Gwangju City Begins Torch and Sacred Water Relay for Gyeonggi Province Sports Festival, Touring Entire City

The torch and sacred water, symbolizing the successful hosting of the 72nd Gyeonggi Province Sports Festival and the 16th Gyeonggi Province Sports Festival for the Disabled Gwangju 2026, have entered the official relay schedule after the collection and ignition ceremonies.

Gwangju City held the Sacred Water Collection event on the 10th at Geomryongso, the source of the Han River in Taebaek Mountain, together with its sister city Taebaek City. Provided by Gyeonggi Gwangju City

On April 10, Gwangju City held a sacred water collection ceremony at Geomryongso, the source of the Han River on Taebaeksan Mountain, together with its sister city, Taebaek City. On the 14th, the torch lighting ceremony was held at Namhansanseong Haenggung Palace. The ignited torch and collected sacred water will be relayed through the 16 towns and districts of Gwangju City over two days, starting from Namhansanseong-myeon.

After the relay, the torch and sacred water will be welcomed at a commemorative event held at Cheongseok Park on the 15th. The event will begin with a pre-ceremony performance by the Aju Boys and Girls Choir, followed by performances from popular singers and a nighttime light show using drones.

Held under the slogan "Dynamic Leap of Gyeonggi Province, in Gwangju," the festival will officially open on the 16th and the 72nd Gyeonggi Province Sports Festival will take place for three days. This will be followed by the 16th Gyeonggi Province Sports Festival for the Disabled, which will be held for three days starting on the 26th.

Mayor Bang Sehwan stated, "Every step, from the collection of the sacred water to the torch relay and enshrinement, is a symbolic journey created together by the residents of the province," adding, "I hope this sports festival will serve as an opportunity to enhance the pride and unity of Gyeonggi Province residents."

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