The Seoul Namsan Gugakdang, established in 2007, is Korea’s first theater dedicated to traditional music. It was founded to showcase the excellence of Korean traditional music and promote traditional performing arts. The theater's beautiful and unique design harmonizes with its surroundings, featuring a traditional Korean architectural structure on the first floor and placing the theater underground. This design reflects the essence of Korean historical identity and aesthetics.
The sunken garden, "Chimsangwon," connects to the lobby of the basement theater and offers a stunning landscape view with natural sunlight, reminiscent of Gyotaejeon at Gyeongbokgung Palace. The theater seats 300 people and uses wood to enhance its natural beauty. It features a thrust stage, allowing for close and smooth interaction with the audience. The design ensures that audiences can enjoy rich, natural sound without the need for audio equipment, making it ideal for traditional Korean art performances.
In 2017, the Seoul Namsan Gugakdang celebrated its tenth anniversary. In celebration, the theater and its facilities were renovated, enhancing it for various traditional art performances. Today, it is a vibrant hub of Korean traditional culture and arts, attracting both locals and tourists. Located within the serene Namsangol Hanok Village, the Seoul Namsan Gukakdang offers a unique blend of Korean culture and nature in the heart of the city, providing a perfect place to enjoy high-quality art performances and relaxation.
