March 8, 2023
Geoje Arts Center and Wednesday Morning Concert
Since moving to Geoje, we’ve been taking advantage of the diverse musical events offered at the Geoje Arts Center (거제문화예술회관 in Korean). The Geoje Wednesday Morning Concert is one of our favorites, taking place every 2nd or 3rd Wednesday, 10 times a year. During these 90-minute concerts, two or three musicians from different regions are invited to perform.
On our first visit, in April, we were treated to a performance of Mozart’s violin and piano sonatas by Kyungjin Han and Soohyun Cho, both born in Geoje. Our second visit, in May, featured Beethoven’s sonatas played by two other talented musicians from Southern part of the country. A music critic, Mr. Heechang Cho, acted as the MC and added insightful explanations and some background stories to enhance our enjoyment of the music.
Beautiful Surroundings
The location of the Geoje Arts Center is spectacular, situated atop a hill overlooking the ocean. The contemporary six-story building seems to be a perfect blend of contemporary design and practicality, with ample parking for visitors. I love the main concert hall as it provides an intimate and engaging atmosphere, with a close proximity between the stage and audience that seems to create a warm, chamber-style feel Although its acoustics may not be at the highest level, it definitely enhances the overall concert experience. I am sure that the hotel component of the Center, with its spacious and elegantly appointed rooms, would offer a comfortable and convenient stay for those traveling from out of town to attend events.
Satisfying diverse music tastes
Located just a 20-minute drive from our home (we used to drive or take a train over 1.5 hours to get to a major arts center in Seoul or Tokyo!), the Geoje Arts Center has become a regular destination for us. In addition to the Wednesday Morning Concerts, we’ve attended classical concerts, ballets, musicals, and popular music shows, all of which have provided us with a diverse range of cultural experiences and a great deal of pleasure and comfort.