パク・ジョンフン

The Gimpo Youth Orchestra was founded in 2001 in the Gochon area of Gimpo, South Korea, where cultural infrastructure had long been insufficient. It was established with the mission of “cultivating young people into valuable members of the community and creating a place where residents can enjoy arts and culture without having to travel far.” Its journey began in 1998 with small performances held on the back of a truck.

Since its founding, the orchestra has centered its activities on six core principles: developing young people with conviction and competence, promoting lifelong participation in the arts, serving as a cultural hub for the community, advancing intergenerational music education, expanding into public education, and fostering international exchange. Today, it has grown into a comprehensive orchestral education institution comprising 486 members across six divisions, ranging from young children to university students and local residents.

The orchestra operates an orchestra school program certified by Office of Education and an all-ages intergenerational music academy, expanding learning and interaction through music in collaboration with local schools and cultural facilities.

The orchestra has held 43 regular concerts to date and has actively performed on international stages, including Carnegie Hall, the World Amateur Orchestra Festival, peace concerts with Taiwan and Japan, and a tour along the U.S. West Coast. In the local community, the orchestra continues diverse outreach activities such as school visit performances, concerts for children in need of cultural support, and collaborations with civic choirs.

These efforts have contributed to reducing educational disparities and fostering the character development of young people, creating a virtuous cycle of education in which graduates return as instructors. The organization is currently constructing a 13,000㎡ multi‑purpose arts center, aiming to further develop as a hub for international exchange across Asia.