The new Seoul Donhwamun Traditional Theater is opening its doors Thursday, with the aim of becoming one of the nation’s top-tier concert theaters specializing in Korean traditional music.

Situated between Changdeokgung and Jongmyo, the site of a former gas station has been completely transformed. The Seoul Metropolitan Government acquired the property in 2009 and built the stunningly picturesque and quaint performance theater house, which takes reference from traditional “hanok” -- traditional Korean house -- architecture, to retain the cultural identity of the Joseon era palace neighborhood.

The Sejong Center for the Performing Arts, which runs the venue, plans to hold a wide range of traditional and contemporary interpretations of Korean arts performances in the theater’s 140-seat concert hall.

“I personally think gugak (Korean traditional music) is a very important part of our culture,” said Kim Jung-seung, the Seoul Donhwamun Traditional Theater’s artistic director, during a press conference at the theater Tuesday. 

“But if the performances are not fun, if people are not touched emotionally by the music, then they will not come,” he added. “So what I hope to do as a director is to show people how fun gugak can really be.”

A preview of a segment from an upcoming modern performance, presented during the press event, featured two young gugak players, one wearing a fedora and the other sporting a pair of sunglasses.

Following its opening ceremony on Sept. 1, the theater will run its opening festival Byeolryeak from Sept. 2 to 10. It will feature performances by the Seoul Metropolitan Traditional Music Orchestra; percussionist Kim Jeong-hee, who holds the title of Important Intangible Cultural Heritage and is also a member of the Donghaean Byeolsin Gut Troupe; and the nationally treasured folk singer Lee Chun-hee, who holds the title of Important Intangible Cultural Heritage No. 57.

All of the theater’s concert programs will include English translations.

“We feel it is important for us to provide English explanations of our performances not only in an effort to attract a more international audience, but we feel that it is also important for foreigners to understand the stories behind these performances so that they can understand the culture. It will also allow them to better enjoy the show.”

Along with the performance hall, the venue also has a courtyard, which will be open to the general public all-year round, a cafeteria and a fully equipped practice studio, which will be made available for rent.

Tickets to the Byeolryeak performances are 20,000 won ($18). For more information on the theater’s upcoming performances, visit www.sdtt.or.kr.

By Julie Jackson (juliejackson@heraldcorp.com)