Crafts, Korean Traditional Music, and Oriental Medicine.. Chungcheongbuk-do Showcases the Diverse Charms of K-Culture

'Kedeheon (K-Pop Demon Hunters)' is gaining popularity, and interest in K-Culture is heating up. Various events showcasing the charms of K-Culture are set to take place intensively in Chungcheongbuk-do this September, drawing attention.

Korea Tourism Organization Sejong Chungbuk Branch announced on the 21st, "International cultural events such as the Cheongju Craft Biennale, Yeongdong World Traditional Music Expo, and Jecheon International Oriental Medicine and Natural Products Expo will be held consecutively in Chungbuk," adding, "During these events, high-quality performances and diverse exhibitions will be showcased, raising expectations."


■Artistic Sensibility Recharge, Cheongju Craft Biennale

The Cheongju Craft Biennale is an international art event encompassing all fields of crafts such as ceramics, wood, textiles, and metals, held every two years. This year's event, taking place from September 4th in various locations in Cheongju, marks the 14th edition, with participation from over 3,000 artists from more than 60 countries worldwide.

The '2025 Cheongju Craft Biennale' has set this year's theme as 'Building the World.' This theme represents the creative acts of making clothes, food, and homes, aiming to diagnose the new identity of crafts and explore its possibilities. 

Additionally, in the era of digital technology that seeks stimulation and entertainment, the biennale aims to find the essential value of crafts that enhance bodily recovery and material intelligence. During the exhibition period, which continues until November 2nd, visitors can experience a variety of events and exhibitions, including the main exhibition composed of four sections, national invitation exhibitions, and special exhibitions.


■"Beyond K-Pop" Yeongdong World Traditional Music Expo

The '2025 Yeongdong World Traditional Music Expo,' Korea's first traditional music expo, will be held from September 12th to October 11th in Yeongdong-gun, Chungbuk, at the Rainbow Healing Tourist Site and Traditional Music Experience Village. 

Under the theme 'The Fragrance of Traditional Music Colors the World,' this month-long expo will feature various traditional music stages spanning generations, world traditional music performances with participation from over 30 countries, and various experience programs, promising enjoyment for visitors.

The Yeongdong World Traditional Music Expo has prepared diverse content that encompasses tradition and modernity, generations, and classes, allowing even those who do not frequently encounter traditional music to enjoy it without burden. To this end, the expo organizing committee plans to present over 280 performances, including elegant traditional music performances and reinterpretations in line with the latest trends.

Additionally, various exhibitions on traditional music and world traditional music are prepared in four spaces, including the Traditional Music Theme Hall, World Music Culture Hall, Future Traditional Music Hall, and Traditional Music Industry Hall, making it a good place to explore.


■Jecheon Oriental Medicine and Natural Products Expo on the 20th of Next Month

In Jecheon, the 'City of Oriental Medicine,' the '2025 Jecheon International Oriental Medicine and Natural Products Expo' will be held from September 20th to October 19th at the Jecheon Oriental Medicine Expo Park, under the theme 'A World with Natural Products, A Better Future.'

The 'Oriental Medicine and Natural Products Industry' refers to healthy bio-resources derived from nature. It is an industry that produces various added values based on the efficacy and functionality of natural products obtained from nature, such as medicinal crops, agricultural products, forest products, and marine products, for use in promoting human health and preventing and treating diseases.

The core of this expo is concentrated in three exhibition halls. The Oriental Medicine and Natural Products Industry Hall will exhibit and introduce various natural product-based pharmaceuticals, health functional foods, and cosmetics. The International Exchange Hall will host various events where domestic and international related institutions and companies participate to gain insights related to oriental medicine. Additionally, the Experience Hall, a space that recreates 'Jecheon Yakryeong Market,' offers visitors the opportunity to purchase herbs and specialties from Jecheon.

jsm64@fnnews.com Jeong Soon-min Reporter