The Royal Gates of Joseon Open Again After 600 Years... Yangju Hoeamsaji Royal Festival Begins on the 17th

Yangju to Host the Hoeamsaji Royal Festival from April 17 to 19
"History Reignited, Heading Toward World Heritage"
Expanded Royal Procession and Enhanced Citizen Participation
Evolving into a Participatory Festival in Hopes of UNESCO Recognition

Six hundred years ago, Hoeamsaji in Yangju served as a place of healing and rest for Yi Seong-gye, the founding king of the Joseon Dynasty. Now, once again, the gates of the royal court will open at this historic site.

On April 7, Yangju City Mayor Kang Su-hyun announced that the "9th Yangju Hoeamsaji Royal Festival" will be held over three days from April 17 to 19 at the Hoeamsaji site. This year, under the slogan "History Reignited, Heading Toward World Heritage," the city plans to put its full effort into promoting the value of Hoeamsaji, especially ahead of the 48th UNESCO World Heritage Committee meeting scheduled in Busan this July.

The scene of the "Royal Festival Procession" held last year in 2025. Provided by Yangju City

This year, the festival aims to transition from a "spectator event" to a "participatory event" by expanding the royal procession, enhancing citizen involvement, and introducing Buddhist cultural programs across the festival.

An Even More Spectacular Royal Procession: A Festival for All with Citizen Participation

The highlight of this year’s festival is the much-enriched royal procession.

The eve celebration on April 17 at Okjeong Lake Park will kick off with the "Once Again, the Royal Hour" departure ceremony, followed by the tribute and procession parades. On April 18, the opening royal procession will take place throughout the city and at Hoeamsaji, transforming the entire city into one grand stage.

This year’s royal procession features expanded citizen participation and enhanced performances along each section, transforming it into an interactive experience.

Themed performances that bring the historic significance of Hoeamsaji to life on stage are also noteworthy. These include original pansori, musicals, media art, and fusion performances combining traditional martial arts and dance. Moving away from the previous single-opening performance, these shows will be spread across two days, offering more opportunities for the public to enjoy them.

Poster for the 9th Yangju Hoam Temple Site Royal Festival. Provided by Yangju City

Buddhist Culture Healing Programs: Seon Meditation and Temple Cuisine

New Buddhist cultural experience programs, reflecting the historical background of Hoeamsaji, will also be introduced. Through Seon meditation experiences and lectures on temple cuisine, the festival aims to convey both healing and the value of a healthy food culture. Other activities such as face painting and tea ceremonies will be included, minimizing religious overtones while allowing everyone to experience the site’s history and culture in an accessible way.

Hoeamsaji is a heritage site of immense historical value, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Tentative Site. This year’s festival is designed to help visitors naturally understand and appreciate the significance of Hoeamsaji.

Notable participatory programs include the "Correct Answer! Bronze Gold Tack OX Quiz" with Byeolsan, "Searching for the Eight Secrets of Hoeamsaji," and "Rebuild Hoeamsa Temple."

This royal festival has incorporated numerous opportunities for citizen engagement throughout the event.

During the eve celebration, thirteen citizen representatives from various fields will announce the start of the festival, and citizens can directly participate in the main royal procession.

Additionally, street performances featuring local artists will be staged throughout the festival grounds, allowing attendees to experience the vibrancy of the region’s arts and culture firsthand.

Correct answer with Byeolsan! Bronze gold tak!. Provided by Yangju City

A Citizen-Centered Royal Festival... Practicing ESG Values

The Yangju Hoeamsaji Royal Festival is committed to promoting sharing and sustainability by operating a "giver market" and eco-friendly experience booths.

An official from Yangju City stated, "The Yangju Hoeamsaji Royal Festival is the premier festival of northern Gyeonggi Province, combining both class and entertainment," adding, "We will do our utmost to make it a festival that everyone can enjoy and use this opportunity to promote Hoeamsaji globally."

This royal festival has been designated as the representative festival of city and county in 2026. For more detailed information, please visit the official Yangju Hoeamsaji Royal Festival website (https://yangju-hoeamsaji.co.kr/).

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