Ari: The Spirit of Korea grew from Jeongseon Arirang and regional cultural performance, combining folk music, dance, humor, and local stories in a touring form designed to introduce the cultural identity of Jeongseon internationally. The show premiered in 2018 as part of the PyeongChang Winter Olympics cultural program, and an expanded stage version was presented in Korea in 2019.

Built around the themes of Arirang (separation, longing, resilience), the performance dramatizes the life of Gi-mok, a master woodworker, and his daughter Ari, weaving together myth, family saga, and folk heritage. Performers embody characters from folk narratives, including Gi-mok, Ari, and the courtesan Aewol, while also serving as narrators; actors move through the aisles and drape ribbons over audience members, extending the performance beyond the stage.

It was invited to the Adelaide Festival in 2023 and presented at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2024 as part of the Korea Season, performed with English subtitles. Reviewers noted its mix of humor, including improvised English lines, with folk traditions; The AU Review gave it five stars.