Seoul turns streets into stages with expanded busking program

“Korea’s capital is transforming sidewalks, plazas and riverside parks into open-air stages, rolling out an expanded street performance initiative that will bring nearly 2,000 performances across the city through the end of the year. Seoul Metropolitan Government said Monday it has launched the 2026 edition of Guseokguseok Live, a city-run cultural program that places curated live performances in everyday public spaces. Running from April through December, the program will feature 150 selected performance teams chosen through a competitive process that included video screening and live auditions. Officials said 657 teams applied this year, reflecting growing demand among street performers. The final lineup spans music, instrumental performances, traditional arts and stage performances. The city said the selection process was designed to emphasize live performance quality and audience engagement in public settings. Since its launch in 2011, Guseokguseok Live has grown into one of Seoul’s largest public arts initiatives, producing more than 27,000 performances by over 2,000 artist teams

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