“Gwanno Mask Drama-Thousand Years of Joy” Performance
On Saturday, September 19, experience Gwanno at BISCO Hall- Korea’s only traditional nonverbal mask drama and part of UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Meaning “government slaves,” Gwanno originated in Gangneung and carries more than 1,000 years of tradition and history through expressive masks, dance, and humor. After the performance, stay for a special lecture, “Women in Korean History,” by acclaimed author Byeol-ah Kim, the first recipient of Korea’s World Literature Award for her novel Mishil.
9월 19일 토요일, 비스코홀에서 한국 유일의 무언 전통 가면극이자 유네스코 인류무형문화유산인 강릉 관노가면극을 만나보세요! ‘관노’는 ‘관청에 소속된 노비’를 뜻합니다. 강릉에서 시작된 관노가면극은 1,000년이 넘는 전통과 역사를 가면과 춤, 해학으로 생생하게 전합니다. 공연 후에는 소설 『미실』로 제1회 세계문학상을 수상한 김별아 작가의 특별 강연, 「한국 역사 속 여성」도 이어집니다.
📅 Event Information
- Date & Time: Saturday, September 19, 2026
- 3:00 PM — Gwanno Mask Drama Performance
- 4:30 PM — Special Lecture
- Performers: JOM ARA Youth Traditional Performing Arts Troupe
- Special Lecture:
Byul-a Kim, Chair of the Gangwon Arts & Culture Foundation and author of Misil
Topic: Women in Korean History - Venue: BISCO Hall, Korean Cultural Center of Chicago (9600 Capitol Dr., Wheeling, IL 60090)
- Host by: Korean Cultural Center of Chicago (KCCoC) / Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Chicago
- Admission: Free (Advance RSVP required!)
- Registration: RSVP & Registration
- Inquiry: 847-947-4460 · event@kccoc.org