Iksan Baekje National Heritage Night Walk
๐๏ธ Dates: April 18, 2025 โ April 20, 2025
As dusk settles over Iksan, the Wanggung-ri Historic Siteโthe very grounds where King Mu of Baekje relocated his palaceโtransforms. During the ‘Iksan Baekje National Heritage Night Walk’, this significant location, along with the majestic Wanggung-ri Five-story Stone Pagoda, becomes animated under the evening sky. Visitors are invited to immerse themselves in the flowing history of Iksan amidst beautifully illuminated cultural heritage. Within the embrace of moonlight and starlight at this Baekje Royal Palace, a designated World Heritage site, one can truly sense the romance of a beautiful spring night intertwined with the enduring spirit of the Baekje Kingdom.
Event Highlights
This event offers more than just a stroll through history; it provides a multifaceted experience designed to engage visitors and celebrate the area’s rich past.
Opening Ceremony
The event commences with a formal opening ceremony, beginning with engaging pre-ceremony performances that set the stage. This is followed by the introduction of distinguished guests and congratulatory speeches, culminating in a captivating opening performance to officially launch the night walk festivities.
New Experience Programs
Attendees can look forward to fresh ways to interact with the heritage site, as approximately 10 new experience programs are planned for operation throughout the event, offering diverse activities for various interests.
Expanded Exploration: Geumma-myeon Linkage
The event’s footprint extends beyond the immediate palace grounds this year. By linking with the nearby Iksan World Heritage Center and Geumma Local Food outlets, the venue offers a broader experience. This expansion not only provides more for visitors to see and do but also aims to revitalize the local commercial districts within the Geumma-myeon area, fostering a connection between the heritage event and the surrounding community.
Expert Insights: Palace Wall Lectures
For those seeking deeper understanding, lectures will be held along the Palace Wall. These sessions feature expert instructors specializing in cultural heritage, providing valuable context and insights into the history and significance of the Baekje sites.
Celebrating a Decade of World Heritage
A special focus of this year’s event is the commemoration of the 10th anniversary of the Baekje Historic Areas’ inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Various programs will be operated specifically to mark this significant milestone, offering unique perspectives on the enduring value of this heritage.
Community Connection: Local Participation
The event is enriched by the active involvement of local residents. The Wanggung-myeon Women’s Association will operate a cafe and sales booths, offering local refreshments and goods. Adding to the historical atmosphere, residents from Tap-ri Village in Wanggung-myeon will participate in Baekje period role-playing. Furthermore, the Geumma Market Merchants Association from Geumma-myeon will operate sales booths, showcasing local products and contributing to the event’s vibrant atmosphere.
Plan Your Visit
Location
๐ Address: 666, Gungseong-ro, Wanggung-myeon, Iksan-si, Jeollabuk-do
Admission
๐ฐ Fee: Entry to the main event area is generally free, though please note that certain specific programs or experiences may involve a separate participation fee.
Accommodation
๐๏ธ Find Accommodation near the event.
Stay Connected
โญ๏ธ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iksan_night/
๐ฅ๏ธ Homepage: www.iksan-night.kr
Contact
๐ Inquiries: 1577-0072
What is Baekje Heritage?
Baekje heritage encompasses the cultural and historical legacy of the Baekje Kingdom, one of Korea’s Three Kingdoms, which existed from 18 BCE to 660 CE. Known for its art, architecture, and cultural exchanges, Baekje significantly influenced Korean civilization. The kingdom made notable advancements in technology and craftsmanship and maintained influential interactions with neighboring regions, including China and Japan.
Baekje’s heritage is evident in its architectural sites, such as ancient temples, fortresses, and royal tombs across Korea. These structures showcase the kingdom’s aesthetic sensibilities and its integration of natural beauty with human creativity. The designs and construction techniques of Baekje buildings have had a lasting impact on Korean architecture and continue to be studied for their elegance and innovation.
In 2015, several Baekje sites were designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, acknowledging their universal value and the kingdom’s contribution to cultural history. This recognition has aided in preserving and promoting Baekje heritage, attracting visitors worldwide to explore the history and artistic achievements of this ancient kingdom. The Baekje National Heritage Night Walk offers an opportunity to experience these historical sites under the night sky, marking a decade since their World Heritage designation.
