The 42nd Yonghwa Festival, a celebration of community unity in Hwacheon, Gangwon Province, will begin on October 7 with the Yonghwa Mountain Shinsinje and continue through October 8. Residents from five towns in Hwacheon will come together to pray for local well-being and strengthen neighborly bonds through traditional rituals and folk sports.
According to Hwacheon County, the festival is organized by the county and the Yonghwa Festival Committee, with the Hwacheon Cultural Center overseeing the event. Local organizations and social groups are also participating in the sponsorship.
On the first day, the Yonghwa Mountain Shinsinje will be held to pray for regional development, the peace of residents, and the prosperity of farms. This ceremony reflects the significance of traditional culture passed down by ancestors while wishing for the community's well-being.
The following day, the Hwacheon Sports Park will host a parade featuring residents from Hwacheon-eup, Gandong-myeon, Hanam-myeon, Sangseo-myeon, and Sannae-myeon, followed by an opening ceremony. Each town will compete in various sports and folk games.
The folk sports competition includes 17 events, such as soccer, park golf, badminton, tennis, gateball, group jump rope, group ball rolling, three-legged races, and relays. Traditional games like janggi, baduk, jegichagi, tuho, arm wrestling, tug-of-war, han-gung, and samulnori performances will also take place.
The inclusion of team sports and traditional games aligns with the festival's goal of fostering community unity. Residents from the five towns, each with different living environments, will gather to participate in the competitions, cheer for one another, and engage in exchanges.
The connection between the Shinsinje and community unity events continues this year. According to official records from Hwacheon County, the 40th and 41st festivals in 2024 and last year also held the opening ceremony and main events the day after the Shinsinje. This year, the festival will again commence with the traditional ritual, bringing the community together.
During the opening ceremony, a reading of the community charter will take place, followed by the presentation of the Hwacheon County Awards. Categories include awards for filial piety, health, happy families, and exemplary spouses. This event will also serve to encourage residents who have set positive examples in their daily lives.
Taking place during the busy autumn harvest season, the Yonghwa Festival provides an opportunity for residents to pause their work and connect with one another.
Hwacheon County Mayor Kim Se-hoon stated, "The Yonghwa Festival is a time for residents to unite in their commitment to the development of their hometown. I hope many people will attend to share warmth and support one another."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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