• Presented by the Korean Cultural Center of Chicago (KCCoC) in partnership with the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Chicago and the Gangwon Art & Culture Foundation as part of 2026 Korea Week
• As Korea’s only nonverbal traditional mask drama recognized by UNESCO, the performance is expected to foster greater cultural exchange through Korean traditional arts.
• Saturday, September 19, 2026, at 3:00 PM | BISCO Hall at the Korean Cultural Center of Chicago (9600 Capitol Dr., Wheeling, IL)

 

The Korean Cultural Center of Chicago (KCCoC) will present the Gangneung Gwanno Mask Drama at BISCO Hall on Saturday, September 19, at 3:00 PM. Recognized by UNESCO and designated as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage of Korea, this traditional mask performance is presented in partnership with the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Chicago and the Gangwon Art & Culture Foundation as part of 2026 Korea Week.

 

Originating in Gangneung, a city in South Korea, the Gwanno Mask Drama takes its name from the gwanno, or government slaves, who historically performed and preserved the tradition. As Korea’s only traditional nonverbal mask drama, it uses expressive masks, dance, gestures, and humor to tell a captivating story of love, jealousy, and social satire. Recognized by UNESCO for its cultural significance, this centuries-old tradition offers Chicagoland audiences a rare opportunity to experience one of Korea’s most distinctive performing arts.

 

Following the performance, audiences are invited to stay for a special lecture, “Women in Korean History,” at 4:30 PM. The lecture will examine the role of women throughout Korean history and culture and will be presented by Byeol-ah Kim, the first recipient of Korea’s World Literature Award for her novel Mishil,

 

The Gwanno Mask Drama will be performed by JOM Ara, an award-winning youth traditional arts group from Gangneung. Through performances in the United States and other countries, the group continues to expand international cultural exchange and introduce Korean traditional arts to global audiences.

 

This event is part of KCCoC’s ongoing efforts to introduce Korean culture to communities across the Midwest. KCCoC will continue partnering with cultural organizations in Korea to bring traditional arts to new audiences and strengthen cultural exchange.

 

Admission is free with advance registration. For more information, call 847-947-4460 or email event@kccoc.org.

 

📅 EVENT DETAILS

• Event: Gangneung Gwanno Mask Drama – Thousand Years of Joy
• Date & Time: Saturday, September 19, 2026 | Performance at 3:00 PM | Special Lecture at 4:30 PM
• Location: BISCO Hall (9600 Capitol Dr., Wheeling, IL 60090)
• Performance: JOM Ara Youth Traditional Performing Arts Troupe
• Lecture: Byeol-ah Kim, Chair of the Gangwon Art & Culture Foundation and author of Mishil | Women in Korean History
• Presented by: Korean Cultural Center of Chicago (KCCoC) and the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Chicago
• Admission: Free with advance RSVP
• Registration: https://forms.gle/dQQHYgn5pBGPmEmC7
• Contact: 847-947-4460 | event@kccoc.org