A Breathtaking Showcase of Korean Traditional Performance at the Han River – An Unforgettable Cultural Experience Shared by 3,686 Americans
A Miraculous Day at Yeouido Hangang Park
n September 2025, 3,686 employees of the U.S. financial firm WSB gathered at the Mulbit Stage of Yeouido Hangang Park in Seoul. What awaited them was the gigjeop (flag performance) by the Hapgood Performing Troupe.
Imagine the heart of Seoul, where the timeless traditions of Korea meet the modern skyline of the Han River. People from different cultures and languages became one through rhythm and movement—a truly miraculous scene.
Soaring Flags in the Sky – The Grandeur of Gigjeop
One of the troupe’s signature performances, the gigjeop (dragon-flag performance), rose high above the Han River. At the top of towering poles, massive flags fluttered in the wind—symbols in Korean folk culture that connect heaven and earth, humans and the divine. In the past, this ritual embodied prayers for a good harvest and community well-being. Today, it has been reborn as a performance carrying collective hope and energy.
On this day in Yeouido, vivid red, blue, yellow, and green dragon flags filled the skyline, creating a breathtaking panorama against the modern cityscape. Thousands of spectators held their breath and gazed upward, witnessing not just a spectacle, but a performance conveying the scale and profound meaning of Korean tradition.
Drums Beating as One – 3,686 Hearts in Sync
As the powerful sound of gongs and drums resonated across the Han River, the audience’s heartbeat aligned with the rhythm. At first hesitant, the Americans soon gave themselves over to the energy. Guided by the skilled performers of the Hapgood Performing Troupe, the crowd clapped, stomped, and immersed themselves in the pure excitement—what Koreans call “shinmyeong.”
What the Han River heard that day:
- A three-dimensional harmony created by 12 samulnori musicians
- The unified clapping of more than 3,600 people
- Shouts of “One, two, three, four!” in English matching the janggu beats
- Waves of cheers and laughter from all corners of the park
Brave Challengers on Stage
he highlight came with audience participation.
“Who wants to try the beona nori (plate-spinning)?”
Before the interpreter had even finished the question, dozens of WSB employees raised their hands. On stage, they clumsily but cheerfully spun plates, greeted each time with laughter and applause. Even a brief success drew standing ovations. In those moments, the boundary between performer and spectator disappeared.
Magic moments of participation:
- Thunderous applause for an American who succeeded at plate-spinning
- A 3,600-person wave flowing to the rhythm of traditional dance
- A grand chorus of the folk song “Mandure”, sung together by audience and performers
- Thousands of smartphone flashes capturing the unforgettable scene
Communication Beyond Words
Perhaps the most remarkable aspect was that language was no barrier. The expressions, gestures, music, and rhythms of the Hapgood Performing Troupe were more than enough to communicate. Americans who had never spoken a word of Korean shouted along with “Eolssigu!” and “Jota!” (Yes! Wonderful!)—a moving testament to the universality of culture.
What Makes Hapgood Performing Troupe Unique
This performance was not special simply because of its size. The Hapgood Performing Troupe brought qualities that no one else could replicate:
Professionalism with authenticity
- Performers trained to the level of national intangible cultural heritage
- Preserving the purity of tradition without distortion
- Presenting tradition in ways modern audiences can easily grasp
Expertise in large-scale outdoor shows
- Stage design and flow calculated for visibility by thousands
- Performances tailored to natural elements like the wind of the Han River
- Delivering powerful energy and impact even in vast open spaces
Masters of cultural communication
- Non-verbal interaction that transcends language barriers
- Programs tailored to the cultural sensibilities of foreign guests
- An atmosphere of joy that naturally invites participation
Korean Tradition Meets the World Stage
The gigjeop performance by the Hapgood Performing Troupe delivers Korea’s heritage not as a complex ritual, but as a universal, intuitive language. The sound of drums, the soaring of flags, the expressions and gestures of performers—these need no translation.
Why this performance resonates everywhere:
- Flags are universal symbols: soaring dragon flags intuitively convey grandeur and hope.
- Music and motion are a universal language: rhythm and movement are understood by all.
- Participation bridges cultures: plate-spinning and folk singing turn spectators into performers.
- A sense of community: when thousands clap, cheer, and sing together, nationality disappears.
This is why the gigjeop performance, born in Hapgood Village, can move audiences not only in Seoul but on stages across the globe. It is tradition made alive—shared, felt, and celebrated by all.
Contact
For inquiries and bookings:
Hapgood Performing Troupe
📞 +82-63-236-1577
📧 giplay@naver.com
