"30 Billion KRW Economic Impact Jackpot"... Uijeongbu Reborn as a "City of Kings"

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Attracting 45,000 Visitors... Restoring History through the Royal Procession
Shedding the "Military City" Image, Regaining Identity as the "City of Kings"
"Visited by Kings 28 Times" ? Reenacting the Heonsu-rye Ritual Based on Historical Records
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Uijeongbu City in Gyeonggi Province, led by Mayor Kim Donggeun, is redefining its historical identity through the 40th Hoe-ryong Cultural Festival's "Taejo and Taejong Uijeongbu Procession."

Uijeongbu City attracted about 45,000 spectators to the "Taejo and Taejong Uijeongbu Procession" held on September 28, generating an estimated economic ripple effect of approximately 3 billion KRW. The photo shows the "Taejo and Taejong Uijeongbu Procession." Provided by Uijeongbu City. Photo by Uijeongbu City

According to Uijeongbu City on October 20, the event held on September 28 attracted approximately 45,000 spectators and generated an estimated economic ripple effect of about 3 billion KRW. This event served as a pivotal moment for transforming the city's brand, going beyond a simple festival.

This event was a historical and cultural program that reconstructed the royal procession and the Heonsu-rye ritual based on records from the Annals of the Joseon Dynasty, marking a turning point in restoring Uijeongbu's identity and status.

According to the Annals of the Joseon Dynasty, the kings visited Uijeongbu a total of 28 times: King Taejong visited five times, King Sejong thirteen times, King Danjong once, and King Sejo nine times. The main purposes were for encampment, hunting, and military training.

Uijeongbu, like Jeonju and Suwon, is a "city of kings" and served as a key political and military hub in the northern metropolitan area, frequently visited by Joseon kings.

The historical basis for the event is November 6, 1405 (the fifth year of King Taejong's reign), as recorded in Volume 10 of the Annals of King Taejong.

On this day, during the second relocation of the capital from Gaeseong to Hanyang, King Taejong welcomed King Taejo in the area of old Gyeonju (present-day Uijeongbu and Yangju) and performed the Heonsu-rye ritual.

Uijeongbu City attracted approximately 45,000 spectators to the "Taejo and Taejong Uijeongbu Procession" held on September 28, generating an estimated economic impact of about 3 billion won. The photo shows the "Taejo and Taejong Uijeongbu Procession." Provided by Uijeongbu City. Photo by Uijeongbu City

This ritual is regarded as a symbol of unity and harmony that transcended the conflicts of dynastic transition. The reenactment added meaning as a cultural experiment that revived its historical significance, beyond a mere parade.

Since 2023, the city has collaborated with academia to conduct scholarly verification through the "Uijeongbu Identity Study."

Professors Kwon Kijung of Hansung University and Lee Wangmu of Kyonggi University participated in academic conferences, establishing the fifth year of King Taejong's reign as the historical reference point. They decided to use Goryeo-style costumes, considering that this period preceded the full establishment of Joseon-style attire.

Through this, the city presented the nation's first Goryeo-style procession, setting a new direction for historically verified cultural content that combines historical credibility and visual artistry.

On the day of the event, about 45,000 people watched the "Taejo and Taejong Uijeongbu Procession," and including approximately 15,000 visitors to the Jeonja Village event site, the total number of participants was estimated at around 60,000.

Uijeongbu City attracted over 45,000 spectators to the "Taejo and Taejong Uijeongbu Procession" held on September 28, generating an estimated economic impact of approximately 3 billion KRW. The photo shows a scene from the "Taejo and Taejong Uijeongbu Procession." Provided by Uijeongbu City.

According to an analysis by a professional research firm, the event generated about 2 billion KRW in direct spending, 1 billion KRW in added value, and created 24 jobs, resulting in an overall economic impact of approximately 3 billion KRW. This is an exceptional achievement for a single historical and cultural event, and it revitalized the local economy, including the food, lodging, and retail sectors during the festival period.

The "Taejo and Taejong Uijeongbu Procession" served as a key moment in the city's strategy to redefine its identity. The storytelling content reenacting the legends of King Taejo Lee Seonggye and King Taejong Lee Bangwon received positive feedback from citizens as a "living history lesson," and about 1,000 citizens participated in the procession, driving the city's brand transition from a "military city" to a "city of kings."

The citizen satisfaction survey also showed positive results. Among the 1,069 respondents, the overall satisfaction score was 83.7 points, the willingness to recommend was 85.1 points, and the reflection of identity was 83.7 points. 73% of respondents said they would participate again, and of these, 92.3% were Uijeongbu residents, indicating a strong foundation for voluntary local participation.

The city noted that the analysis has some limitations due to the lack of actual data such as card spending, and plans to introduce more precise visitor analysis in the future using credit card company consumption data and telecommunications company location-based services (LBS).

In addition, the city plans to promote a one-night, two-day stay-type tourism program linked to local attractions such as Hoe-ryongsa Temple and Budae Jjigae Alley, and to make the "Taejo and Taejong Uijeongbu Procession" an annual event, developing it into the leading historical and cultural parade-type tourism festival in northern Gyeonggi Province.

Uijeongbu City attracted about 45,000 spectators to the "Taejo and Taejong Uijeongbu Procession" held on September 28, generating an estimated economic impact of approximately 3 billion KRW. The photo shows citizens enjoying the "Taejo and Taejong Uijeongbu Procession." Provided by Uijeongbu City. Photo by Uijeongbu City

Mayor Kim Donggeun said, "This 'Taejo and Taejong Uijeongbu Procession' was a meaningful opportunity to retrace the city's roots by recreating historical scenes together with citizens. We will continue to enhance Uijeongbu's unique identity and dignity through festivals created together with citizens, where culture and stories come alive."

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