Yeosu's traditional Nangdo Carnival, which faded away over 50 years ago, is being revived at the 2026 Yeosu World Island Expo.
The festival, where island residents donned masks and swapped clothing to pray for the village's well-being and prosperity, has transformed into an interactive experience open to all visitors.
The organizing committee announced that the 'Something Special! Island Carnival' will take place from October 31 to November 1, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., in the grassy area between the theme island and the marine ecology island.
This event, subtitled 'A Unique Mask Festival Gifted by Nangdo,' is a modern reinterpretation of the traditional Nangdo Carnival that has been passed down in Yeosu.
The Nangdo Carnival was historically a community festival where island residents used masks and disguises to ward off misfortune and wish for good luck.
Women dressed as men and men dressed as women, fostering community unity and allowing young people to connect and socialize.
However, as the island's population and living conditions changed, this tradition disappeared about 50 years ago.
The organizing committee aims to promote the island's unique cultural heritage and community spirit through this event, encouraging tourists to participate and experience its significance.
A costume photo zone will be set up where attendees can wear masks and traditional outfits for photos. On-site activities will include Polaroid photo sessions and photo decoration experiences.
There will also be various programs for children and families.
In the experience zone, activities will include making Nangdo Carnival masks, decorating pumpkin baskets, creating paper toys of the expo mascot 'Dasami,' and coloring book experiences.
The transformation zone will feature face painting and Halloween tattoo sticker experiences themed around Dasami and marine life.
Notably, the 'Lucky Island Tarot' program allows participants to select cards that provide QR codes directing them to Yeosu's island tourist attractions and experiences. Participants will receive a keyring featuring their selected card.
Visitors who post costume photos on social media will receive souvenirs redeemable at restaurants and markets within the expo.
Informational signs explaining the origins and significance of the Nangdo Carnival will be placed throughout the experience areas, providing an opportunity to understand the island's history and culture beyond mere entertainment.
As the Yeosu World Island Expo approaches its closing date on November 4, this weekend represents the last opportunity for family-oriented visitors to enjoy the event.
On October 31, at 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., a performance team from Hawaii will take the stage for 'Island Friends Day,' showcasing traditional dance and music.
A large-scale special exhibition of seafood from Jeonnam Gwangju will continue in the plaza in front of the theme island until November 1, and from November 1 to 3, 'Sunset Cinema' will be held at the theme island media facade.
Jeong Chun-han, head of the planning and promotion department for the 2026 Yeosu World Island Expo, stated, “The island has festivals and stories unique to the people who live with the sea. We hope families will wear masks and enjoy the island's festival during Halloween weekend while appreciating the value of the disappearing island culture.”
This Island Carnival not only showcases the island's natural beauty but also emphasizes the importance of preserving and passing down the lives and traditional cultures of its residents.
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, as well as on Gaedo and Geumo Island. This weekend, visitors can enjoy traditional island culture, performances, food, and hands-on activities.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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