Experience Gangjin's History at the 2025 Jeolla Byeongyeongseong Festival (April 18-20)
Posted on by Emily Patel

Experience Gangjin’s History at the 2025 Jeolla Byeongyeongseong Festival (April 18-20)

Gangjin Jeolla Byeongyeongseong Festival

🗓️ Festival Dates: 2025.04.18 ~ 2025.04.20

The Gangjin Jeolla Byeongyeongseong Festival offers a diverse array of cultural experiences and activities designed to engage visitors of all ages and backgrounds. Its unique appeal stems from its deep connection to Korean history, particularly the strategic military past of the Gangjin region.

The festival celebrates the legacy of the Jeolla Byeongyeong, a crucial military command center. Originally established in Gwangsanhyeon during the late Goryeo Dynasty to counter Japanese pirate invasions more effectively, the command was later relocated to Dogang, marking the beginning of Gangjin’s history. As the headquarters overseeing the military forces of over 50 counties in Jeolla-do, the Jeolla Byeongyeongseong held significant military authority.

Furthermore, the Byeongyeongseong site holds a unique place in international history as the location where Hendrick Hamel, credited with providing the first detailed Western account of Korea, was exiled. Hamel lived and worked in Gangjin Byeongyeong for seven years following his arrival in 1656. This historical connection is commemorated not only through the festival but also at the nearby ‘Hamel Memorial Hall’, making the area an important historical and cultural heritage site related to Hamel’s experiences.

Festival Programs and Activities

The festival features a wide range of scheduled events and attractions:

1. Main Stage Programs:
Experience a variety of performances including:

  • Cotton Candy Performance
  • Joseon Magic Show
  • Spring Mini Concert
  • Traditional Performing Arts Performance by Artists
  • Children’s Sing-Along Show (featuring Chaepinityping, Pinkfong and Teunteunssem’s Dance Party)
  • Gangjin Celadon Auction
  • Citizens’ Harmony Event
  • Byeongyeongseong Entrance Ceremony Parade
  • Opening Ceremony
  • Opening Celebration Performance, etc.

2. Sub-programs:
Delve deeper into local history and heritage with:

  • Admiral Ma Cheon-mok Memorial Service
  • Suinsanseong Exploration

3. Consumer Participation Event:

  • Pre-registration Event for Visiting the Jeolla Byeongyeongseong Festival (details likely available closer to the event date)

4. Food and Refreshments:
Enjoy local flavors and themed offerings such as:

  • Byeongyeongseong Tavern
  • Hamel Village Beer-Coffee
  • Byeongyeonghyangsi (Chorokmideum), etc.

Visitor Information

📍 Address: 33, Cheongjachon-gil, Daegu-myeon, Gangjin-gun, Jeollanam-do

🛏️ Accommodation near the event

💰 Fee: Free admission

📞 Contact: 061-430-3352

🖥️ Homepage: www.gangjin.go.kr/

Gangjin Jeolla Byeongyeongseong Festival

What is Byeongyeongseong?

Byeongyeongseong refers to historical military fortresses that were integral to the defense and administration of regions in Korea’s past. Strategically located, these fortresses protected against invasions and helped maintain order within the provinces. Constructed with sturdy stone walls and equipped with various defensive structures, Byeongyeongseong served as centers for military operations and governance. In Gangjin, the remnants of these fortresses provide insight into their architectural design and strategic significance. The Jeolla Byeongyeongseong Festival celebrates this history, offering visitors the chance to explore the legacy of these fortresses through reenactments, exhibitions, and interactive experiences.

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