The Namhansanseong Cultural Festival, Gwangju City's premier historical and cultural event, will take place from September 18 to 20 at Namhansanseong Provincial Park.
According to the city on September 10, this year's festival marks its 31st iteration and commemorates the 400th anniversary of the construction of the Namhansanseong fortress. The event aims to reflect on its historical significance and provide citizens with opportunities to engage with cultural heritage through performances, traditional culture, and experiential programs.
Interest among Gwangju residents is growing as the festival is set against the backdrop of a significant cultural heritage site. The event is expected to attract family visitors who can enjoy not only the fortress but also performances, historical experiences, and local cuisine.
Local sentiment anticipates that the festival will serve as a chance to highlight the value of the 400-year-old Namhansanseong to both citizens and visitors.
The festival will kick off with an opening ceremony on September 18 and continue until September 20. The first day will feature the opening ceremony at the main stage in the South Gate parking lot. The theme performance, 'Memories of 400 Years, Opening Tomorrow's Fortress,' will narrate the history from the fortress's construction to the present through a performance. A fusion of traditional Korean music and popera will follow.
On September 19, the festival will showcase traditional performances, including the Daedong-gut, with participation from the Gwangju Arts Council and seven cultural centers in the Namhansanseong area. The creative musical 'Burning the Moon' by the Pabal Theater Company will also be performed, focusing on the history and culture of Namhansanseong.
Additionally, singer-songwriter Ahn Yeo-eun and vocalist Lee Seung-hyun are scheduled to perform.
The final day, September 20, will center around traditional performances and historical programs, featuring a tightrope performance from Namchang-dong and traditional martial arts demonstrations.
In the evening, a 'Traveling Cinema' will screen the film 'Namhansanseong' against the backdrop of the fortress, followed by a program where history instructor Choi Tae-sung compares the film's historical accuracy with actual history, explaining the significance of Namhansanseong.
Throughout the festival, various experiential programs will be available at different locations within Namhansanseong. A 'Sanseong Village' themed around the Joseon Dynasty will be set up in the traditional park, featuring traditional games such as tuho, yutnori, and jegichagi, along with activities like rice cake pounding, pumpkin smashing, and photo opportunities.
On the final day, a program will allow participants to wear hanbok and take photos against a throne and the Ilwollo Bongdo backdrop.
A 'Traveling Library' will be available at the palace, offering books related to Namhansanseong and other reading materials.
The South Gate parking lot will host an 'Art Market' where visitors can engage in knot tying, hand sewing, and badge making, alongside works from local artisans and craftspeople.
Programs to experience the natural environment of Namhansanseong are also planned. Visitors can participate in 'Sanseong Trekking' to walk around the fortress while exploring its history and natural surroundings, as well as 'Sanseong Ecological Experience' to observe the ecological environment of the provincial park.
The Namhansanseong Merchants Association will participate in 'Sanseong Foodies,' showcasing local dishes and specialties. Local merchants will directly engage with visitors to promote the culinary offerings and unique characteristics of the Namhansanseong area.
A representative from the Gwangju Cultural Foundation stated, 'In celebrating the 400th anniversary of the fortress's construction, we hope to reflect on the stories of those who have protected Namhansanseong and the value of our cultural heritage. We expect this festival to be an opportunity for citizens to experience history and art together.'
* This article has been translated by AI.
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