[Photo] The Return of the King After 600 Years... Spectacular Opening of the Yangju Hoeamsaji Royal Festival

The 9th Yangju Hoeamsaji Royal Festival, regarded as the premier historical and cultural event in northern Gyeonggi Province, began its spectacular opening on April 18 with the royal procession of Taejo Lee Seong-gye.

The highlight of the festival, the majestic royal procession that traversed the Okjeong city center, unfolded on the afternoon of the 18th around Yangju Okjeong's main shopping district. As the procession, dressed in traditional attire and bearing dignified flags, crossed the heart of the city, citizens filling the streets stopped in their tracks, mesmerized by the breathtaking scene reminiscent of the early Joseon Dynasty 600 years ago.

The opening performance, themed "The Blossom Returns: Hoeamsaji," artistically reinterpreted the brilliant history and value of the royal temple, earning enthusiastic acclaim from the audience.

This year's festival goes beyond a spectacle to watch and enjoy; it is expected to become a significant milestone in promoting the value of the Yangju Hoeamsaji Saritap and the historic site-currently being considered for UNESCO World Heritage designation-both domestically and internationally.

Yangju City plans to further solidify the unique "royal culture" content exclusive to Hoeamsaji through this festival. In addition to the royal procession, a variety of programs such as royal experience activities and traditional performances are being held on-site, offering visitors special springtime memories.

A Yangju City official stated, "We hope this royal festival will widely promote the global significance of Hoeamsaji and serve as a venue for unity where citizens can feel a sense of pride."

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