"Traveling Dialect Story Concert" to Be Held in Suncheon on November 2

November 2 at Suncheon Youth Center

The National Hangeul Museum, under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, will hold the "Traveling Dialect Story Concert - Let’s Talk Using Satori (Let’s Tell Stories in Dialect)" on the 3rd floor of the Suncheon Youth Center in Suncheon City on November 2.

Traveling Dialect Story Concert Poster. Provided by the National Hangeul Museum

Enjoying the Taste and Charm of Dialects with the Suncheon Food & Art Festival

The "Traveling Dialect Story Concert" was planned by the National Hangeul Museum starting last year to share the value of dialects with the public and to continue efforts to preserve them. Beginning with events in Gangneung (in May, during the Danoje Festival) and Jeju (in October, during the Tamna Cultural Festival) last year, the event received a great response, including 14,803 visitors participating over nine days at the Jinhae Gunhangje Festival in April this year.

Suncheon in South Jeolla Province is a popular tourist destination with outstanding natural scenery and rich historical and cultural heritage. In 2023, it attracted approximately 7.8 million visitors, the highest among major tourist sites nationwide. This "Traveling Dialect Story Concert" will be co-hosted with Suncheon City Hall and held in conjunction with the Suncheon Food & Art Festival, presenting the unique flavor of Jeonnam dialect through stories and performances.

The Jeonnam dialect is characterized by the nasal "~ing" sound at the end of words, which feels warm and friendly, and well reflects the region’s sentiment and identity. At the event, attendees can hear from Lee Kigap, Professor Emeritus at Mokpo National University, and Dr. Wi Pyungnyang, who have dedicated their careers to studying the Jeonnam dialect, as they discuss "The Flavor of Words and Food in Dialects." Poet Jo Jeong, who writes epic poetry in the Jeolla dialect, will also share his story. The program includes a calligraphy performance by artist Kim Jandwi, traditional Korean music performances such as "Yukjabaegi" and "Minyo Suite" by Gayatgoatti, and a participatory segment where the Hyangnim Elementary School Choir from Suncheon teaches about dialects through song. There will also be an interactive session where audience members can come on stage and tell stories using the Jeonnam dialect.

Hangkkunedeul, Let’s Have Fun Using Satori (Everyone, Let’s Play Using Dialect)

Alongside the "Traveling Dialect Story Concert," an experiential booth related to the Jeonnam dialect will be held for three days from October 31 to November 2 at the outdoor event plaza in front of the Suncheon Youth Center.

Visitors can spin a wheel to answer dialect questions and win prizes, or make their own dialect pouch, creating meaningful memories. Those who complete the experiences at the booth can stamp a postcard to receive a gift, such as a hand mirror featuring calligraphy by Kang Byeongin or a Hanggaku (the Jeonnam dialect word for "thistle") keychain, offering a chance to experience the charm of Hangeul and regional dialects through cultural merchandise.

Kang Jeongwon, Director of the National Hangeul Museum, said of the event, "I hope you will feel the taste and beauty of dialect, which embodies the living history and culture of the Jeonnam region." He added, "Next year, we plan to continue the 'Traveling Dialect Story Concert' in conjunction with local festivals in regions such as Gyeonggi and Chungcheong."

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