Enjoy summer with Pentaport, Jisan rock fests
By Han Sang-hee
Staff reporter
Brush off the summer heat and frustration with two of the biggest rock events in Korea.
With the Pentaport Rock Festival and the Jisan Valley Rock Festival just around the corner, music fans are getting ready to experience a rock 'n' roll fiesta with some of the most popular and talented bands from Korea and abroad.
Pentaport Rock Festival
The Pentaport Rock Festival is offering a lineup of Korean rock history that spans 30 years, from the oldest Wildflowers, to Kang San-eh, Crying Nut, Hot Potato to indie bands including Huckleberry Finn, Lee Jang-hyuk and gukkasten. Along with local sounds, the event has invited numerous foreign artists and bands, including Hoobastank, Stereophonics and Ian Brown. Groups from Taiwan (Wu Bai & China Blue) and China (Yunhoe) will also join the already colorful lineup.
Divided into two main stages ― the Pentaport Stage and the Dream Stage ― event organizers are also preparing a sub-stage called Groove Night where DJs will perform for visitors all day and night.
The Pentaport Rock Festival will be held from July 23 to 25 at Dream Park, Incheon. Tickets cost 77,000 won for one day, 99,000 won for two days and 121,000 won for a three-day pass. For more information, visit www.pentaportrock.com. The website is in Korean, English and Japanese.
Jisan Valley Rock Festival
Under the theme ``Go Rock! Go Green!'' the Jisan Valley Rock Festival is divided into three stages: the Big Top Stage, Green Stage and Electric Stage.
More than 40 acts will appear at the three-day event ― 15 from abroad and 26 from Korea. Mnet Media has prepared interesting programs and stages especially for rock fans.
The Big Top Stage will be the main venue, with most of the equipment brought over from Australia, and offer a safe and sturdy stage for both performers and fans. An additional stage called ``The Mnet Open Stage'' will bring various collaboration and tribute shows, while the DJ booth called the Electric Stage will be put up in front of a pool, perfect for those who want to enjoy the sun and water while still listening to hip tunes.
From internationally famous groups such as Massive Attack, Pet Shop Boys and Muse, to local favorites including Jang Ki-ha and Faces, Talent Boy and Broccoli You Too, the festival is expected to shower fans with hot style, music and fun.
Jisan Valley Rock Festival will be held from July 30 to Aug. 1 at the Jisan Forest Ski Resort in Icheon, Gyeonggi Province. Tickets for the festival costs 99,000 won for one day, 143,000 won for two and 176,000 won for a three day pass.
Mnet Media has arranged a special website where participants can learn more about the festival and also pick up some tips along the way. Visit https://event/mnet.com/jisan/ or www.valleyrockfestival.com. The website is available in English and Korean.