Chuncheon International Mime Festival 2024 (Courtesy of Ministry of Mimefestival)

On May 31, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism began hosting an enormous K-pop dance festival called “K-pop Playground” across the country. The festival, which is scheduled to run through September, is part of the ministry’s line-up of 10 programs for the 2023-24 Visit Korea Year to be held in cooperation with the non-profit Visit Korea Committee (VKC). The Visit Korea Year initiative is a strategic move by the government to attract a total of 30 million tourists to Korea by 2027. 

Visitors having a good time at the Chuncheon International Mime Festival 2024 (Courtesy of Ministry of Mimefestival)

Moreover, the competition involves a series of nine rounds, with the most exceptional individuals selected for the ultimate 10th round, the “Grand Prix.” The winner will receive rewards and the chance to create a captivating video showcasing their achievement. In addition, “K-pop Playground” will feature “K-culture Sparkling Stores” where visitors can immerse themselves in vibrant local culture and explore a variety of products, including beauty items. 

Visitors having a good time at the Chuncheon International Mime Festival 2024 (Courtesy of Ministry of Mimefestival)

Park Jong Taek,  the Director-General for the Tourism Policy Bureau at the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, expressed his excitement for the “K-pop Playground” event, saying that he hopes both domestic and international K-pop fans will come together to enjoy it. He believes that this event will not only bring joy to fans, but also breathe new life into local festivals and tourist destinations.

Visitors having a good time at the Chuncheon International Mime Festival 2024 (Courtesy of Ministry of Mimefestival)

The K-pop Playground kicked off its first session in conjunction with the Chuncheon International Mime Festival at Chuncheon Legoland on May 31. During its run until September, the festival will captivate audiences in various regions, including Busan, Seoul, Daegu, Jeonju, Gyeongju, and Incheon, for a total of 10 sessions. The festival’s grand finale will be held at Seoul’s Gwanghwamun Plaza in late September. 

Korea Beauty Festival (Courtesy of Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism)

Festival Itinerary

Chuncheon: May 31 (Chuncheon Mime Festival)

Busan: June 8 (Busan One Asia Festival)

Seoul (Hongdae): June 15 (Korea Beauty Festival)

Daegu: July 6 (Daegu Chimac Festival)

Boryeong: July 20 (Boryeong Mud Festival)

Haenam: August 3 (Haenam Civic Plaza)

Jeonju: August 17 (Jeonju World Sound Festival)

Gyeongju: August 31 (Gyeongju Cultural Hall 1918 Plaza)

Incheon: September 7 (Incheon K-pop Concert)

Seoul (Gwanghwamun): September 28 (Gwanghwamun Plaza)