The Korale UK concert tour

Founded on 17 May 1966, The Korale (formerly, the Korean Students Choir, 한국대학합창단) is composed primarily of university music majors from Seoul and the greater metropolitan region. For nearly 60 years, the choir has devoted itself to mission work through sacred music and to the advancement of Korean choral artistry.

Showcasing the pure and vibrant sound of young university singers, The Korale presents a broad and diverse repertoire — from Renaissance masterworks to contemporary compositions — through its annual concerts and nationwide tours. The choir also maintains an active performance schedule, offering monthly invitation concerts at churches, community venues, and social welfare institutions throughout Seoul and nearby areas. The Korale’s activities extend well beyond Korea. The ensemble has received wide acclaim during 11 tours across North America, performing in churches, universities, state legislatures and city halls throughout the United States and Canada. Additional international tours have taken the ensemble to Japan, China and 13 European countries across six major tars including the Unted Kingdom and Germany, where the choir has served as a cultural ambassador for Korean choral music. Following the global COVID-19 pandemic, the choir resumed its activities with a regular concert in 2021. It successfully completed a US tour in 2023, a Japan tour in 2024, and a currently engaged in a European tour in 2026.

Since its founding The Korale was led for 4S years by is founding conductor, Professor Chai Hoon-cha, followed by its second conductor, Professor Park Dong-hee. The choir is now under the direction of as third principal conductor, Professor Shin Seung-yong, who continues the ensemble’s legacy with renewed passion and artistic vision.

Professor Shin Seung-yong majored in Voice and Church Music (Choral Conducting) in Korea before moving to the United States, where he earned his Master’s and studied Doctoral program in Choral Conducting from the University of Louisville are University of Arizona.

Upon returning to Korea he began his professional career as Guest Associate Conductor of the National Chorus of Korea. He has since served as Conductor of the Andong City Chorale and Principal Conductor of the Suncheon City Chorale and has appeared as Guest Conductor with major civic ensembles including the National Chorus, Seoul City Chorale, Seongnam, Ulsan and Changwon.

He currently serves as Principal Conductor of The Korale and the Seoul Male Choir, and conducts the Hosanna Choir of Jamsil Presbyterian Church. As a nominated member of the Korea Choral Directors Association and the Korea Church Music Association he remains deeply committed to the advancement of the choral arts. He also teaches future conductors and musicians as an Adjunct Professor at Kyung Hee University and Dankook University. An alumnus of the Korean University Choir, Conductor Shin considers it a significant mission to continue and uphold the educational philosophy and artistic vision established by founding conductor Professor Chai Hoon-cha.

Tour dates