Mountain Arts Festival Celebrates 23 Years of Community and Creativity in Rural South Korea

Nestled in the mountains of Yeongdong, South Korea, the Jagye Art Village has been a beacon of artistic expression for 23 years. Its annual mountain arts festival, running from July 13-20, transforms the remote location into a vibrant hub of culture and community.

The festival, now in its 23rd iteration, offers a diverse program including circus acts, plays, puppet shows, and live music. This year's theme, "Here Are People," aims to spread the joy and inspiration of the arts beyond the village. The event showcases a wide range of artistic talents, from theater troupes and musicians to visual artists.

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Those who make the effort to come here, we have no choice but to give our all. We want them to feel welcomed and cherished.

Beyond the performances, the festival provides a rich array of experiences. Visitors can explore exhibitions in a converted schoolhouse, participate in gardening and craft workshops, and even join a treasure hunt. The entire event operates on a "pay-what-you-feel-it's-worth" basis, with attendees encouraged to contribute what they can based on the 'emotion' they experience.

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The mountain arts festival is the pride and symbol of our village. Since it's deep in the mountains, we never dreamed of attending performances or exhibitions, but we are so grateful and happy to receive the gift of performances every year.

Park Chang-ho, the artistic director, personally selects the performing groups, ensuring a high standard of quality and a strong connection to the festival's ethos. He emphasizes the dedication required from both artists and attendees, stating, "Those who make the effort to come here, we have no choice but to give our all. We want them to feel welcomed and cherished."

The Jagye Art Village itself was established in 2001 on the grounds of a former elementary school. It serves as a creative space for artists who moved from Daejeon, continuing a tradition of performance and art that began with the "Moonless Night Outdoor Play" series. The village aims to foster a sense of community and shared happiness, hoping the festival's impact will resonate outwards.

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Like the theme of this year's exhibition, 'Here Are People,' there are truly many neighbors in the provinces, the peripheries, and the mountains who should share the world together. We hope the inspiration from the Jagye Art Village's arts festival in the mountain village will spread like an echo to our neighbors and bring happiness together.