July 2025
Korean Dance
The term “한국무용” (Korean dance) on the cover refers to traditional Korean dance. The cover photo captures a scene from “One Dance,” a work by the Seoul Metropolitan Dance Theatre that premiered in 2022 and has continued to be beloved by audiences. This piece offers a contemporary reinterpretation of dances performed during the state ceremony of the Joseon Dynasty. Through the example of “One Dance,” we aim to show how Korean dance expresses the values and emotions rooted in tradition through today’s movements.
Korean dance reflects Korea’s unique aesthetic and heritage. Emerging from royal courts, rituals and everyday life, it has preserved the nation’s spirit while evolving with the times. Today, it stands as a symbol of innovation, tradition and the dynamic force of the Hallyu (Korean Wave).
한국무용은 한국의 미의식과 전통을 바탕으로 형성된 고유의 춤이다. 왕실과 종교의식, 민중의 일상에서 자연스럽게 탄생한 한국무용은 한국의 역사와 정서를 고스란히 담아내며 시대에 따라 진화했다. 그리고 마침내, 오늘날 한국무용은 파격과 새로움, 전통의 확장을 상징하며 한류의 영역을 확대하는 문화가 됐다.
The once-serene image of Korean dance has recently undergone a transformation. What was once remembered for its quiet, slow movements is now being recognized as an art form that is fast, dynamic and even experimental.
“One Dance” returns to the stage after selling out three performances at at the Lincoln Center’s David H. Koch Theater in New York, two years ago. The latest and greatest iteration of this modern reinterpretation of traditional Korean dance will soon appear before audiences.
Korean dance refers to traditional dances rooted in Korea’s heritage. Among its various genres, Korean creative dance is currently receiving the most attention. By examining examples of Korean creative dance, we can explore the unique traditional characteristics of Korean dance and how it is evolving toward the future.
Hadong-gun County
July marks the start of summer vacation, a time of restoring energy and wrapping up the first half of the year that was filled with new promises and challenges. So, we head for Hadong-gun County.
In that land of tea and literature, we brew tea and savor its aroma and flavor as a way to pause and reconnect with ourselves.
For most Westerners, no birthday celebration is complete without a candle-laden cake. Koreans, however, consider something quite different to be essential birthday food: a hot bowl of miyeokguk, soup made from miyeok (brown seaweed). But what is miyeok? And why are Koreans so keen on it? It’s time to find out.
Miyeongnaengguk
