Thursday Pungnyu at Gwangmu Stage: Want to spend a serene night with gugak?
Introduction
On Thursday evenings, when the lights of downtown Seoul settle into calm, quiet strings and measured rhythms wrap around your heart. The moment the familiar street noise fades behind a closing door, sounds and gestures like an old breath seep in with a gentle afterglow.
Thursday Pungnyu at Gwangmu Stage: Want to spend a serene night with gugak?
Contents
- Guide
- Program Information
- Visit (Planned) Impressions
- Recommended Stays
- Restaurants & Cafes
- Nearby Attractions
- Getting There
- In Closing
- Photo Snapshots
- Videos
- Related News
Guide
- Period — 2025.04.03 ~ 2025.12.25
- Hours — Every Thursday 19:00
- Venue — Traditional Performing Arts Creation Maru, Gwangmu Stage
- Address — 9F, 272 Jongno (Jongno 6-ga), Jongno-gu, Seoul
- Admission — All seats 10,000 won
- Duration — Approx. 60 minutes
- Hosted/Organized by — Korea Traditional Performing Arts Foundation (KOTPA), Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism
- Inquiries — 02-580-3276
- 18:30 After getting off the subway, walk over; confirm your reservation and pick up tickets
- 18:40 Arrive at the venue, wait to enter, and take your seat
- 19:00 Performance begins — enjoy instrumental, vocal, dance, and folk performance in order
- 19:30 Appreciate the highlights by genre and take a short break
- 20:00 Performance ends — wrap up with the lingering mood and the night air
All seats 10,000 won — advance booking preferred
Performance about 60 minutes
Thursday Pungnyu at Gwangmu Stage is a regular series held every Thursday from April to December at the Traditional Performing Arts Creation Maru inside Dongdaemun General Market, presenting the essence of Korean traditional performing arts — instrumental music, vocal music, dance, and folk performance. At a downtown venue with views of Heunginjimun and the Naksan city wall, you can quietly meet the tasteful sounds and gestures that have moved with the seasons.
Thirty-eight teams of emerging artists and mid-career masters were selected through an open call for this regular stage, and a differently colored program each week invites the audience in. At 10,000 won for any seat, follow the textures of traditional arts comfortably yet in depth.
Program Information
Delicate strings, nuanced vibrato, and breath-driven melodies fill the stage’s quiet. The instruments’ native resonance sketches the grain of the seasons.
Deep breathing and the aesthetics of song open layers of time. A long-lasting afterglow lingers in the simple melodies.
Scenes shaped by graceful lines and restrained movements flow like poetry. Your heart quietly responds to the sentences written by the body.
Spirit, wit, and lively rhythms broaden the stage’s breathing. Meet the vitality of tradition where laughter and rhythm come together.
It’s best to arrive by the 7 PM start time. Entering with time to spare helps you focus.
With a flat rate of 10,000 won, advance booking is advantageous. It helps with seat selection and planning your route.
The performance runs about 60 minutes. Leave enough time for plans afterward or your trip home.
Advance booking recommended
Running time approx. 60 min
Visit (Planned) Impressions
Today is November 11, 2025. The Thursday Pungnyu at Gwangmu Stage series runs from April 3 to December 25, 2025, so it’s currently in season. I’ve already attended several performances and am looking forward to the remaining ones. What struck me first on my visits was the way the streets of Dongdaemun turned golden as 7 PM approached. The bustle of Jongno and Dongdaemun General Market added a peculiar thrill to my steps toward the venue. I remember how, when the small theater doors of the Traditional Performing Arts Creation Maru, Gwangmu Stage opened, the whiff of fragrant old timber and the soft lighting on stage put my mind at ease.
The program was truly diverse. From the delicate strings of instrumental music to the deep resonance of vocal music, the fluid movement of dance, and the humor of folk performance, it felt like traversing the whole body of traditional arts. Especially with the 38 teams of emerging artists and mid-career masters selected through an open call, as one scene ended, it felt as if another story unfolded. The flat 10,000 won ticket also made it pleasantly affordable. Sitting inside the venue with my pre-booked ticket in hand, exchanging glances with those around me, and sensing the trembling air that anticipates the performance beforehand were each joys of their own.
If you choose one of the remaining performances, I recommend arriving about 30 minutes before the start to share in the sounds of the street, the light breeze, and a sky that seems to hold something eternal. Walk and breathe like that, and when the performance begins, your heart will quietly settle as if stepping into an old gallery. If you put your phone away and steady your breathing before taking your seat, the first note on stage will sound even clearer.
Recommended Stays
These accommodations are chosen around the Jongno–Dongdaemun area where the venue is located, considering public transit access and easy movement. They’re convenient for getting around before and after the show and for using downtown amenities.
33 Nangye-ro 11-gil (Hwanghak-dong), Jung-gu, Seoul
Easy city access · clean rooms
Weekends in peak season may sell out early.
[Distance: 1.3 km]
89 Donhwamun-ro 11ga-gil (Unni-dong, City Park), Jongno-gu, Seoul
Easy city access · spa relaxation
Check whether baggage storage is available before check-in.
[Distance: 1.7 km]
76-4 Jahamun-ro (Hyoja-dong), Jongno-gu, Seoul
Tranquil vibe · atmospheric interiors
Please follow the host’s check-in time guidance.
[Distance: 3.6 km]
49 Yonsei-ro 2-gil (Changcheon-dong), Seodaemun-gu, Seoul
Convenient transit · good value
Confirm parking availability in advance.
[Distance: 6.3 km]
162-7 Donggyo-ro (Seogyo-dong), Mapo-gu, Seoul
Lively area · convenient transport
There may be a wait to check in on weekends.
[Distance: 8.0 km]
610 Teheran-ro (Daechi-dong), Gangnam-gu, Seoul
Business-friendly location · excellent amenities
If using public transit, check your transfer route.
[Distance: 8.5 km]
26-9 Tongil-ro 78-gil (Bulgwang-dong, Bulgwang Treviang), Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul
Quiet surroundings · good value
Confirm check-in/out times in advance.
[Distance: 9.1 km]
16 Uisadang-daero (Yeouido-dong), Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul
Business hub · convenient transport
Check parking fees if you plan to park.
[Distance: 9.4 km]
Check check-in and parking policies in advance
Restaurants & Cafes
These are conveniently located along downtown routes before or after the show. To account for peak-time waits, plan an early dinner or a later meal for a relaxed experience.
24 Samil-daero 15-gil (Gwancheol-dong), Jongno-gu, Seoul
Wraps and grilled meats · hearty meal
Be aware of possible waits at peak times.
[Distance: 2.0 km]
19-3 Myeongdong 10-gil (Myeong-dong 2-ga), Jung-gu, Seoul
Charcoal-grilled flavor
Evening hours may see a wait.
[Distance: 2.2 km]
3-28 Toegye-ro 6-gil (Hoehyeon-dong 1-ga), Jung-gu, Seoul
Refined Korean dishes · comfortable ambience
Consider off-peak visits for lunch/dinner.
[Distance: 2.9 km]
3-28 Toegye-ro 6-gil (Hoehyeon-dong 1-ga), Jung-gu, Seoul
Spicy webfoot octopus · quick turnover
Allow extra time for groups.
[Distance: 2.9 km]
22 Eonju-ro 170-gil (Sinsa-dong), Gangnam-gu, Seoul
Stylish dining
Check reservation availability in advance.
[Distance: 5.5 km]
42 Seocho-daero 78-gil (Seocho-dong), Seocho-gu, Seoul
Well-prepared grills · comfortable seating
Expect waits on weekend evenings.
[Distance: 8.7 km]
48 Seocho-daero 78-gil (Seocho-dong), Seocho-gu, Seoul
Charcoal-grilled meats · satisfying meal
Visit outside peak times if possible.
[Distance: 8.8 km]
62 Mangwon-ro 2-gil (Mangwon-dong), Mapo-gu, Seoul
Sweet desserts · casual mood
Weekend afternoons can have long waits.
[Distance: 9.6 km]
Beware of peak-time waits
Nearby Attractions
This route is organized to be easy to cover in the city. Before or after the show, start with nearby spots and stroll lightly for an efficient itinerary.
7 Sinheung-ro 36-gil (Huam-dong), Yongsan-gu, Seoul
Artful vibes in the city
Take your time to find indoor and outdoor photo spots.
[Distance: 3.6 km]
Yongdap-dong, Seongdong-gu, Seoul
Seasonal stroll path
Explore with a light walking route.
[Distance: 3.8 km]
![[서울둘레길 19코스] 북한산 성북코스](http://tong.visitkorea.or.kr/cms/resource/71/3526271_image2_1.jpg "Thursday Pungnyu at Gwangmu Stage: Want to spend a serene night with gugak?")
Pyeongchang-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Forest views · great for walking
Wear comfortable shoes.
[Distance: 5.2 km]
Yeonhui-dong, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul
A green retreat in the city
Stop by during quieter hours.
[Distance: 6.3 km]
![[서울둘레길 20코스] 북한산 강북코스](http://tong.visitkorea.or.kr/cms/resource/67/3526267_image2_1.jpg "Thursday Pungnyu at Gwangmu Stage: Want to spend a serene night with gugak?")
117 Hwagyesa-gil (Suyu-dong), Gangbuk-gu, Seoul
Ridges · wide-open views
Check weather and trail conditions.
[Distance: 6.8 km]
![[서울둘레길 18코스] 북한산 종로코스](http://tong.visitkorea.or.kr/cms/resource/43/3526243_image2_1.jpg "Thursday Pungnyu at Gwangmu Stage: Want to spend a serene night with gugak?")
Bulgwang-dong, Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul
Gentle forest path · healing walk
Consider the sun angle by time of day.
[Distance: 7.4 km]
231 Yeouido Hangang Park-gil (Yeouido-dong), Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul
Han River night views
Check the sailing schedule in advance.
[Distance: 8.0 km]
![[서울둘레길 16코스] 봉산·앵봉산코스](http://tong.visitkorea.or.kr/cms/resource/15/3526215_image2_1.jpg "Thursday Pungnyu at Gwangmu Stage: Want to spend a serene night with gugak?")
Jeungsan-dong, Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul
Neighborhood-accessible forest trail
Bring water and a light snack.
[Distance: 9.0 km]
Plan your route by time of day
Getting There
Public Transportation — The address of Traditional Performing Arts Creation Maru, Gwangmu Stage is New Building (Wing N), 9F, 272 Jongno (Jongno 6-ga), Jongno-gu, Seoul. By public transit, get off at Dongdaemun Station (Lines 9 and 10) or Dongdaemun History & Culture Park Station and walk.
By Car — As it’s in central Jongno-gu, we recommend using nearby paid parking lots.
If using public transit, check the walking route
In Closing
Every Thursday at 7 PM in the heart of the city, a traditional stage blending instrumental music, vocal music, dance, and folk performance fills the calm night. Against the backdrop of Heunginjimun and the Naksan city wall, carry home the quiet textures of gugak from this regular series running from April to December, with all seats at 10,000 won.
Arrive a little early to steady your mind, and focus for about an hour — the pace of daily life will naturally slow. With a gentle afterglow, finish the night with an easy stroll.
