Yangju Hoamsaji Royal Festival Draws 120,000 Visitors... Success Attributed to Shift Toward Participation

Strengthened Citizen Participation and Hands-On Programs Lead to 24,000 More Visitors
DJ Performances Combined with Traditional Heritage
Diversified Content Increases Visitor Stay Time

A total of 120,000 people visited the "9th Hoamsaji Royal Festival" in Yangju City, Gyeonggi Province. This marks an increase of about 24,000 visitors compared to last year. The rise in attendance is attributed to an operational approach that expanded citizen participation and strengthened hands-on programs.

Royal Procession. Provided by Yangju City

This year’s festival was characterized by programs that placed citizen participation at the forefront. Citizens took part in the royal procession, and the event was structured so that visitors could participate directly through experiential programs and quizzes, shifting the festival’s focus from passive viewing to active engagement.

Over 100 citizen actors and participants joined the main event, the royal procession. By involving citizens in recreating the royal parade, the level of immersion at the venue was heightened. The procession received enthusiastic applause and cheers at each section, firmly establishing itself as a flagship content piece for the royal festival, created and enjoyed by citizens together.

Experiential programs also encouraged visitor participation. The "Jeongdap Tak! Bronze Bell OX Quiz" attracted about 480 participants, including both pre-registered and on-site sign-ups. The quiz allowed visitors to engage directly and learn about the history and cultural heritage of the Hoamsaji site.

'The 9th Hoeamsaji Royal Festival' scene. Provided by Yangju City

On the main stage at Hoamsaji, the "Byeolsan’s Hoamsaji Unsealing DJ Party" took place. This performance combined music and video production within a traditional heritage space, offering content distinct from previous festivals and encouraging participation from a wide range of age groups.

Buddhist cultural experience programs were also offered. These included lectures and tastings of temple food, singing bowl meditation, and tea ceremony experiences, providing opportunities to engage with traditional culture.

The festival’s performances were held on both the main and auxiliary stages, featuring a variety of genres. On the final day, Yangju City’s honorary ambassador Myjin, along with singers Kim Kitae and Kim Beomchan, took the stage for special performances.

Scene from the 9th Hoeamsa Royal Festival. Provided by Yangju City

As part of the local economic linkage programs, the "Royal Festival Floating Week" was held during the festival period, along with a local currency payback event.

An official from Yangju City stated, "We focused on developing the festival into one in which citizens directly participate," and added, "Based on the historical value of Hoamsaji, we will continue to develop it into the leading historical and cultural festival in northern Gyeonggi Province."

Scene from the 9th Hoeamsaji Royal Festival. Provided by Yangju City

Scene from the 9th Hoam Temple Site Royal Festival. Provided by Yangju City

The 9th Hoam Temple Site Royal Festival scene. Provided by Yangju City

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