[Seoul] An Experience Performance of the Hospitality Culture of the Joseon Noble Family

The Secret Stage of Dongdaemun Revived after 96 years, Onggi Concert
 

The moment the elevator doors open on the 9th floor of the new building of Dongdaemun Shopping Complex, the hidden and mysterious Gwangmudae stage, concealed for nearly a century, reveals itself.
The spirit of 'Gwangmudae', once the center of Korea's modern performing arts scene before it was lost in a fire in 1930, has been revived in the same Dongdaemun area after 96 years.
Onggi Concert is a unique two-hour cultural curation journey that flows from the White Room to Black Room, and back again to the White Room. 

Onggi Concert: Be hosted like a Joseon noble guest

[STEP 1] White Room — The Entrance to the Journey (20 min)

This lounge offers a panoramic view of Seoul's dynamic cityscape and the traces of the old fortress walls through its wide windows. Here, guests begin their journey at a relaxed pace while enjoying a welcome drink thoughtfully prepared with traditional Korean beverages.

Guests are provided with a multilingual guidebook(English, Japanese, Chinese) to help them gain a deeper understanding of the performance, along with a photo card of the artist appearing on stage that day.
With no set rules, visitors may take their time exploring a mini exhibition that showcases that performance's production process and pause to settle into the rhythm of the journey at their own pace. 

[STEP 2] Black Room — A Salon Performance for the Five Senses (60 min)

As the doors open, the once-empty space gradually comes to life with the host's gentle conversation and presence.
This premium small-theater performance takes place in a natural acoustic venue without microphones, where even the artist's breath is delivered intimately to an audience of only 30 guests. 

More than a simple performance viewing, this program faithfully recreates the 'one person, one table' hospitality culture once used to receive honored guests in Joseon noble households. 
Presented in a relaxed salon-style setting, guests enjoy elegantly prepared traditional tea and refreshments while engaging closely with the artists.
A storyteller docent remains alongside the audience throughout the experience, offering accessible guidance to the aesthetics of Korean tradition so that even those unfamiliar with Korean culture can fully appreciate and connect with the performance.

Seasonal Lineup (Master Artists with over 20 years of experience)

- July 2 – August 13 : Pansori (UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity) — 『Simcheongga』and Korean Traditional Culture Experience

- October 14 – October 29 :  Yeonhui — Korean Traditional Folk performance arts and a Korean Traditional Culture Experience

- November 4 – December 17 :  Dance — Korean Traditional Dance and a Korean Traditional Culture Experience

[STEP 3] Back to the White Room — Impression and Experience (40 min)

After the performance, guests return to the White Room to fully immerse themselves in the lingering emotions of the stage experience.
Against the backdrop of Korean traditional patterns, visitors can try on traditional Korean attire and accessories such as Hanbok, Gat, and Jokduri, creating unforgettable photo moments. 

A special hands-on instrument experience is also prepared, allowing guests to touch and play the buk(drum) and gayageum they have seen on stage. In addition, selected guests may receive a small surprise gift as a token of appreciation.
It is a truly distinctive finale that can only be experienced at Onggi Concert. 

💡 Recommended Tip Just outside the theater, you will find a walking trail along Seoul's historic city walls, carrying over 600 years of history. After the performance, we recommend taking a leisurely stroll there with someone special. (Free walking course)

📅 Performance & Experience Schedule

Season : 2026.07.02 – 2026.12.17
Performance Time : Every Wednesday·Thursday at 4 PM
Season Break : 2026.08.19 – 2026.10.08 (No performances)
Total Duration : 2 hours (White Room 20 min → Black Room 60 min → White Room 40 min)

1. Select your preferred option and make a reservation for your desired date.

2. Check the mobile voucher or email voucher.

※ Voucher will be sent after the operator confirms your reservation.

3. After your voucher is verified on the 9th floor, please collect your ticket.

4. Once you have received your ticket, please follow the admission guidance for the performance hall and enjoy the performance.

1. Children who are able to watch and remain attentive throughout the full 60-minute live performance are welcome to participate.

2. In the White Room, photography is freely permitted before and after the performance. In the Black Room, photography is allowed only during the curtain call. At all other times, guests are kindly asked to refrain from taking photos in order to preserve the natural acoustic environment.

3. Two seating options are available. When making a reservation, guests may choose either floor seating (a traditional Korean-style floor seating with knee blankets provided) or tiered seating.

4. Full English docent guidance is provided inside the Black Room theater. The White Room is a self-guided viewing space.

5. Comfortable clothing is recommended. (Especially for guests choosing floor seating.) 

6. Once the performance has begun, cancellations, refunds, and changes are not permitted.

7. Guests are recommended to arrive at least 10 minutes before (3:50 PM) the performance begins.

※ Access via Dongdaemun Station (Subway line 1·4) : The venue is located on the 9th floor of the new building (N Building) of Dongdaemun Shopping Complex, about a 5-minute walk from Exit 9 of Dongdaemun Station.

※ As the route passes through the interior of the market building, we recommend watching the 60-second guidance video sent after reservation for easier access.

※ Note : Dongdaemun Shopping Complex, where the venue is located, is known as a hub for traditional Korean fabrics, hanbok, and traditional craft materials, making it an interesting place to explore before or after the performance.