GUT (굿): A Korean Spiritual Rite of Gratitude, Harmony, and Blessing for All
North American Premiere
Presented by Korean Cultural Center New York
November 21 & 22, 2025, 7:30 PM
Korean Cultural Center New York
(122 E 32nd Street, New York, NY 10016)
Admission: FREE (Pre-registration is Required)
* RSVP and seating are on a first-come, first-served basis.
* Limited same-day standby tickets available.
* Cancellations must be made at least 48 hours in advance.
Please note: After three no-shows without notice, you may be subject to restrictions on future reservations.
The performance is recommended for audiences ages 8 and above.
Please check the audience advisory below.
Korean Cultural Center New York presents GUT on November 21 and 22 — a traditional Korean shamanistic ritual performance that embodies the purest form of Korea’s total art, combining music, dance, and spiritual expression. As one of Korea’s Intangible Cultural Heritages, Cheolmuri-GUT bridges art and life, humanity and divinity, offering audiences a profound encounter with Korea’s centuries-old spiritual tradition.
As we look back on more than a year since the opening of our new theater, Cheolmuri-GUT stands as an expression of gratitude for the warm support of New Yorkers, a celebration of harmony shared among diverse communities, and a collective blessing for peace and prosperity in the years ahead.
Led by master Park Jeongwook, one of the foremost contemporary practitioners of Cheolmuri-GUT and a recognized preserver of Korea’s intangible cultural heritage, the performance carries deep authenticity and spiritual resonance.
GUT also marks the inaugural production of the KCCNY’s new signature performing arts series “KCCNY Curates,” and serves as the finale of the special exhibition commemorating the 80th anniversary of Korea’s liberation “Nam June Paik: The Communicator.” As artist Nam June Paik said, “Our soul is Gut.” Far beyond a staged performance, it represents a living art — where music, dance, and spirit converge in a shared act of healing and connection.
Through this performance, GUT, the Korean Cultural Center New York invites everyone to come together in gratitude and unity, embracing one another in a shared wish for peace and mutual understanding.
감사와 화합, 그리고 평화와 번영을 기원하는 한국의 종합공연예술, “굿”
뉴욕한국문화원은 11월 21일과 22일, 한국 전통의 원형을 온전히 담은 종합예술, “굿(GUT)” 공연을 개최한다. 이번 공연은 예술과 삶, 인간과 신성을 잇는 수백년간의 영적 예술 행위를 담은 전통 의식으로, 한국의 정신문화와 예술적 유산을 미국 사회와 공유하는 특별한 자리이다.
2024년 새롭게 개관한 문화원이 문을 연 지 1년여를 맞이하며, 문화원 극장에서 펼쳐질 한국의 무형문화재 <철물이굿 (Cheolmuri-GUT)>은 그간 뉴요커들이 보내준 따뜻한 성원에 대한 ‘감사’의 마음을 담는다. 더불어 서로 다른 배경과 문화의 사람들이 함께 어우러지는 ‘화합’의 의미, 그리고 다가오는 2026년을 향해 평화와 번영을 기원하는 ‘축원’의 의식을 통해 모두가 하나 되는 공동체 나눔의 장을 마련하고자 한다. 특히 이번 공연은 수많은 명인들로부터 전통을 사사받은 동시대 <철물이굿>의 대표적 명인, 박정욱 명창이 출연하여 기대를 모은다. 박정욱 명창은 한국 무형문화재 전승자로서 전통문화의 명맥을 잇는 대표적인 인물이다.
“굿” 은 뉴욕한국문화원 대표 기획 공연 프로그램 “KCCNY Curates” 시리즈의 첫번째 작품이자, 광복 80주년을 기념하여 개최 중인 “백남준 특별전”의 피날레 공연이기도 하다. 단순한 무대 공연을 넘어, 음악과 춤, 노래, 그리고 영적 교감이 하나로 어우러지는 ‘살아 있는 예술’로서 굿의 본질을 뉴욕 무대에 선보인다.
백남준 작가가 “우리의 얼은 곧 굿이다.”라고 표현했듯이, 굿은 한국인의 정신과 공동체적 정서를 가장 순수한 형태로 담고 있다. 뉴욕한국문화원은 이번 공연을 통해 서로에 대한 감사와 이해, 그리고 화합의 에너지가 뉴욕 공동체 전반으로 확산되기를 기대한다. 한국의 굿이 지닌 전통 예술의 힘을 통해 모두가 함께 평화롭고 조화로운 미래를 기원하는 뜻깊은 시간이 될 것이다.
◆ PROGRAM
Selected Ritual Segments from Cheolmuri-GUT
1. Ilwol Seongshin-maji (일월성신맞이)
Honoring the celestial deities of the sun and moon, praying for peace and well-being.
2. Sangsan-maji (상산맞이(본향))
Invoking the guardian spirits of one’s homeland and ancestors for harmony and family safety.
3. Chilseong Jaeseok-geori (칠성재석거리)
Praying to the Northern Dipper deity for longevity, prosperity, and blessings.
4. Sodaegam-nori (소대감놀이)
A humorous rite led by the vegetarian deity Sodaegam, wishing for abundance and wealth.
5. Jangsu-geori (장수거리)
Celebrating a heroic general spirit, symbolizing prayers for victory and success in life.
6. Bisoo, Changgeom, Jakdu-geori (비수·창검·작두거리)
A powerful rite to dispel misfortune and restore peace through sacred blades.
7. Josang-geori (조상거리)
Honoring ancestral spirits and wishing for their peace and descendants’ longevity.
8. Dwit-geori (뒷거리)
A concluding rite to console wandering souls and bring the ritual to a harmonious close.
◆ Artists & Creative Team
Park Jeongwook – Master Shaman, Intangible Cultural Heritage Holder (Holder of Pyeongando Baebengi-GUT, Intangible Cultural Heritage of the Five Northern Provinces)
Park Heonsoo – Shaman, Ritual Performer
Joe Inseok – Shaman, Ritual Performer
Kim Hyeong Suk – Piri & Taepyeongso (Korean Wind Instruments) | *Principal, National Orchestra of Korea
Kim Sunhui – Sangjanggo (Double-headed Drum)
Kim Minsook – Jing (Large Gong)
Byun Gitaek – Creative Director
Jeon Eomji – Producer
◆ About Korea Seodosori Music Research & Preserve, Incorporated Association
The Korea Seodosori Music Research & Preserve, Incorporated Association is a non-profit organization established in 2001 to research and preserve Seodosori, the traditional vocal music of Korea’s northwestern region. The Association aims to ensure the proper succession and development of traditional culture while expanding its presence on the global stage.
Its activities encompass academic seminars, educational programs, international cultural exchanges, stage performances, and community outreach. The Association also operates affiliated institutions, including the Korea Traditional Culture Center “Garyeheon,” the Seodosori Traditional Arts Academy “Giseong Yehak,” and the Park Jeongwook Research Institute for Traditional Rites and Ceremonies.
◆ About “KCCNY Curates”
KCCNY Curates is the flagship performance series of the Korean Cultural Center New York, dedicated to showcasing the most distinctive and innovative works of Korean performing arts at the heart of New York City. Launched in conjunction with KCCNY’s newly opened theater, the series embodies KCCNY’s curatorial vision—introducing exceptional productions that combine artistic excellence and creative exploration.
Featuring distinguished Korean artists and groundbreaking works across genres, KCCNY Curates offers New York audiences the most compelling opportunities to experience the dynamic spirit of Korea’s performing arts scene. It aims to become KCCNY’s signature brand—recognized as a “must-see” destination for world-class Korean performing arts in New York.
※ Audience Advisory
Please note that this performance features the use of ritual objects such as symbolic blades and knives, which are integral to traditional Korean shamanic rites. These objects are used purely for artistic and ceremonial purposes as part of the cultural performance, and do not depict or promote any form of violence. Viewer discretion is advised.