Sori means "sound of voice & music" in Korean, and this festival in Jeonju presents various traditional forms of music from around the world. Not lacking ambition, the organisers aim to "break down language and cultural barriers and harmonise East and West, past and present through the making of harmonious melodies."

Introducing visitors to the traditional forms of Korean music, the festival includes performances of the five Pansori "solo operas". These epic folk tales are sung and recited to the accompaniment of drums and can last up to eight hours, so take a cushion.

Other highlights of the event include a Fringe festival, music camps for teenagers and an educational programme for children, culminating in the presentation of their own opera. There are also sound and musical instrument exhibitions and a food festival. Continuing the ambitious theme, "The Whole Universe Choral Festival" invites choirs from around the world to compete, and extra points are awarded for choosing an interesting location in which to perform.

Source: ISIC