Goryeong County Holds Grand 'Godo Designation Ceremony'... Shedding New Light on Daegaya's Historical and Cultural Value

Goryeong Rises as Korea's Fifth Official Godo City

On June 9, Goryeong County, North Gyeongsang Province (Governor Lee Namcheol), held the 'Goryeong High Altitude (Godo) Designation Ceremony' at the Daegaya Culture Nuri.

Goryeong High Altitude Designation Ceremony. Provided by Goryeong County

This event was organized to commemorate Goryeong County's new designation as the fifth High Altitude (Godo) in Korea on February 18, and to widely promote the splendid history and culture of Daegaya.

Goryeong, the political and cultural center of Daegaya during the peak of Gaya history, is a historic city that preserves a wealth of tangible and intangible cultural heritage, including the Jisan-dong Tumuli (UNESCO World Heritage), palace sites, Jusanseong Fortress, pottery kilns, and the 'Daewangmyeong Pottery.' Recognized for its historical and academic value, Daegaya Goryeong was newly designated as a High Altitude (Godo) city 20 years after the enactment of the 'Special Act on the Preservation and Promotion of Godo,' which was established in 2004.

The ceremony began with pre-event performances, including the Goryeong County Gayageum Ensemble's 'Yongcheongeom' byungchang, a pansori performance by singer Kim Sanok, and calligraphy art by artist Kim Soyoung. This was followed by a video introducing the significance of the designation, congratulatory messages from Goryeong residents, the media performance 'The Hero,' a celebratory performance of the Korean traditional dance 'Hwaganmu,' and the official declaration and certificate presentation for the designation.

Approximately 700 people attended the ceremony, including Lee Namcheol, Governor of Goryeong County; Choi Eungcheon, Administrator of the Cultural Heritage Administration; the governors of Chilgok and Seongju Counties; officials from North Gyeongsang Province; representatives from the High Altitude (Godo) municipalities of Gyeongju, Gongju, Buyeo, and Iksan; heads of local agencies and organizations; county council members; and local residents, all celebrating the designation together.

Governor Lee Namcheol stated, "This designation as a High Altitude (Godo) is the long-cherished wish of all Goryeong residents and a meaningful achievement that represents national recognition of Daegaya's 1,500-year history." He emphasized, "We will strive for the systematic preservation of our historical and cultural assets and the establishment of a city brand that reflects our regional identity, so that this designation can become a new turning point for Goryeong's development."

Goryeong County plans to establish its identity as a historic and cultural city and promote both the quality of life for residents and the revitalization of the local economy by formulating the Daegaya High Altitude (Godo) implementation plan, launching the High Altitude (Godo) Identity Restoration Project, and carrying out national heritage preservation and management projects.

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