National Theater of Korea
The National Theater of Korea is a national theatre located in the neighborhood of Jangchung-dong, Jung-gu, South Korea. It is the first nationally managed theater in Asia. Affiliation. The National Theater of Korea was established in 1950 by the government of South Korea and hosts the National Theater Company of Korea, which performs both Korean and international plays, the National Changgeuk Company of Korea, which performs traditional Korean "changgeuk", the National Dance Company of Korea, and the National Orchestra Company of Korea. Events. Youth Performing Arts Festival. The Youth Performing Arts Festival of the  National Theater, held every April until May, is a festival for youth. With the theme ‘Youth Embracing the Sky,’ the festival contributes to fostering the positive emotions of youth through programs allowing the experience of traditional dance music, musicals, mime, plays and dance of both Korean and international classics. In 2008 when the first festival was held, "The Journey to Folksong with Suksun Ahn" was performed for youth and multi-cultural families in culturally neglected areas. The Youth Performing Arts Festival is the signature event of the National Theater, with the goal of inspiring those who will be the future  leaders of society and the performing arts. The World Festival of National Theaters. Starting in 2007, the World Festival of National Theaters takes place from September to October every year. The festival promotes the mutual understanding of cultures from every country, whereby Korean audiences can enjoy many excellent domestic and overseas performances. At the same time the National Theater of Korea can better solidify its position as the center of performing arts in Korea. Performances representing national theaters of various nations are on stage together with additional events like shows and exhibitions. National theaters, embassies and cultural centers of every  country gather here for active cultural and artistic communication. The World Festival of National Theaters is the biggest festival hosted by the National Theater of Korea and is considered by some to be one of the greatest festivals in Korea. The Saturday Cultural Plaza. Since 1993, the Saturday Cultural Plaza is the oldest open air performance by the National Theater. Various concerts and performances such as ballets, concerts of contemporary music and orchestra concerts are held in the open air cultural plaza every May to September, on Saturdays at 6:00PM. So far, 350 thousand people have visited the Saturday Cultural  Plaza. From 2002 to 2007 the Plaza was sponsored by Renault-Samsung Motors and starting in 2008 by KB Kookmin Bank, which received the Mecenat Award in 2008. This activity aspires to serve as a model of partnership between art and business. Midday Concert. The Midday Concert was designed to show the potential of traditional classical music so the public can easily understand Korean music’s past and present. Folksongs, contemporary music, and original sound tracks of soap operas and films are rearranged and modernized by the National Orchestra. Commentaries on each work by the artistic director Byeongki Hwang in  order to enrich the concert’s content. Seasons Festival. National Theater of Korea provides various events every spring, summer, fall and winter.