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Ulsan Ulju Cultural Foundation will present the original Korean traditional music play 'Bangudae Odyssey, Return of the Baby General', a work selected for the 2026 Culture and Arts Center Specialization Support Project, at the Ulju Culture and Arts Center's Green Narae Hall. The work is based on the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Bangucheon Petroglyphs and Ulju-gun local folktales.
Ulsan Ulju Cultural Foundation will present the original Korean traditional music play 'Bangudae Odyssey, Return of the Baby General', a work selected for the 2026 Culture and Arts Center Specialization Support Project, at Green Narae Hall at the Ulju Culture and Arts Center on the 14th.
The work is a creative Korean traditional music play based on the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Bangucheon petroglyphs and Ulju-gun local folk tales.
By transforming the prehistoric images engraved on rocks from 'reading heritage' to 'stories experienced through the body', the ancient times when humans and nature were not differentiated are brought to the stage.
This content was self-produced by the Ulju Culture and Arts Center in collaboration with the Ulsan Korean traditional music chamber orchestra Sorisam, and it has added meaning in that it is a work created by bringing together local artistic capabilities.
The play begins with the story of 'Bada', a prehistoric girl who broke the long-standing taboo that 'If a man climbs on a drum, he becomes king, but if a woman climbs on a drum, disaster will happen.'
Bada, who was kicked out of the village by climbing on a drum without knowing the taboo, becomes friends with forest animals and sea whales and finds a new home.
Later, when the village is in danger due to a foreign invasion, Bada returns with her animal friends and beats the sacred drum to unite the divided hearts of the people.
The audience sensuously experiences natural rhythms and collective breathing, crossing the forest and the sea, community and solitude, following the ancient sounds and wild gestures created by singers, performers, and actors.
The ancient sound that resonated before words transforms fear into hope and taboo into harmony, delivering a warm message of comfort and solidarity to those of us living today.
Lee Chun-geun, CEO of the Ulju Cultural Foundation, said, “The Bangucheon Petroglyphs, which have world value, have been reborn as an original Korean traditional music play combining music and acting.” He added, “I hope you can feel the warm resonance of local heritage through the raw energy provided by the minimalistic yet sensuous stage production and three-dimensional Korean traditional chamber music.”
The performance will be held twice, at 2 p.m. and 5 p.m., and is open to ages 5 and older.

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