Mokpo City Yudalsan Spring Festival, a Great Success Alongside Sugun Story

The '2023 Yudalsan Spring Festival,' where visitors could fully experience the fresh greenery of April and the spring of Yudalsan, concluded successfully amid the footsteps of numerous spring outing guests.

According to Mokpo City on the 10th, the Yudalsan Spring Festival began grandly on the 8th and 9th with a naval parade under the theme "Spring of Yudalsan, the Rebirth of Yi Sun-sin."

More than 1,000 citizens are participating in a naval parade.
[Photo by Mokpo City]

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On the first day of the festival, the naval parade was held with the participation of about 500 students from Jeongmyeong Girls' Middle and High School reenacting the April 8th Independence Movement, along with about 1,000 citizens from various sectors.

The naval parade included the 23 neighborhoods of Mokpo and the heads of villages and self-governing organizations from Sinan County, which are sister cities integrated with Mokpo, as well as daycare centers, the Navy 3rd Fleet, Mokpo Maritime University, and the city sports council.

They conveyed a message of citizen unity by embodying the strong spirit of the Japanese colonial period and the history of the Mokpo naval forces.

Additionally, the mascots of the 104th National Sports Festival and the 43rd National Para Games participated in the procession, wishing for the successful hosting of both events.

In particular, the city focused on reflecting the history of Mokpo and the naval forces in this festival.

The naval history in Mokpo begins with the remarkable exploits of General Neungchang, nicknamed "Sudal," on Amhaedo Island during the Goryeo King Wang Geon era.

During the Joseon Sejong period, the Manhojin, now known as Mokpojin, was established and played a significant role in protecting the West Sea. The current Manho-dong was named after this history.

Admiral Yi Sun-sin also has a deep connection with Mokpo. After his overwhelming victory at the Battle of Myeongnyang during the Imjin War, he stayed for 106 days on Gohado Island to regroup and established a temporary command post, laying the foundation for rebuilding the naval forces.

Admiral Yi employed a camouflage tactic by piling rice straw on Nojeokbong, a small 60-meter-high rocky mountain in Yudalsan, to make it appear as if there were abundant military provisions, causing the Japanese forces to retreat on their own.

Along with this historical background, today Mokpo hosts the Navy 3rd Fleet Command, inheriting Admiral Yi's undefeated legend and patriotic spirit, steadfastly safeguarding maritime security.

Mokpo Mayor Park Hong-ryul is waving his hand while participating in the Sugun Parade with citizens.
[Photo by Mokpo City]

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Inspired by this naval history, the city prepared various experiential programs during this spring festival to honor Admiral Yi Sun-sin's patriotic spirit and educate the public about historical facts, receiving great acclaim.

Moreover, naval-related content such as the naval culture military camp experience and reenactment of the Joseon-era marketplace allowed many citizens and tourists to directly engage and learn about the history of Mokpo and its naval forces.

In addition, many tourists flocked to the abundant attractions and citizen participation programs held around Yudalsan.

Many citizens participated in experiential programs such as face painting, pottery wheel making, Yudalsan goblin plaster air freshener crafting, and treasure hunting "Find the Black Rabbit," while the drawing contest and essay contest also concluded successfully.

The talk concert attracted significant attention. Featuring famous singers like Kim Beom-su, Nabi, Taei, and Kim Na-young, the talk concert provided a healing time with music and energized the festival venue with youthful programs targeting the MZ generation, aligning with the city administration's goal of "A Great Mokpo that Youth Seek."

Furthermore, busking performances held throughout the festival site relieved citizens' cultural thirst and showcased the true face of Mokpo as a city of culture and arts.

Although the festival's flowers fell early due to abnormal climate conditions accelerating the blooming period, the Yudalsan Spring Festival was praised for transcending a seasonal festival by awakening the history of Yi Sun-sin and the naval forces amid April's fresh greenery and creating a venue for citizen unity.

Also, numerous spring outing guests not only enjoyed the spring festival but also visited various tourist attractions such as the Mokpo Marine Cable Car, cruise ships, and modern historical cultural spaces, invigorating restaurants and accommodations and greatly contributing to promoting Mokpo as a representative tourist city in South Korea.

Park Hong-ryul, Mayor of Mokpo, said, "I thank all citizens who participated in and cooperated with the naval parade. This festival was a time to raise citizens' pride by embodying the patriotic historical story of Admiral Yi Sun-sin and the naval forces." He added, "Next year, we will prepare thoroughly to make the festival even more splendid by incorporating historical significance and artistry."

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