30 Teams of Young Musicians Bring Autumn to Life in Chuncheon... 'Gangwon Music Festival' Concludes Successfully

Gangwon Province Selects 30 Teams Through Online Auditions from 79 Applicants
Reflects Calls for More Performance Opportunities Raised at Meeting
Plans to Hold "WAVE ON Gangwon," Combining K-pop and Coastal Culture, Next Year

The 2026 Gangwon Music Festival, organized to expand performance opportunities for young musicians in Gangwon, was held on October 30-31 at Uiam Park in Chuncheon. Thirty teams of young musicians selected through an open call and online auditions took the stage and performed music in a variety of genres.

Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province Governor Woo Sangho delivers remarks at the 2026 Gangwon Music Festival, held near Uiam Park in Chuncheon on the 30th. Provided by Gangwon Province.

Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province Governor Woo Sangho said on October 31 that the festival was organized to reflect feedback from the field shared at a discussion in September between Governor Woo Sangho and young musicians living in Gangwon. At the time, the young musicians called for more performance opportunities and support for their creative work.

A total of 79 teams applied through the open call for performers. Of these, 30 teams were selected through online auditions and performed over two days, showcasing their musical abilities and individuality.

There were also celebratory performances by singers Kim Kitae and Cheetah. Audience participation programs and food trucks were set up, allowing local residents and tourists to enjoy the festival together.

The province said the event gave young artists performance experience and demonstrated the potential to connect cultural spaces in the old downtown area with local tourism.

The province plans to hold the 2027 Gangwon Youth Culture Festival (WAVE ON Gangwon) next year, combining K-pop performances, stages for young musicians, and coastal cultural content. The plan is to draw young people from across the country to enjoy travel and the festival together, promote Gangwon's appeal, and encourage repeat visits.

Gangwon State Governor is hosting the 2026 Gangwon Music Festival at Uiam Park in Chuncheon on the 30th. Photo provided by Gangwon Province.

Governor Woo Sangho said, "This festival is especially meaningful because young people's voices have led to real performances on stage. We will actively work to support young artists so they can freely pursue their dreams and showcase their talents, and to ensure that youth culture and the arts contribute to local tourism and the revitalization of commercial districts."

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