Inspired by the "gat", a traditional Korean hat, the ballet GAT reinterprets Korea’s distinctive aesthetic through ballet, a quintessential Western art form. — Photo courtesy of Yun Byul Ballet Company

HÀ NỘI — The contemporary ballet GAT will be staged at the Hồ Gươm Opera House in Hà Nội on May 27, marking the official opening of Korea Season 2026 in Việt Nam with a production that blends traditional Korean aesthetics and modern choreography.

Inspired by the gat, a traditional Korean hat, the ballet GAT reinterprets Korea’s distinctive cultural aesthetics through ballet, a quintessential Western art form.

The production offers a fresh perspective on the form and symbolic meaning of traditional Korean headwear, such as the satgat and jokduri, while also bringing to the stage uniquely Korean sensibilities, including the refined spirit of the Confucian scholar, the decisiveness of the warrior and the elegance and grace of women.

The production is distinguished by its strong artistic credentials, created by a team of award-winning artists recognised at ballet competitions in South Korea and abroad. Notable among them are artistic director Yun Byul and choreographer Park So-yun.

GAT is presented by the Yun Byul Ballet Company, a contemporary ballet troupe and production company representing a new generation of South Korean ballet artists. It received strong acclaim and consistent sell-out performances in South Korea throughout 2025.

Contemporary ballet GAT will open Korea Season 2026 in Việt Nam. — Photo courtesy of Yun Byul Ballet Company

It is the opening event of Korea Season 2026 in Việt Nam, an initiative led by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of South Korea and implemented by the Korea Foundation for International Cultural Exchange.

Each year, the programme selects a number of countries, primarily those with strategic partnerships with South Korea, in which to showcase Korean arts and culture through a year-long series of events. It aims to promote and build a sustainable foundation for Korean culture and international cultural exchange.

In 2026, the programme will be held in Việt Nam and Thailand, two key cultural hubs in Southeast Asia, with coordination by the Korean Cultural Centre in Việt Nam and the Korean Cultural Centre in Thailand. Korea Season 2026 will officially begin this May with a wide range of programmes across diverse genres to be presented in succession, creating a vibrant platform for cultural exchange among audiences and artists from different countries.

The production boasts a high level of artistic quality, brought to life by a creative team of artists who have won top prizes at ballet competitions. — Photo courtesy of Yun Byul Ballet Company

In particular, this year audiences will be treated to a diverse series of programmes ranging from dance performances and media art exhibitions to festivals and classical concerts. Highlights include the contemporary ballet GAT in May, the K-Live Festival in October and a media art exhibition inspired by traditional Korean materials running from December through to January of the following year.

In addition, Việt Nam will host the SM Classics Live concert in Hà Nội this November, further enriching the programme of cultural exchange activities. — VNS