K-Music Festival 2026

From folk traditions and experimental sound art to gaming soundtracks, jazz, hip-hop and indie rock, K-Music Festival returns to showcase the depth, diversity and creativity of Korea's thriving music scene.

The K-Music Festival opens with ADG7, joined by singer-songwriter Chang Kiha and hip-hop duo Lil Cherry & GOLDBUUDA in a dynamic collision of Korean folk traditions, shamanic energy and contemporary urban sounds; the festival continues with the immersive cross-cultural sonic theatre work Wind Alone, Sand Alone – Make No Sound and Korean Games in Concert reimagining iconic game soundtracks through the rich textures of the National Gugak Center's orchestra. Further highlights include Chudahye Chagis' explosive fusion of ritual music, funk and R&B at Rich Mix, an intimate cross-cultural dialogue between Kyungso Park and Björn Meyer, Dongyang Gozupa's high-energy return to London, and Baroque in Blue's inventive jazz–Baroque fusion, collectively showcasing the festival's vibrant spectrum from tradition to avant-garde experimentation.

Opening Night: A Celebration of Korean Music — MON 28 SEP | EartH Theatre

The festival opens with ADG7 alongside Lil Cherry & GOLDBUUDA and Chang Kiha on one stage, bringing together a dynamic snapshot of Korea's contemporary music scene. From shamanic funk and explosive traditional-rooted performance to futuristic hip-hop and genre-bending indie pop, the night spans a wide spectrum of sound. A high-energy opening that sets the tone for a bold, cross-genre festival programme.

Wind Alone, Sand Alone – Make No Sound — SAT 3 OCT | Stone Nest

Korea–France in-the-round sonic theatre blending medieval chant, Korean traditional music, ambient sound and improvisation. A live acoustic landscape where breath, resonance and space become part of the composition. Featuring six musicians including Sim Eun-yong of JAMBINAI.

Korean Games in Concert — SUN 11 OCT | Purcell Room, Southbank Centre

National Gugak Center Orchestra reimagines major Korean game soundtracks including Black Desert and Lies of P. New arrangements transform gaming music through traditional Korean instruments and orchestral textures. Visuals inspired by historic Seoul and Gyeongbokgung Palace complete the experience.

Chudahye Chagis — SAT 17 OCT | Rich Mix

Explosive live set fusing Korean shamanic ritual music with funk, hip-hop, R&B and rock. Led by ChuDahye, the group are known for their intense, genre-defying performance style. A high-energy showcase of ritual roots meeting contemporary sound.

Kyungso Park & Björn Meyer — THU 29 OCT | Elgar Room, Royal Albert Hall

A rare collaboration between gayageum and bass exploring Korean tradition and jazz improvisation. Kyungso Park's fluid traditional approach meets Björn Meyer's distinctive contemporary bass language. An intimate cross-cultural dialogue in sound and texture.

Dongyang Gozupa — WED 11 NOV | Rich Mix

Power trio blending post-rock intensity with the distinctive sound of the yanggeum. Music driven by intricate rhythms, soaring melodies and expansive dynamics. Includes new material previewing their upcoming release.

Jisu Jung Baroque in Blue — MON 23 NOV | Upstairs at Ronnie's, Ronnie's

Jazz improvisation meets Baroque structure in a reimagining of Charlie Parker's music. Led by Jisu Jung, the ensemble draws on Romantic, Impressionist and modern classical influences. A genre-fluid performance bridging historical and contemporary sound worlds.

Find out more info or book your tickets on https://kccuk.org.uk/en/programmes/kmusicfestival2026/

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