Gwangju Successfully Concludes 30th Namhansanseong Cultural Festival with Over 83,000 Visitors

The Gwangju Cultural Foundation announced on the 23rd that the "30th Gwangju Namhansanseong Cultural Festival," held over three days from the 19th to the 21st, attracted approximately 83,000 festival visitors.

Citizens are enjoying their time participating in the "30th Gwangju Namhansanseong Cultural Festival," which was held over three days from the 19th to the 21st. Provided by Gyeonggi Gwangju City

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the festival, which was held under the theme "Beyond a Thousand Years of Wind, the Namhansanseong Cultural Festival Awakens Again: The Fortress Walls of Time." The event featured a variety of performances and experiential programs that honored the heritage and spirit of Namhansanseong, spanning from the past to the present and into the future.

The opening ceremony on the 19th, which marked the beginning of the festival, featured a grand performance under the theme "People Walking on Time," followed by a special congratulatory performance by world-renowned jazz vocalist Nah Younsun, deeply moving the audience.

The citizen-participation parade, "Together! Daedong Parade," was based on the metaphor of "layers of time" that connect the past, present, and future, honoring those who have protected Namhansanseong. Over 200 participants, including "Martial Arts Illustrated Namhansanseong Traditional Martial Arts," "Namhansanseong Chwigosu Music Band," "Jumping Angels," and the Gwangju Cultural Foundation supporters group "Kkumju," as well as local citizens, vividly reenacted historical scenes throughout the Namhansanseong area.

To commemorate the 30th anniversary, the nighttime program "Groove in Sanseong" was designed with the concept of OIY (Old Is Young). Menus featuring local specialties, such as cocktails made with Gwangju’s traditional liquors and Namhansanseong regional spirits, and bakery items using Toechon tomatoes, were especially popular with visitors. The dynamic performance by the electronic band IDIOTAPE further heated up the night at Namhansanseong.

The overnight camping program at Sueojangdae, "Night of the Fortress, Morning of the Guardians," offered a unique experience to remember the days when Namhansanseong was defended, receiving an enthusiastic response. Participants toured the fortress with explanations from a historical and cultural guide, learned about the lives of soldiers, and wrote their own fortress log. In the morning, after meditation and viewing Cheongnyangje, the program concluded with a tasting of "Hyojonggaeng," a signature Namhansanseong dish, allowing participants to fully experience the unique identity of Namhansanseong, where history, nature, and food harmonize.

Citizens are enjoying their time participating in the "30th Gwangju Namhansanseong Cultural Festival," which was held over three days from the 19th to the 21st. Provided by Gyeonggi Gwangju City

Additionally, the festival offered various programs such as "Sanseong Flavors," which allowed visitors to taste Namhansanseong cuisine; the "Namhansanseong Fortress Playground," specially created for the 30th anniversary; "Scholar and Tea Ceremony Experience"; and an "Art Market" operated through an open call for participation. These programs helped establish the festival as an event that everyone, regardless of age or gender, could enjoy.

Although traffic congestion was expected due to the narrow roads and limited parking at Namhansanseong Provincial Park, enhanced traffic safety measures were implemented this year, including the operation of six checkpoints, shuttle buses, and parking guidance, minimizing inconvenience for visitors. The event was conducted safely and smoothly thanks to the cooperation of local organizations and residents of Sanseong-ri, Namhansanseong-myeon, among others.

The festival manager at the Gwangju Cultural Foundation stated, "It was very meaningful to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Namhansanseong Cultural Festival, allowing citizens and tourists to experience and enjoy the history and culture of Namhansanseong together," adding, "Next year marks the 400th anniversary of the construction of Namhansanseong, and we will do our best to prepare even more meaningful and enriching programs and festivals."

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