have prepared a variety of hands-on programs, so I hope you will create special summer memories in Geochang."

With the subsequent declaration of the festival's opening, the curtain was officially raised, and fireworks colored the night sky above Suseungdae, signaling the start of the event.

The opening performance featured the play "Grandmother's Dream" presented by SU Company. Starring actors Son Sook, Lee Ilhwa, Park Jiil, and Lee Pilmo, the piece tells the story of Chun-ae, an elderly woman who, wanting to paint her own funeral portrait, enrolls in an art academy, and the academy director Bomhee, as they share their lives and dreams through ten lessons.

This year's festival will run through August 9 at venues including Suseungdae and Geochang Theatre High School. A total of 50 performance troupes from eight countries will present 78 performances in total.

At venues such as the Suseungdae Festival Theater, Guyonseowon, Turtle Pavilion, and Bamboo Theater, a variety of genres will be showcased—ranging from invited productions, madang-geuk, pansori musicals, to musicals—featuring both domestic and international works.

Major productions include "Gulliver's Travels: Zoom In Out" by the theater company Hattangse, which was selected as one of the 2025 Top 3 Korean Plays; "Ikaino Bike" by Bul-ui Jeoncha; "The Lies of Chunseom" by Mosineun Saramdeul; and "My Malgeumssi" by Ashirang.

International highlights include "Othello" by Japan's Shizuoka Performing Arts Center (SPAC), the American puppet show "Packrat the Collector," and the Indonesian puppet performance "Beetle Story."

[Photo by Choi Soon-gyeong] At the 36th Geochang International Theater Festival opening ceremony pre-performance, the Blue Note Tap Dance Team is presenting a tap dance performance combining Irish dance, a cappella, and musical elements.

At Gaon Theater in Geochang Theatre High School, the festival will open with the student special performance "Madangnori Donggye," followed by ten domestic competition entries.

Throughout the festival, a World Culture Pavilion will introduce the culture and folk crafts of Peru, Bangladesh, Thailand, and Ecuador. There will also be hands-on booths, a flea market, the children's popup playground "KIDS PLAY," and food trucks. Additionally, Suseungdae Water Festival, a mist shower tunnel, cooling shelters, and a water screen will be provided for visitors' convenience.

The closing ceremony will be held on August 9 at the Turtle Pavilion in Suseungdae, featuring an awards ceremony for competition entries, the official closing declaration, and a musical gala concert.

Tickets can be reserved through the official Geochang International Theatre Festival website, the Culture Square in front of Geochang County Office, and ticket booths within Suseungdae. Groups of ten or more are eligible for a 30% discount.

The Geochang International Theatre Festival, with its 36-year-long legacy, has once again raised its curtain. Theater is more than a performance—it is a cultural power that connects people and communities. We look forward to this festival, enriched by the harmony of Suseungdae's natural beauty and the arts, becoming a cherished summer memory for both local residents and visitors.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.