Busan is good

The 49th Dongnae National Traditional Arts Competition Successfully Concludes in Busan

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The Busan Metropolitan City (Mayor Park Heong-joon) announced that the 49th Dongnae National Traditional Arts Competition, held at the Busan Folk Arts Center on June 21 and 22, concluded successfully.

This competition was designed to promote the value of traditional arts, develop specialization in traditional dance and instrumental music at a national level, and expand the reach of traditional culture. It also aimed to discover and foster talented newcomers, offering them opportunities for artistic growth.

The event was co-hosted by the City of Busan and the Busan Folk Arts Preservation Association and organized by the latter.

This year’s competition brought together traditional artists of various ages and experience levels—from middle and high school students to seasoned masters—creating a meaningful stage for preserving and promoting the richness of Korea’s traditional arts to the public.

Participants competed in two categories: traditional dance and instrumental music, across four divisions—Middle & High School, General, Rookie (Dance), and Master. A total of 84 artists from around the country showcased their talents in a heated competition.

As a result, 39 individuals received awards and prize money, including the Grand Prize and the Excellence Prize.

The highest honor, the Grand Prize (Prime Minister’s Award), was awarded to Jeon Yeo-gyeong (age 41), a certified performer of Han Yeong-suk’s style of Taepyeongmu in the Master Division. The Excellence Prize (Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Award) went to Cho Hee-gyu (age 34), a performer of Ji Yeong-hee’s style of Haegeum Sanjo. The Grand Prize came with a monetary award of 5 million KRW, and the Excellence Prize carried 3 million KRW.

Cho Yu-jang, Director General of Culture at the Busan Metropolitan City, remarked, “Dongnae in Busan has long been a cradle of traditional arts, where folk arts, Korean classical music, and traditional dance have been a part of daily life. The Dongnae National Traditional Arts Competition will continue to be a gateway for aspiring artists and a vital venue for the transmission of our intangible cultural heritage. We will continue to provide steadfast support and attention.”