The Seoul Metropolitan Government (SMG) is set to host the 27th Seoul Drum Festival at Nodeulseom Island on Saturday, May 10 and Sunday, May 11. Launched in 1999, the festival reaches its 27th edition in 2025 under the slogan “TOUCH MY SOUL,” celebrating world-class percussion and dynamic citizen participation open to all age groups.
This year, the festival significantly boosts its focus on community engagement. Its centerpiece, the “Seoul Parade 25,” is a grand-scale percussion procession developed over four months since January. Approximately 200 participants—including citizens, professionals, and amateur drummers—joined workshops and rehearsals to shape the final parade performance. This immersive event will take place once daily, traveling across the entire Nodeulseom Island. Visitors can also take part in short drumming workshops available on-site. Supporting the festival are over 100 dedicated volunteers called “DRUMFAN,” who will assist with operations, promotion, and event documentation—highlighting the citizen-driven nature of the celebration.
The stage will feature an impressive lineup of internationally acclaimed drummers. Highlights include a solo by Sonny Emory, former member of the legendary group Earth, Wind & Fire, and a collaborative performance between Kashikura Takashi, drummer of renowned Japanese post-rock band Toe, and Korea’s math-rock band Dabda. The festival also welcomes Mariana Baraj, an Argentinian folk artist, who will collaborate with traditional Korean musicians such as Chang Jae-hyo and Soona Park to deliver innovative, cross-cultural performances.
Other notable acts include a classical percussion set by rising jazz talent Kim Ye-chan alongside visually impaired marimbist Jeon Kyung-ho, as well as a solo performance by SHINDRUM, who was named Drummer of the Year by the Korean Music Awards selection committee.
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