▲ This poster for the "2026 Seoul Jazz Festa" is provided by its organizer, the Korea Jazz Association. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE)(Yonhap)

SEOUL, April 16 (Yonhap) -- A free music festival will be held at a Han River park, offering visitors a chance to enjoy jazz performances amid the spring breeze.

The Korea Jazz Association said Thursday it will host the "2026 Seoul Jazz Festa" on May 2 at Wonder Stage in Mulbit Square at Yeouido Hangang Park.

The annual event is held to mark International Jazz Day on April 30 and will be free to the public this year in connection with the "2026 Seoul Spring Festival."

The lineup includes jazz diva Woong San, guitarist Park Joo-won and his gypsy band, Richiman and Groove Nice, known for promoting K-blues in the United States, Yonglee and the Returned Prodigals, which blends rock and jazz, and saxophonist Lee Jung-sik.

A variety of side programs will also be offered, including the "Open Jazz Workshop," featuring discussions on jazz and the humanities; the "Jazz Playground," where visitors can try instruments and play rhythms; and "Me & Pet," which explores ecological changes and human challenges through jazz.

The event will also host the "Jazz Rookie Contest" to discover emerging musicians and the "Festa Legacy Award" to honor veteran artists.

Organizers said the day will be designated as "Jazz Park Day" to express appreciation for the Jungheon Foundation, which has supported Jazz Park, a key hub for Korean jazz, since 2002.

Woong San, chair of the Korea Jazz Association, said the festival will serve as a meaningful platform where the past and present of Korean jazz intersect while offering new opportunities for talented young musicians.

“We hope audiences will experience a message of true artistic harmony and solidarity that transcends generations and genres,” she said.

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