The autumn nights in Yeosu, South Jeolla Province, were illuminated by vibrant fireworks, music, and art during the opening ceremony of the 2026 Cultural Month at the Yeosu World Island Expo. The event featured large aerial performances, a K-POP concert, and a maritime fireworks display, creating unforgettable memories for attendees.
According to the organizing committee on the 18th, the opening ceremony took place the previous day at the main stage of the Yeosu World Island Expo, themed 'Yeosu Night Sea: A Voyage of Romance and Culture.'
The Cultural Month event, held annually by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to promote local cultural values, is taking place in Yeosu this year, with performances, exhibitions, and experiential programs running until the 19th in conjunction with the expo.
This event aims to showcase the historical, cultural, and artistic values of the islands through diverse performance content, providing visitors with a multifaceted cultural experience beyond mere exhibition viewing.
The opening ceremony began with street performances by a marching band and Yeosu's character parade. The dynamic rhythms of the Brazilian samba percussion band 'La Percussion' blended with traditional melodies from the Yeosu Municipal Traditional Music Group, enhancing the festive atmosphere.
Key attendees participated in a departure ceremony, turning a large 'key of navigation' together, symbolizing the connection of culture and art between the region and the world.
The highlight of the opening ceremony was the original themed performance 'Yeosu: Beyond Time, Through Light.' This performance, which depicted the stories of Yeosu's thousand-year history and its 365 islands through a voyage connecting the past, present, and future, combined media art, percussion, choir, and aerial performances.
As the harmonies of local children's choirs and the municipal choir filled the air, the performance team 'Project Nalda' captivated the audience with an aerial display using a large crane that traversed the night sky.
The subsequent K-POP special concert featured performances by Seo Do Band, Mamamoo's Solar, and Zico, each adding their unique musical charm to the event.
The grand finale was a fireworks show set against the backdrop of the Yeosu night sea. Colorful fireworks lit up the night sky and reflected on the water, filling the venue with cheers from visitors enjoying the romantic autumn night. The event showcased the potential for stay tourism, allowing visitors to explore the expo during the day and enjoy cultural performances and fireworks in the evening.
Lee Sun-mi, 29, who attended the event with her family, said, "There was so much to see from the themed performances to the concert, but I think I will never forget the sight of the final fireworks bursting over the sea. I was satisfied that we could explore the exhibition during the day and enjoy the performances and fireworks in the evening."
The Cultural Month event will continue until the 19th.
On the 18th, a special performance by the Hwasun Yeomi Choir, a play titled 'The Song of Sinjiggi' based on island legends, and the 'Yeomun Art Sharing Stage' featuring local artists will take place. At 6:30 PM, 'Island Friends Day,' showcasing Cuban music and dance, is scheduled.
On the final day, the 19th, a street performance at the open stage photo zone will kick off at 11 AM, followed by the closing ceremony and celebratory performances at 3 PM.
Outside the expo, cultural events such as the YK Dance Festival, Marine Street Arts Festival, and Living Culture Festival will be held, spreading the festive atmosphere throughout Yeosu.
Choi Hwi-young, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, who attended the opening ceremony, stated, "We will do our best to ensure that the region's unique culture grows into attractive tourism content and that this vitality translates into the daily lives of residents, fostering the development of culture and tourism together."
Kim Jong-ki, Secretary General of the organizing committee, expressed hope that the diverse performances and experiences at the expo would provide visitors with enjoyable experiences and offer a new perspective on the life and cultural values of the islands.
Meanwhile, the 2026 Yeosu World Island Expo, themed 'Islands, Connecting the Sea and the Future,' opened on September 5 and will run for 61 days until November 4, taking place in the Dolsan Jinmo area and the Yeosu World Expo site, including Gaedo and Geumo Island. The organizing committee plans to promote the value of the islands through exhibitions, experiences, and cultural performances during the expo period, aiming to revitalize local tourism.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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