Korean classical music concerts held at Changdeokgung Palace. Courtesy of Korea Cultural Heritage Foundation

SEOUL, South Korea -- At Changdeokgung, one of Seoul’s five Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) palaces, visitors tired of the pandemic have a rare chance to travel back in time as melodic harmonies from Korean classical musical performances fill the air.

The concert series combines the traditional and the modern. Co-hosted by the Cultural Heritage Administration and the Korea Cultural Heritage Foundation, performances will begin at 4 pm (Tuesday to Friday), 2 pm and 4 pm (Saturday and Sunday) and run until May 16 on the palace grounds behind Seonjeongjeon Hall.

Changdeokgung was the longest-serving royal palace during the 500 years of the Joseon Dynasty. For aesthetics and necessity, many Joseon kings preferred its setting to that of the main palace Gyeongbokgung, which was burned down during the late 16^th century invasions of Korea by Japan and not rebuilt until the mid 19^th century. Of the five royal palaces, Changdeokgung features the most well-preserved and intact array of structures that blend seamlessly into pristine natural landscapes featuring a lotus pond and splendid groves of pine and maple trees.

Against this backdrop, the palace has invited Doran, Joseon Pop Delegation, The Narin and two other young, up-and-coming ensembles to perform traditional Korean music arranged with a clever, modern twist. These performances take chamber music beyond its classical form and will run in the first and third week of the concert series.

The second week of the event (May 1-9) coincides with the 7th Royal Culture Festival at the five grand palaces. It will feature an interesting fusion of traditional melodies and the sounds of contemporary pop, jazz, ballads, blues and trot.

As part of COVID-19 social distancing measures, no more than 50 people will be allowed to attend the outdoor concert per day. Tickets will be distributed free of charge at the entrance on a first-come, first-served basis one hour prior to the performances.