Naju-si to Host 'Republic of Korea Mahan Culture Festival' on July 8-9

Published 20 Sep.2022 14:58(KST)

[Naju=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Yukbong] Jeonnam Naju City announced on the 20th that the ‘2022 Republic of Korea Mahan Culture Festival’ will be held from the 8th to the 9th of next month at the National Naju Museum area.

This festival, held for the first time in three years, will be presented under the subtitle ‘Naju Festival, Play Mahan!’ featuring a total of 30 cultural, experiential, sales, and linked programs across five categories: Mahan ‘Myeongpum’ (名品, Masterpiece), ‘Gipum’ (氣品, Elegance), ‘Jinpum’ (眞品, Authenticity), ‘Jeongpum’ (精品, Fine Quality), and ‘Byeolpum’ (別品, Special Quality).

The main events include the ‘Mahan Opening Ceremony’ and ‘Dancing On Mahan,’ in which tourists can participate.

The opening ceremony, marking the start of the festival, will take place from 11 a.m. on the first day at a special stage in front of the museum.

Breaking away from the conventional formal opening ceremony format, it will be themed as a ‘Thanksgiving Festival’ that visitors can enjoy together, featuring pungaknori (traditional Korean folk music), Mahan sodoyeon (ritual), and a sharing performance of fortune (Naju puffed rice).

In particular, there will be an opportunity to taste a Naju traditional table prepared by Cheon Subong, a master of Korean cuisine, symbolizing wishes for health and abundance.

Reserved seating and tasting participation for the opening ceremony can be applied for in advance online via the Naju Culture and Tourism website or by contacting the Naju Mahan Culture Festival Promotion Committee.

Another main event, ‘Dancing On Mahan,’ will reinterpret dances performed during Mahan era rituals into modern, exciting dance competitions.

Hosted by Dongshin University, various genre teams including K-POP, waacking, shuffle, and dance will compete, with special judges such as dancer Hyojin Choi from Street Woman Fighter and Lovelan attending the festival.

The opening celebration performance starting at 7:30 p.m. will feature Mister Trot’s Jung Dongwon, and the closing performance the following day will be graced by performance group Vista, invited singers Baek Hyeshin, and Jo Myungseop.

The festival also offers diverse experiential (Mahan Jinpum) and food (Mahan Jeongpum) programs that are essential to the event.

During the festival, activities such as archery, handmade crafts, making gilt-bronze patterned bracelets and gilt-bronze crowns, as well as large wood-fired barbecue, local restaurants, youth food courts, and specialty product sales booths will be operated.

Additionally, shuttle buses accompanied by cultural interpreters, a 20,000-pyeong flower bed, night lighting, and convenience facilities will be installed to provide a romantic early autumn tourism experience in Naju.

Mayor Yoon Byungtae said, “I hope this Mahan Culture Festival will soothe the minds and bodies exhausted by COVID-19 and serve as a catalyst for revitalizing historical and cultural tourism,” adding, “We will prepare diverse and substantial programs so that it becomes a festival for everyone to enjoy and heal together, welcoming guests as if at a feast.”