Seoul - Seoul International Music Competition

As the first prestigious international competition ever held in Korea, the Seoul International Competition has nurtured and promoted numerous world-renowned artists, including Aviram Reichert (Piano Faculty, Seoul National University, Korea), Ju-Young Baek (Violin Faculty, Seoul National University, Korea), Liviu Prunaru (Former Concertmaster of Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, Netherlands), Paul Byung Woo Kong (Baritone; Voice Faculty, Chonnam National University, Korea), Chi-Ho Han (Piano Faculty, Indiana University Jacobs School of Music) and Clara-Jumi Kang, Erin Keefe, Stefan Marian Pop, Changyong Shin, among others, who continue to play significant roles on the international music stage. 

The First Prize winner will receive world-class awards, including USD 50,000, performance engagements with major orchestras worldwide, recital opportunities, and additional career-development support.

To further assist promising young singers, the Competition provides international airfare support and free board and accommodation for non-Korean competitors selected for the First Round:

• USD 500 for participants traveling from Asia
• USD 1,000 for participants traveling from other continents
  (Amounts are provided after deduction of Korean tax)

The Jury for the 2026 Voice Competition will include internationally renowned singers as well as General Directors and Casting Directors from leading opera houses, such as Anthony Freud, Myra Huang, Robert Körner, Andreas Massow, Sang Ho Choi, Youngok Shin, Samuel Youn, and others.

As Korea’s leading international music competition, the Seoul International Music Competition continues to elevate artistic standards while strengthening Korea’s position as a major global hub for classical music.

● SCHEDULE

 • Application Deadline: February 4

 • Notification of Acceptance: February 11, 2026

 • Drawing of Lots: March 13

 • First Round: March 15–16

 • Second Round: March 17–18

 • Semifinal Round: March 20

 • Final Round and Ceremony of Awards: March 22

● VENUE

 • First and Second Round: DOAM Hall, Arts Center Seoul
 • Semifinal Round: Recital Hall, Seoul Arts Center
 • Final Stage & Ceremony of Awards: Concert Hall, Seoul Arts Center

● PRIZES
 • 1^st Prize    US $50,000
 • 2^nd Prize   US $30,000
 • 3^rd Prize    US $20,000
 • 4^th Prize    US $10,000
 • 5^th Prize    US $ 7,000
 • 6^th Prize    US $ 5,000
 • Sun Nam Kim Special Prize   US $ 5,000