Cultural Programme

The cultural programme showcases the rich tapestry of Korean arts and culture. It features a series of curated events including the Gala Opening, a traditional Korean celebratory custom known as ‘Janchi’, an invitation to explore the Leeum Museum of Art in Seoul and closing lunch. The programme is designed to immerse delegates in the vibrant cultural landscape of the Republic of Korea.

Gala Opening at DDP

The 10th World Summit on Arts and Culture will kick off with the Gala Opening at the DDP (Dongdaemun Design Plaza), designed by the late architect Zaha Hadid, the first woman to win the Pritzker Architecture Prize. It is a space where the legacy of the past and the creativity of the present come together. Located in Dongdaemun, DDP has long been seen as a gathering point, a place where new trends and innovations are introduced, including the first tram inauguration and film screenings and Dongdaemun has always been a hub for new experiences. The site once housed the Kyungsung Stadium, built during the Japanese colonial period, which stood above the Yigansumun and today, the district has evolved into a leading fashion hub.

The evening will include a Korean fine dining experience and is complemented by a performance by the alt-electronic duo HAEPAARY, who bring a unique perspective to Korean traditional music.

‘Janchi’: Traditional Korean celebratory custom

Summit delegates will experience a traditional Korean celebratory custom known as ‘Janchi’, where food is prepared to celebrate a joyous occasion, sharing happiness with guests. This event will take place in May, a culturally significant month for Koreans that precedes the summer season, a time characterised by the prominence of ‘yang’ energy. It is also the time of the Dano’ festival, a holiday celebrated after the rice planting season to pray for good harvests and to ward off misfortune. In the words of our Korean host ‘Just like the cool, refreshing breeze of Dano, we hope to bring people together during the World Summit on Arts and Culture to wish for a prosperous and peaceful year, while honoring each other’s growth’

This special evening includes a collaboration with the Ambiguous Dance Company, a contemporary dance group known for crossing genres and blurring the lines between the stage and the audience. With views of the Han River and Godeok-Topyeong Bridge, Summit delegates are invited to join the dance stage ‘Choompan’ and be immersed in the performance in the spacious setting of Stage28, reminiscent of a traditional Korean courtyard.

An evening at the Leeum Museum of Art

Delegates will also be hosted at the prestigious Leeum Museum of Art. Located at the foot of Namsan Mountain in the heart of Seoul, Leeum is opened to the world where the distinctive beauty of Korean traditional art and contemporary art vibrant with life coexist harmoniously. In addition to showing the museum's outstanding collections and temporary exhibitions that transcend time and genre, the museum will also provide a rich artistic experience for the participants of the World Summit on Arts and Culture with its distinctive architecture designed by world-renowned architects Mario Botta, Jean Nouvel and Rem Koolhaas, as well as interior spaces that reinterpret Korean traditions in a modern context. 

In May, Leeum will present three exhibitions: a traditional Korean art collection that features around 120 selected works from pre-history to the Joseon Dynasty, a modern and contemporary art collection showcasing key works by both Korean and international artists, and Liminal, a solo exhibition by Pierre Huyghe, who will transform the exhibition space into a dynamic, constantly evolving milieu with hybrid creatures.

Closing lunch

The closing lunch of the World Summit on Arts and Culture will take place in Daehak-ro, the heart of Korea’s performing arts scene. Surrounded by more than 100 small theaters, the ARKO Arts Theater, and the ARKO Art Center, Marronnier Park has become a central hub for Korea’s performing arts. The dedication and passion of artists have helped Daehak-ro evolve into a thriving theater district. Beyond the stage, it has produced renowned actors and become a bridge between theater, webtoons, dramas, and films, significantly influencing popular culture. As we wrap up three days of lively discussions at the World Summit, we hope these conversations will lead to tangible changes in the arts scene. While you're here, immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Daehak-ro, and enjoy Korean street food that can be found in its lively streets.