Korean jazz takes center stage at Budapest festival

From intimate club performances to open-air concerts, Korean jazz musicians captivated audiences in Hungary as Korea took the spotlight as the guest country at one of Central Europe's leading jazz festivals.

The Korean Cultural Center in Hungary said Friday that it successfully concluded the first half of Korea's guest country program at Jazz Fest Budapest 2026, held from June 28 to July 5.

Five Korean acts participated in this year's program, including vocalist Nah Youn-sun, pianist Cho Yoon-sung, the Near East Quartet, Yonglee & The Doltang and the One Mind Trio.

The performances highlighted the diversity of Korea's contemporary jazz scene through traditional, experimental and modern styles.

The festival, directed by Hungarian jazz musician Attila Kleb, marked its fifth edition this year.

Organizers said the event has collaborated with the Jarasum Jazz Festival since 2024.

Last year, the Jarasum Jazz Festival hosted a "Hungary Focus" program, while this year's Budapest festival introduced a "Korea Focus" program featuring Korean artists.

Cho Yoon-sung Quintet opened the Korean program on ...