Aug. 8, 7:40 p.m., at a special outdoor stage in Hwaeomwon
Jirisan Daehwaeomsa, the head temple of the 19th district of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, will hold the "2026 6th Jirisan Daehwaeomsa Mosquito-Net Film Music Concert" on Aug. 8 at 7:40 p.m. on a special outdoor stage in Hwaeomwon. The temple is led by head monk Useok.
Now in its sixth year, the mosquito-net film music concert has become Gurye's signature summer evening cultural event, drawing wide popularity from across the country.
This year's concert carries the slogan "Lying Under Starlight, Seeping Into the Breeze" — a musical gala set amid the summer night of Jirisan, the breezes drifting through Hwaeomwon, mosquito-net seating spread beneath the stars, and the flickering glow of fireflies.
The event is conceived not merely as a performance to watch, but as a nighttime cultural program in which visitors experience the nocturnal atmosphere of the millennium-old Hwaeomsa with both body and mind.
Seating includes 200 spots inside mosquito-net enclosures in Hwaeomwon, 100 standard chairs in Section A, 100 in Section B, and 50 walk-in seats in Section C — all offering an evening where Jirisan's breeze, the summer night sky and live music come together.
Actor Lee Geon-myeong, known in musical theater circles as the "gentleman of musicals," returns as main MC for the second consecutive year.
Musical actors Lisa, Kim Sin-ui, Baek Ju-yeon and Choi Ji-i are also set to perform, with music director Kim Ju-yeon overseeing the program to deliver a polished yet accessible musical gala for audiences.
The performance will run approximately 100 minutes.
Opening with Disney film scores, the program moves through celebrated songs from film and musical theater, guiding audiences through themes of the preciousness of life, the beauty of nature, love and memory, and the spirit of new beginnings.
Highlights include cross-generational classics such as "Circle of Life," "Baramui Bitgal," "A Whole New World," "Memory," "My Heart Will Go On" and "Geokjeong Malayo Geudae" — all set against Jirisan's starlit sky, the tranquil scenery of Hwaeomwon and the ethereal atmosphere of fireflies on a midsummer night.
Hwaeomsa public relations planning committee chair Seong Gi-hong said the symbolism runs deep. "The starlight represents the stillness of a historic Buddhist space unfolding beneath the night sky of Hwaeomwon, while the fireflies evoke the mystery of a Hwaeomsa summer night — as if the stars themselves have descended to rest upon the earth," he said. "The breeze stands for the cool night air of Jirisan, and the mosquito-net film music concert represents a seating culture unique to Hwaeomsa, one you simply cannot find anywhere else in Korea."
Registration opens Monday at 1 p.m. through the Hwaeomsa website on a pre-application basis. Final participants will be notified individually by July 30, though early sellout is expected based on previous years.
On the day of the event, ticket holders must complete on-site check-in by 7:10 p.m. to ensure smooth entry.
Seats belonging to registered attendees who have not checked in by 7:10 p.m. may be reassigned to walk-in registrants in order.
To ensure audience safety and smooth operations, Hwaeomsa plans to have an information desk, registration confirmation, seat assignment, volunteer guides, emergency evacuation routes and contingency plans for rain all in place in advance.
The temple's templestay program, lay Buddhist association, missionary society, Susim Society, choir, temple office and public relations planning committee will all collaborate on the day to handle audience guidance, crowd management, and the distribution of souvenirs and refreshments.
This year's concert will operate under an "on-site participatory happiness-sharing fund" model.
After pre-registering, participants may voluntarily contribute 10,000 won ($9) per person as a happiness-sharing fund at the on-site registration desk on the day of the event, receiving a seat voucher upon check-in.
On the day of the event, Hwaeomsa will hold a "happiness-sharing dedication ceremony" to present the funds raised to the most vulnerable community organizations in the Gurye area, making the occasion a meaningful convergence of cultural celebration and compassionate giving.
Head monk Useok said: "In Buddhism, hoehyang — the dedication of merit — is the most beautiful practice of sharing what one has cultivated with one's neighbors and society. The happiness-sharing fund of the mosquito-net film music concert is likewise not merely about watching a performance, but a participatory cultural offering in which sharing and compassion are practiced together."
Meanwhile, Hwaeomsa continues to promote the historical and cultural value of the millennium-old temple to the public through a range of programs — including a red plum blossom photo contest, Hayamong (a nighttime opening program during the Baekjung period), Hwayamong (a summer evening humanities program), a yoga competition and a line dance competition.
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