Korea Festivals

Painters

Nov 1, 2022 – Dec 31, 2026 · Happening now · Seoul

Painters
Painters. Photo: Korea Tourism Organization

Overview

Painters is original in that its main channels of communication with the audience are dance, acting, and art. Added to this is projection mapping, a new video technique, which gives the audience a richly varied visual experience. The main scenes featured on stage include light carving, which sculpts with light; action painting, created on four canvases; dust drawing, which stands out for the charm of its twist; speed drawing, drawn at astonishing speed; marbling, drawn on water; and luminous drawing, captured with light.

Why go

Painters is a non-verbal stage show that blends dance, acting, and live art with projection mapping for a visually driven performance. Scenes include action painting on four canvases, fast-paced speed drawing, marbling on water, dust drawing, and light-based "light carving" and luminous drawing done in real time. Because there's no spoken dialogue, it's easy to follow without knowing Korean.

Getting there from Seoul

The venue is in central Seoul itself, on Jeongdong-gil in Jung-gu, near Deoksugung Palace and Gwanghwamun. The nearest subway stop is City Hall Station (Lines 1 and 2); from there it's a short walk through the Jeongdong-gil area to the Kyunghyang Shinmun Building.

Tips

  • No dialogue, so it suits visitors who don't speak Korean
  • This is a long-running production (through the end of 2026), so confirm current showtimes and book ahead rather than assuming a fixed daily schedule
  • Pair it with a walk through nearby Deoksugung Palace or Gwanghwamun, both within walking distance

Best for: art lovers, non-Korean speakers, couples, first-time visitors.

  • Painters
    Photo: Korea Tourism Organization
  • Painters
    Photo: Korea Tourism Organization
  • Painters
    Photo: Korea Tourism Organization
  • Painters
    Photo: Korea Tourism Organization
  • Painters
    Photo: Korea Tourism Organization
  • Painters
    Photo: Korea Tourism Organization

Other festivals in Seoul

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    Seoul Royal Palace Gate Guard Changing Ceremony

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    The 'Seoul Royal Palace Gate Guard Changing Ceremony' is a representative traditional culture reenactment event hosted by the Seoul Metropolitan Government, vividly recreating the shift-changing scene of the Sumungun, the guards who protected the palace gates during the Joseon Dynasty. The Sumunjang (gate guard commander) was an official post of the sixth junior rank (Jong6-pum), who, together with the Chamha officials and Sumungun soldiers under the Sumunjangcheong (Gate Guard Office), guarded the palace gates, controlled entry and exit, and carried out patrols. The changing ceremony was composed based on actual historical records and is centered on Deoksugung Palace in the late Joseon period. The event is held six days a week, excluding Mondays, at 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM in front of Daehanmun Gate at Deoksugung Palace. To add interest for the general public and foreign tourists, various hands-on programs are also operated: the 'Opening Drum Beating Experience' lets participants directly beat the drum to signal the start of the ceremony, 'Becoming a Sumunjang' lets participants wear the gate guard commander's costume and experience the role, and the 'Traditional Costume Experience' is a popular program where visitors can wear Joseon-era attire and have photos taken.

Festivals: Seoul

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Dates and programs can change. Check the official site before you go. Official site