The International Junior Art Festival, IJAF for short, is an international cultural festival in which youth groups from all over the world show both the traditional and modern culture of their country, performing dance, instrumental music and singing in front of a huge audience. With more than 300 participants from about seven different countries and 500 visitors every night, it is the only festival of its kind in South Korea.

Idea

The International Junior Art Festival aims to improve cultural exchange between South Korea and other countries. In addition to the performances of the participating groups, the concept of the festival includes a diversified cultural program demonstrating the essence of Korean culture. Since all participants are accommodated in the comfortable dormitory of the private Kwandong University, they have the opportunity to make international friends. The International Junior Art Festival offers young people from all over the world a chance to present their performances in an international framework and learn about other cultures.

Course of Events

The festival lasts four days and takes place on two stages. The large main stage is located on the beautiful Gyeongpo-dae, the beach of Gangneung city. The smaller sub stage is located on a square in down town Gangneung near the Gangneung Center of Arts. Both stages are technically well equipped and prepared for 300 spectators, 600 respectively. The groups usually perform twice, once on each of the two stages. In order to acclimatize, the groups usually arrive one day before the festival starts. During the festival days, various cultural events will take place. The first festival evening starts with a big parade of all participants through the city towards the beach where a huge fireworks opens the festival officially. Every evening, the participants have the opportunity to enjoy the performances of other groups. On the last night, the festival ends with a farewell ceremony and party for all participants.

History

Founded in 2002 by Mr. Jeong, Tae Hwan, the East Asia Junior Art Festival aimed to improve inter-cultural exchange between youth groups from all over Asia. Due to the great success in 2002 and 2003, Mr. Jeong invited two youth groups from Germany in 2004. Since then, the festival has been continued as International Junior Art Festival. The festival has expanded ever since. Participating countries have been Korea, Japan, China, Russia, Germany, USA, Taiwan, Mongolia, Indonesia, Latvia, Lithuania and Australia.