Mayor Kim Byungsoo: "Spreading the Spirit of Jibusangso Nationwide Through 'K-Jungbong Cosplay'"

Gimpo City Draws 50,000 Visitors with Korea’s Only Axe Festival
Capturing Both Fun and Meaning with the Spirit of Jo Heon’s 'Jibusangso'
Participants: "Gimpo Is Full of Fun Festivals, a City I Want to Visit Again"
'A Special Axe, A Special Festival'... Gimpo Dadam Festival Gains Nationwide Attention

The '2025 Gimpo Dadam Festival,' hosted by Gimpo City, concluded successfully, attracting more than 50,000 visitors with its unique concept as the nation’s only axe festival. Citizens responded positively, saying that the special branding of the 'axe,' along with a rich array of attractions from Gimpo's traditions to the arts, was a hit. This year, in particular, the festival held special significance as it spread the meaning of the 'Jibusangso' of Jo Heon, a representative historical figure from Gimpo, beyond the city to the entire country, with participants from across Korea joining the K-Jungbong cosplay event and engaging with the festival in new ways.

Citizens are enjoying their time participating in the '2025 Gimpo Dadam Festival,' the nation's only axe festival, held on the 27th at Gimpo Art Village and the Art Center area. Provided by Gimpo City

The festival, held on the 27th at Gimpo Art Village and the Art Center area, was co-organized by the Gimpo Cultural Center, Gimpo Federation of Arts and Culture, Gimpo Cultural Foundation, and Gimpo Traditional Music Association. It showcased a variety of experiences and performances based on Gimpo’s traditions, culture, and arts.

Notably, the 'K-Jungbong Cosplay Street Parade,' introduced for the first time this year, filled a 450-meter stretch and drew significant attention. Participants included fusion samulnori performance teams, traditional mask experience participants, children, families, and seniors, all carrying axes and taking part in various cosplays such as the gold axe, silver axe, and Eoudong, heating up the festival atmosphere. Participants expressed, "This is a festival that opens the door to change, not with axes but with courage," and chanted together, "Gimpo, our K-Jibusangso."

Another popular program, 'My Own Axe Jibusangso,' saw over 200 people showcase their uniquely crafted axes. Axes made from egg cartons, flowers, and even fairy tale-inspired designs were displayed, drawing attention. The performance, which reinterpreted Jo Heon's Jibusangso spirit in a modern context, received a great response.

There was also a wide array of side events.

Kim Byungsoo, mayor of Gimpo City, is delivering a greeting at the '2025 Gimpo Dadam Festival,' the nation's only axe festival, held on the 27th at Gimpo Art Village and the Art Center area. Provided by Gimpo City

Programs appealing to all generations and tastes included a special lecture on 'Jo Heon of Jungbong and Gimpo History' by history lecturer Choi Taeseong, a gala show of Gimpo’s original musical 'Aegibong,' and a media art night show.

One tourist who attended the festival commented, "I came to Gimpo for the first time after hearing about this fun festival. The idea of creating and participating with a personalized axe is interesting and refreshing. Gimpo has many fun festivals and hot spots. It's a charming city that makes me want to visit again."

Another participant said, "It's not easy to recall the spirit embedded in the Jibusangso these days, but this festival made it come to mind naturally, and it gave me a great opportunity to explain it to my child. It’s not a common festival, which made it even more satisfying."

Participants of the Jungbong Cultural Festival's 'My Own Axe Jibusa Petition' and Mayor Kim Byungsoo. Provided by Gimpo City

Kim Byungsoo, Mayor of Gimpo City, stated, "Today’s Dadam Festival is not just an ordinary cultural event, but a special festival that can introduce the spirit of Jungbong to the world. The intention was to symbolically and intuitively highlight the axe to capture both fun and meaning, and to widely promote the spirit contained in Jo Heon's Jibusangso." He added, "I hope today will be a day to reflect once again on the values of justice, conviction, and determination through the Gimpo Dadam Festival."

He continued, "Gimpo is promoting itself nationwide by approaching what it has from a new perspective," and added, "I expect that Gimpo will emerge as a city of unique festivals through the Gimpo Dadam Festival, the only axe festival in the country."

Grand Prize winner of the Jungbong Youth Literature Award and Mayor Kim Byungsoo. Provided by Gimpo City

Meanwhile, the Dadam Festival began with VR drawing and an opening ceremony, followed by a variety of experiences including traditional and folk games, an art market, art experiences, and special exhibitions. The festival also featured a Jibusangso performance, Chuseok performances, a magistrate quiz contest, traditional folk art and pungmul performances, and the Gimpo Arts Festival, making it a rich festival full of attractions and unique content.

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