Anseong-si, Gyeonggi Selected as 2025 East Asia Cultural City

Leading with Namsadangpae and Others for Cultural Exchange and Cooperation with China and Japan

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism announced on the 5th that Anseong City in Gyeonggi Province was selected as the East Asian Cultural City for 2025 at the 'East Asian Cultural City Selection Committee' held on the 29th of last month.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

The East Asian Cultural City serves as a platform for cultural exchange and cooperation with cities in China and Japan that possess unique regional cultures. It has been designated since 2014 based on the agreement at the 2012 Korea-China-Japan Cultural Ministers' Meeting. This year, Gimhae City in Gyeongsangnam-do is conducting various projects with Ishikawa Prefecture in Japan and Weifang and Dalian in China.

Taking over the baton, Anseong City plans to organize and exchange cultural events with East Asian Cultural Cities in China and Japan under the slogan "Baudeogi, Joseon's First Idol, Tightrope Walking Across Asia!" Baudeogi was the female leader of the Namsadang troupe in Anseong during the late Joseon period. She became the leader at the age of fifteen due to her outstanding skills.

Anseong City will promote various cultural exchange and cooperation programs such as a special exhibition on East Asian artisans' traditional crafts, Korea-China-Japan food culture exchange events, and exchanges among young artists. Additionally, it will establish a sustainable cultural exchange foundation by linking with local cultural projects.

Jung Hyang-mi, Director of Cultural Policy at the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, said, "Anseong City is rich in unique and original cultural and artistic content, including Anseong Market, one of the three major markets of Joseon, and Namsadangnori." She added, "We will support expanding the scope of cooperation with other East Asian Cultural Cities and building deep understanding and friendship."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.