Watching traditional performances gives a great joy to foreign travelers because people can feel the culture of that country. When I chatted about Korean culture with my Norwegian friend, I heard that Korea has few traditional performances. At that time, I contradicted what he said, mentioning Samulnori and Pansori. However, after thinking carefully, I was able to understand why my friend thought that way.

Many countries have their distinct performances such as Broadway musicals in the U.S., Kabuki in Japan, and Beijing opera in China. But which performance represents Korea? Most people will bring the performances like Pansori or masked dance to mind. However, do foreigners also have knowledge of these performances?

My friend had never seen Pansori and a masked dance. I myself haven't even seen the traditional performances since I graduated from elementary school. I think it is due to a lack of opportunities to see the traditional performances. Actually, it is hard to find the traditional performances in Korea.

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism have not yet had notable results even after it declared 2010 through 2012 as "Visit Korea years" to attract foreign tourists. I think that Korea should invigorate performing arts more.

For example, Hahoe masked dance, which is famous in An-Dong, will be able to steadily attract tourists if the dance performance is regularly presented. In addition, by harmonizing a traditional style with a modern style in the performance, young people's interest in masked dance will be drawn.

Jeonju has been promoting Korean culture with the Jeonju International Sori Festival. If it makes stages and conducts Pansori and Changkuk continuously, not only will more tourists visit Korea, but also the outstanding characteristics of Korea will become known to the world.

The slogan "Visit Korea years" will be a meaning slogan unless Korea highlights characteristics of the traditional performances. Moreover, foreigners might misunderstand continuously that Korea doesn't have traditional performances. I hope the traditional performances will be vitalized so that all foreigners know about Korean performances well.