Best of Budapest & Hungary

What happens when jazz meets traditional Korean instruments, progressive rock and electronic music? This November, three distinctly different South Korean acts are coming to Budapest. Award-winning saxophonist Kim Oki will perform at Jedermann on November 10, followed by Dongyang Gozupa on November 15, a trio pushing the boundaries between Korean traditional music and rock. On November 16, Gina Hwang will bring her own distinctive musical world to the stage, combining the sound of the gomungo, a traditional Korean string instrument, with electronic textures.

    The international success of Korean music now extends far beyond K-pop. Artists on South Korea’s jazz and experimental music scene are increasingly drawing on their own cultural heritage while finding inspiration in a wide range of contemporary musical styles. While JazzFest Budapest’s spring programme focused on traditional Korean jazz, its autumn concert series introduces contemporary artists who bring fresh perspectives to the fusion of jazz and world music. This musical diversity is reflected in three November concerts presented in collaboration with JazzFest Budapest, the Korean Cultural Center and the Jarasum Jazz Festival, taking audiences on a journey from free improvisation and progressive rock to ambient and techno.

    Although the three acts have very different musical identities, they share an approach that treats tradition not as something fixed in the past, but as a living source of inspiration that can continually be reimagined.

    Kim Oki - One of the Most Original Voices in Korean Jazz

    November 10, Tuesday, 9:00 PM – Jedermann

    One of South Korea's most versatile jazz musicians, saxophonist Kim Oki brings together jazz, rock and free improvisation in his music. His work has earned him three Korean Music Awards, including the prestigious Musician of the Year award in 2020.

    In Budapest, he will perform with Kim Oki LuvLuv, a group whose music explores love and human emotions. He will be joined by bassist Jeon Jaekon, pianist Heo Ahmin and vocalist Lee Ara. Together, the quartet creates an intimate yet free-spirited and unpredictable musical experience. Following their Budapest performance, the group will continue its European tour with concerts in Vienna and Madrid.

    Dongyang Gozupa - Korean Traditions Meet Progressive Rock

    November 15, Sunday, 6:00 PM – Korean Cultural Center

    A traditional Korean string instrument, bass guitar and powerful drumming form the unusual musical combination at the heart of Dongyang Gozupa.

    The trio features Yun Eunhwa on the yanggeum (Korean hammered dulcimer), Ham Minhwi on bass guitar and Jang Do-hyeok on drums and percussion. Their music blends traditional Korean melodies and rhythms with the energy of progressive rock and the freedom of jazz and experimental music.

    Through intricate rhythms and unexpected sonic combinations, the group offers a fresh interpretation of Korea's musical heritage. Alongside their Budapest performance, Dongyang Gozupa will also appear in London this November.

    Gina Hwang – A New Voice for an Ancient Instrument

    November 16, Monday, 7:00 PM – Korean Cultural Center

    Gina Hwang combines the deep, resonant sound of the gomungo (a traditional Korean zither with a history spanning centuries) with electronic effects and elements of post-rock, ambient and techno. Her distinctive compositions bring ancient sounds and contemporary electronic music together to create an entirely new sonic landscape.

    Having performed at prestigious venues including the National Theater of Korea and New York's Lincoln Center, Hwang has released two full-length albums and regularly collaborates with dancers, filmmakers and visual artists.

    A 2026 Jeonju International Sori Festival award recipient, she comes to Budapest to showcase the experimental, contemporary side of traditional Korean music.