The history and culture of Mokpo, which grew into a modern city 129 years ago with its opening, came alive across the streets on autumn nights.
The city of Mokpo in South Jeolla Province announced on November 2 that the '2026 Mokpo Heritage Night,' held from October 30 to November 1, concluded with participation from citizens and tourists.
This year's event, subtitled 'Modern Times: The Story of Mokpo's Opening 129,' showcased the changes and historical traces of Mokpo since its opening in 1897 through performances, exhibitions, and experiences.
More than 30 programs were organized, utilizing actual historical sites such as modern buildings and alleyways, allowing visitors to engage with national heritage beyond mere observation.
The event kicked off with the 'Time Road Parade' along the opening port street. This was followed by planned performances like 'Mokpo Chant,' 'Mokpo Scenery,' and 'Mokpo Romance,' which depicted the lives of Mokpo residents and the city's transformations since its opening.
A K-Art media facade, featuring vibrant visuals on the exteriors of modern buildings, and a musical created by local arts groups added light and music to the historical spaces, enhancing the nighttime cultural experience.
At the Mokpo Modern History Museum, a performance titled 'Harmony Across Generations' featured over 50 participants ranging from teenagers to seniors, while a street theater with historical narration allowed audience members to engage directly with the procession and performances.
At Gyeongdong Cathedral, performances by local intangible cultural heritage artists and traditional dances by the late Woo Bong Lee Mae-bang were showcased, along with contemporary dance pieces. At the National Mokpo University Cultural Arts Park, seven teams from the university's cultural arts clubs presented various performances, including bands, vocals, and hip-hop dance, engaging younger audiences.
A highlight of this year's Heritage Night was the former Mokpo Public Sim Sang Elementary School auditorium and outdoor experience area.
In the auditorium, an exhibition and demonstration of jade crafts led by national intangible cultural heritage master Jang Joo-won, along with art experiences by local artists, took place.
Outdoors, the National Institute of Maritime Heritage and local universities offered 17 programs, including underwater excavation experiences, marine character creation, and model ship assembly.
Parents in their 30s and 40s visiting the event with children also participated in the experiences, demonstrating that the modern historical cultural space can serve as a family-friendly cultural venue.
At Mokpo Jin, a historical tour linked with local cuisine was offered to guests, while interactive media performances and 1935 Gyeongseong-style costume experiences took place in the modern historical cultural street.
Food trucks and craft flea markets were set up at the event site, allowing visitors to enjoy performances and experiences while exploring local businesses.
This year's Heritage Night was significant as it was prepared collaboratively by the National Mokpo University, National Mokpo Maritime University, Mokpo Science University, National Institute of Maritime Heritage, Mokpo Cultural Foundation, along with local businesses and residents.
Mokpo City also emphasized its commitment to eco-friendly event management by reducing single-use items through the use of reusable containers at the event site.
Mayor Kang Seong-hwi stated, "The successful hosting of this Heritage Night has established Mokpo as a 'city worth revisiting,' enhancing the city's brand value. We will continue to expand the value of Mokpo's identity and cultural heritage."
Meanwhile, the Mokpo Modern Historical Cultural Space is an area where traces of modern buildings, streets, and living culture formed after the opening remain. This Heritage Night connected these historical assets with nighttime tourism and citizen-participatory cultural content, leaving a meaningful impact, and the ongoing challenge is to continuously expand the event's effects on local businesses and sustainable tourism.
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.