By Kwon Mee-yoo
Staff Reporter
The sixth Hi-Seoul will become a year-round festival that will promote four different concepts for Korea's four seasons.
Beginning in 2003, the festival was held in May every year. But now the festival will be held throughout the year featuring four different themes for each season, beginning with the theme of ``Palace'' for its spring festival, the Seoul Foundation for Arts and Culture, the festival organizer, announced Thursday.
``Palace,'' which is expected to link the past and the future for festivalgoers will run from May 4 to 11.
Directed by renowned Korean dancer and choreographer Ahn Eun-mi, a digital version of a palace will be built on Seoul Plaza in front of City Hall. ``Palace of May'' is going to be a new digital festival palace, open to everyone. An LED grid will be installed over the sky of Seoul Plaza and a light and media show will be screened at Seoul City Hall. Every night, the ``Gala of Eight Colors'' will invite people to enjoy a colorful dance party.
The five ``real'' palaces will house various festive programs under the name ``Palace Kaleidoscope.'' At Gyeongbok Palace, the Grand Palace of the Joseon Kingdom (1392-1910), people can learn about the life of King Sejong, the fourth king of Joseon who created Hangeul. Deoksu Palace, located across the City Hall, will be the ``Palace of Crossover'' and will feature modern concerts and art flea markets. In Gyeonghui Palace people can experience royal life and watch a musical performance at night. At Changdeok Palace and Changgyeong Palace, Korean traditional performances will be held and there will be a designated palace walk on which people can enjoy the architecture, environment and culture of the old palace.
A ``Festival Bridge'' will connect the ``Palace of May'' and Deoksu Palace, in a symbolic gesture to link the traditions of the past with the technology of the future.
``Manmindaerorak'' will be a parade from Jongmyo Royal Shrine to the ``Palace of May,'' while ``Cheonggye Jayurak'' will be a space for artistic freedom.
The second part of the Hi-Seoul Festival, summer's ``Han River Festival'' is expected to emphasize the energetic and passionate aspects of the river by giving it the look of a summer resort with art and water sports, from July 25-Aug.3. There will be a Han River crossing, rock concerts and other events.
``Art Festival'' in fall will make Seoul into a ``City of Art.'' Young, experimental artists will have chance to show off their work at a gala concert, party or Hi-Seoul festival market. From Oct. 3 to 26, the ``Art Festival'' will include other art related festivals such as the ``Cheonggye Stream Busking Festival.''
`The `Light Festival,'' from Dec. 15-Jan. 15, will light up Seoul in winter. There will be a contest to see who has the best lighting displays in the city, alongside charity-related cultural events. A skating rink will be installed on Seoul Plaza and residents can enjoy skating as well as watching ice ballet.