Cartagena has become the epicenter of Korean culture in the Mediterranean. Thanks to one of the most special days of the La Mar de Músicas festival. Celebrating its 30th edition, the event featured South Korea as its guest country, filling the city with vibrant rhythms, spectacular choreography, and a fusion of musical influences that delighted attendees.
K-Pop and traditional Korean music have landed with force in different venues throughout Cartagena, bringing together thousands of people for a cultural celebration that also served as a tribute to the ties between the two nations. From free performances to institutional collaborations, the event left its mark on both the public and the local cultural agenda.
A day marked by the K-Pop phenomenon
The highlight of the program came with Repsol Day, which managed to bring together more than 8.000 people on the port esplanadeThere, the public was able to enjoy the energy and the visual spectacle that characterizes the girl group Bewave. Made up of six young Korean women, Bewave brought to the stage a proposal marked by perfectly synchronized choreographies, modern aesthetics and a clear message: K-Pop transcends borders.
The day not only served as a showcase for the girl group phenomenon, but was also marked by the performance of W24 in the Town Hall Square. This band, far from the usual format of Korean groups, bets on a instrumental style and fusion of genres such as British rock, Latin pop, and contemporary K-pop. With songs in Spanish and even covers of international hits, W24 connected with a diverse audience of ages and backgrounds, showcasing the inclusive nature of Korean music.
In the Patio of the Old CIM, the Sunwoojunga's versatility She dazzled with her combination of ballads, R&B, jazz, and alternative pop. The South Korean singer, known for her ability to blend genres and reinvent sounds, won over the audience with her charisma and vocal prowess, even performing pieces in Spanish.
The richness of Korean tradition and innovation
The programming did not forget the Korean traditional music, starring the duo DAL: UMThese artists, experts on zithers such as the gayageum and the geomungo, offered a fusion of contemporary minimalism, experimental folk and abstract jazz which was a sensory experience for those who filled the CIM plaza at the start of the day.
This year, La Mar de Músicas has highlighted the diversity of the South Korean music sceneFrom respect for roots to openness to new forms of artistic expression, the Korean presence has added an extra dimension to the festival's programming.
Likewise, Cultural exchange has been strengthened for the institutional visit of the Korean ambassador to Spain, Lim Soosuk, who highlighted the Importance of Cartagena for Korea and celebrated the successful collaboration between the two countries in cultural, educational and economic areas.
A party for all audiences and a sustainable commitment
The Korean day of La Mar de Músicas was free for the general public Thanks to Repsol's sponsorship, thousands of people came to experience South Korea's cultural and musical riches. From young K-Pop fans waving banners and chanting the names of their favorite artists, to curious attendees who were amazed by the blend of tradition and modernity, the city experienced a true multicultural celebration.
In line with the new times, The festival opted for sustainabilityThe concerts were powered by 100% renewable fuels, an initiative that seeks to minimize the carbon footprint and demonstrates how music can also be a driver of social and environmental change.
The Korea-Spain bond is stronger than ever
The festival's impact is not limited to the stages. La Mar de Músicas has strengthened the bond between Korea and Spain This year, coinciding with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, Cartagena Mayor Noelia Arroyo emphasized the warm welcome given to Korean artists and the desire to continue this exchange in future editions. The institutional collaboration and Korean business projects in the city consolidate a relationship that goes far beyond music.
Thanks to initiatives like Korea Season and the support of Korean cultural organizations, the presence of visual artists, writers, and musicians has put Cartagena on the map for Korean audiences and strengthened the festival's international reach.
This festival has been an unforgettable edition, marked by moments of excitement, discovery, and cultural fellowship. The Korean landing has turned Cartagena into the scene of a total celebration, where the Music has served as a bridge between two cultures And K-Pop has demonstrated, once again, its ability to break barriers and conquer hearts far from Seoul.