In with the fresh jazz and folk, out with the same old rock festivals. If music festivals usually remind people of heat and loud noises, the upcoming ones will do exactly the opposite. This fall, two unique concerts, ‘Jarasum Jazz Festival’ and ‘Paju Folk Festival’ are going to bring fall throughout the Gyeonggi province.

‘The 11th Paju Folk Festival’ is going to be held in Imjingak on September 13th. The lineups are dynamic this year. Various musicians will be performing, ranging from the icon of the 70’s music, Jang Hee Lee, to Andreas Sandlund, a versatile Swedish artist.

Other than just watching these performances, there is another way for people to enjoy the festival: participating in the folk music contests. The winners would receive awards and most importantly, receive the opportunity to become recognized as true musicians.

In fact, folk music is becoming a national genre. The typical, boring image of the 70’s trend is gone. But a combination of popular music such as hip-hop and pop with folk music has produced new styles, and succeeded in creating a mutual bond between the old and new generations.
And a month later, over thirty teams from 12 different countries such as Japan, Sweden and Norway, will be performing at ‘The 11th Jarasum International Jazz Festival’ in Gapyeong for three days from October 3rd to the 5th.

Despite jazz being the unfamiliar genre, 1.5 million people have been visiting every year and it is chosen as tourists’ best festival. Why is that? It is the harmony of nature and music that does the magic. Having a widespread lawn and numerous floras, Jarasum is indeed a very romantic place to feel the coming of fall along with many categories of jazz.

Instead of repeated head-banging or roaring out the lyrics at the top of lungs, what do you say to cool breezes, good music and some romance on a starry night? I’d say yes.