The 27th Seoul Drum Festival to be held under the slogan “TOUCH MY SOUL”
“Seoul Parade 25” featuring 25 percussion groups and 200 citizens in a large-scale percussion performance
Free admission for all, with performances, interactive programs, and workshops throughout Nodeulseom Island
The Seoul Metropolitan Government (SMG) will host the 27th Seoul Drum Festival at Nodeulseom Island on Sat, May 10 and Sun, May 11. First launched in 1999, the festival marks its 27th year in 2025. Held under the slogan “TOUCH MY SOUL,” the program features world-class drumming performances and citizen participation events open to all ages.
This year, in particular, citizen participation has been significantly expanded. The festival’s signature program, “Seoul Parade 25,” is a large-scale percussion parade that has been in preparation for four months since January. Around 200 citizens, professionals and amateur performers took part in workshops and rehearsals to create the final performance. The parade will take place once per day during the festival and move across all of Nodeulseom Island. On-site visitors can also join in through short workshops held at the venue. The festival will also include over 100 volunteer staff members known as “DRUMFAN,” who will support operations, promotions, and documentation of the festival, helping build a truly citizen-led event.
A strong lineup of world-renowned artists will take the stage. The program features a solo performance by Sonny Emory (former member of the world-renowned band Earth, Wind & Fire), as well as a collaboration between Kashikura Takashi (drummer of leading Japanese post-rock band Toe), and Korean math-rock band Dabda. In addition, Mariana Baraj (folkloric artist from Argentina) will perform alongside traditional Korean musicians including Chang Jae-hyo and Soona Park, offering cross-genre and cross-cultural stages.
Also scheduled are a classical percussion performance by jazz rising star Kim Ye-chan and visually impaired marimbist Jeon Kyung-ho, and a solo set by SHINDRUM, named Drummer of the Year by the Korean Music Awards selection committee.
The Seoul Drum Festival is free and open to all, with no reservations required. For more details, visit the official website or contact the festival office at +82-2-537-7109 (Korean).
– Seoul Drum Festival website: www.seouldrumfestival.com
Poster of 2025 Seoul Drum Festival
Photos from 2024 Seoul Drum Festival
