The coal-industry transition areas of Yeongwol, Taebaek and Samcheok will usher in autumn with a series of cultural and arts events, including the Huimang Ieum Concert and a commemorative performance marking Miners' Day.
The Kangwon Land Social Contribution Foundation announced Saturday that it is launching its "2026 Cultural Performance Project" to expand access to the arts for residents of coal-transition communities and to reexamine the historical significance of those regions through culture and the arts.
The project was designed to bring artistic experiences to residents in coal-transition areas who have had relatively limited access to cultural events, while also inviting local communities to reflect on the lives and contributions of the miners who helped lay the foundation for South Korea's economic development.
The series comprises three performances held across Yeongwol, Taebaek and Samcheok. The first, the Huimang Ieum Concert titled "Live, Life, Love: Songs in the Dark," will be held at 4 p.m. on Aug. 29 at the Yeongwol Culture and Arts Center.
The Yeongwol performance will feature the Hanbit Arts Troupe — a professional ensemble of visually impaired performers — along with the DTL Band (Darkness to Light) and an orchestra, presenting a stage that combines blackout performances with media art.
The concert is part of Kangwon Land's participation in the "2026 Thousand Lives Project," organized by the Life Protection Promotion Headquarters under the Office for Government Policy Coordination, and aims to convey messages of respect for life and social solidarity through music.
The series continues with "Singing the Light," a commemorative performance marking the designation of Miners' Day, staged in both Taebaek and Samcheok. The Taebaek performance is scheduled for Sept. 11 at the Taebaek Culture and Arts Center, and the Samcheok performance for Sept. 19 at the Samcheok Culture and Arts Center.
"Singing the Light" will feature classical vocal and instrumental performances by mezzo-soprano Kim Mi-gyeong alongside a traditional performing arts stage by master artist Kwon Won-tae.
All performances are free of charge. Reservations can be made through Naver Booking or via QR codes on promotional posters. Ticket reservations for Yeongwol opened Friday, while those for Taebaek open Tuesday and for Samcheok on Aug. 19.
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