24TH UNIMA CONGRESS,
SOUTH KOREA
Welcome to 24th UNIMA Congress in Chuncheon
What is the UNIMA Congress?
Important Reminder!
Important Deadlines for National Centres!
Fund for Physical and Digital Representation
How You Can Help and Donate
Accommodation Update for UNIMA 2025 Congress
ACCESS PASSES REGISTRATIONS PROGRAM
WHY ATTEND?
The 24th UNIMA Congress is coming to Chuncheon, South Korea, offering a unique celebration of puppetry arts. Scheduled for May 26-30, 2025, this event welcomes participants from across the globe to enjoy performances, workshops, and cultural exchanges. The 37th Chuncheon Puppet Festival, associated with the Congress, will run from May 23 to June 1, 2025.
Experience Brilliant Korean and International Performances
Central to the Congress is the Chuncheon Puppet Festival, Asia’s oldest and largest puppetry festival. Here, attendees will see a variety of performances ranging from traditional Korean puppetry to impressive international shows. It is an opportunity to discover different styles of puppetry and to immerse yourself in the cultural history of this country.
Reservation Guide for Free Tickets for UNIMA Congress Participants
Hands-on Workshops
Participants will join specialized workshops led by Korean and international puppetry experts, designed to share diffèrent techniques and artistic approaches. In 2025, Chuncheon workshops will focus on integrating traditional Korean music with puppetry, offering a special cultural blend. Additionally, workshops will showcase distinctive puppetry from around the world, allowing participants to experience diverse charms and creativity, gaining new inspiration for their work. These workshops aim to gather puppet artists globally to communicate, share, and build lasting connections. Open to everyone, from established artists to the general public, they offer a dive into Korean traditions while strengthening the global puppet theatre community.
The Puppet Carnival
The Puppet Carnival is the highlight event of the Chuncheon Puppet Festival, occurring exclusively on Sundays during the festival period. It is renowned as the most distinctive and anticipated program of the event, evolving annually to become its flagship attraction. The carnival features diverse programs, including citizen-led performances, a parade with citizens and puppet theaters, and thematic performances by domestic puppeteers and local artists. Approximately 1000 participants, including domestic puppeteers, local artists, and Chuncheon citizens, gather in downtown Chuncheon for a grand parade with puppets along the road to City Hall. During the parade, one side of the road is closed off, providing a unique experience of walking through the heart of Chuncheon. After the parade, everyone convenes at City Hall to enjoy performances in the square, showcasing their prepared acts.
Networking and International Symposium
Participants are invited to the international symposium for puppeteers from around the world, “Borders: The Puppetry Unborders.” This symposium will explore how puppetry crosses all kinds of borders created by humans and society, and discuss the innovation and potential of puppetry that transcends the borders between artistic genres. UNIMA Korea will conduct an open call to gather puppeteers from across the globe. The symposium will be held both online and offline, allowing participants to join from anywhere. Each session will include a Q&A segment, providing opportunities for participants to network with each other. Presentation materials will be available after the symposium.
Explore South Korea Through Tours and a Special Korean Puppet Exhibition
We invite you to a special exhibition, “From Tradition to Modernity: The Evolution of Korean Puppetry”. This exhibition covers the development of Korean puppetry from its origins to the present day, showcasing how puppetry has evolved through the fusion of traditional and modern elements. You will get detailed introductions to various types of puppets, manipulation techniques, and the puppet-making process, including traditional puppet shows like mask plays and “Kkoktu-gaksi” plays. The exhibition will also highlight the development and international expansion of Korean puppetry. Visitors will learn how traditional puppet elements have been integrated into modern works and how Korean puppetry is gaining recognition on the international stage.
Let’s meet in Chuncheon!
Whether you’re passionate about puppetry or curious about its artistic possibilities, the 24th UNIMA Congress promises an unforgettable experience. It’s an opportunity to learn, connect, and be inspired in the heart of South Korea’s puppetry scene. Save the date and get ready to explore the world of puppetry in Chuncheon!
