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At the beginning of last month (November 5–8), a delegation from the Estonian music sector traveled on a mission to Daegu, South Korea, organised by Music Estonia. The delegation included Elo-Liis Parmas, Executive Director of Jazz Estonia; Lauri Aav, Producer at Eesti Kontsert; and Silver Laadoga, Founder of Videolevels*. The delegation was led by Music Estonia Project Manager Greete Paršin. The four-day visit focused on meetings with representatives from the jazz and classical music fields, as well as with local music organisations — including festivals, concert venues, cultural institutions, institutes, studios, and artists. The delegation also had the honor of meeting the Mayor of Daegu Kim Jung-ki. 

The program, led by Inkie Kim, Director of International Cultural Cooperation of Daegu Metropolitan City, provided a comprehensive overview of Daegu’s cultural landscape and opened new opportunities to strengthen professional ties between Estonia and South Korea. Meetings were held with key institutions in Daegu’s cultural scene, including Daegu Concert House, Daegu Opera House, Daegu City Government, Daegu Arts Center, Daegu Foundation of Culture and Arts, Daegu International Music Festival, and independent music companies such as MS Entertainment and Indie053. The program also included visits to studios such as Franz Studio and Stage M, as well as a meeting with jazz musician Park Siyeon. In addition, the delegation was introduced to the activities of the Daegu Policy Research Institute. The visit was complemented by a concert program in Daegu’s main music venues, offering deeper insight into the city’s live music scene.

Elo-Liis Parmas, Executive Director of Jazz Estonia, emphasized the foundation for future cooperation: “We gained a broad understanding of the activities and values of UNESCO City of Music Daegu’s music sector, as well as a clear picture of the potential for collaboration. Preparations have already begun for future joint projects.”

The discussions highlighted significant potential for future artist exchanges. Several meetings also opened doors for Estonian musicians to participate in Korean festivals, such as the Daegu International Music Festival and the Daegu International Opera Festival.

“The Daegu contact trip marked an important step in strengthening ties between Estonia and South Korea and in opening new opportunities for Estonian music companies toward Asia. It was truly rewarding to see that the knowledge and connections gained during the week are already forming the basis for tangible future collaborations and joint projects,” said Music Estonia’s Project Manager and delegation coordinator Greete Paršin.

The contact trip was supported by UNESCO City of Music Tallinn and coordinated in partnership with Daegu Metropolitan City.

* Mihkel Mäekalle, a representative of the Breakdealer agency, was also selected for the delegation but was unable to participate in the mission due to health reasons.