Immerse Yourself in History at the 2024 Seosan Haemi Fortress Festival

Journey through time at the Seosan Haemi Fortress Festival, taking place from October 2nd to 5th, 2024. Experience the vibrant tapestry of Joseon Dynasty culture, enjoy captivating performances, and witness the fortress come alive with a mesmerizing media art show. Engage with a diverse range of activities, from traditional games to modern concerts, promising an unforgettable experience for all ages.

Event Highlights

This year’s festival offers a rich program spanning various categories:

1. Opening Ceremony (October 2nd):

• World Folk Performances
• Pre-ceremony Performance
• Jeongmyeong Banpo Performance
• Opening Theme Performance: "I’m Haemi"
• Haemi Wisdom Concert

2. Performances:

• Haemi Children’s Performance
• World Folk Performances
• Haemi the Classic
• Seosan Heritage
• Musical Gala Theater
• Singing Seosan
• Haemi Wisdom Concert
• Goseong Dance PARTY!
• Black Eagles Air Show

3. Community Engagement:

• Haemi Happy Day: A collaborative program fostering regional revitalization with local businesses and residents.
• Igojigo Eoeodalligi: Activities designed to engage all generations, from children to seniors.
• Haemi Marketplace: Discover local crafts and products.

4. Immersive Experiences:

• Traditional Clothing / World Costume Experience: Step back in time and try on traditional attire.
• Wisdom’s Place: Engage with traditional Korean culture through hands-on activities.
• Haemi Life4Cut: Capture memories with a unique photo booth experience.
• Traditional Archery / Kite Flying: Test your skills with these classic activities.
• Cheongheojeong Healing Yoga: Find your center amidst the historical surroundings.
• Drawing Haemi Fortress with a 3D Pen: Create a unique souvenir with this modern twist on a traditional craft.
• DIY Haemi Drawing Cap: Design your own personalized cap.

5. Ongoing Activities:

• Haemi Under the Stars: Enjoy the fortress illuminated at night.
• Haemi Picnic: Relax and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
• Children’s Wisdom Playground: A dedicated space for young attendees to explore and play.
• Joseon Performers: Interact with historical reenactors and immerse yourself in the Joseon era.
• Children’s Carrot Market (Danggeun Market): A fun market experience for children.

6. Exhibitions:

• Dream Journey to Songwon – Media Art: A captivating blend of history and technology.
• Haemi Promotion Hall: Learn more about the fortress and its significance.
• Seosan Old Photo Contest: Explore the history of Seosan through captivating photographs.
• Meeting Veterans: A chance to connect with and honor veterans.

Food & Refreshments

(Food and beverage offerings for the 2024 festival are currently being updated. The following information is based on the 2023 festival and is subject to change.)

Event Details

• Dates: October 2nd – 5th, 2024
• Location: Haemi Fortress, 143 Nammun 2-ro, Seosan-si, Chungcheongnam-do, South Korea
• Admission: Free
• Contact: +82-41-660-2696
• Website: http://www.haemifest.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seosancf
• Accommodation: Find hotels near the event

Come and experience the magic of history and culture at the Seosan Haemi Fortress Festival!

Experience the Gimje Horizon Festival: A Celebration of Korean Agricultural Heritage

Date: October 2nd – 6th, 2024

Recognized as an honorary representative cultural tourism festival by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the Gimje Horizon Festival offers a unique glimpse into Korea’s rich agricultural traditions. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Byeokgolje Reservoir, Korea’s oldest and largest irrigation facility, this festival promises an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages. From the prestigious President’s Cup National Nongak Competition to hands-on agricultural activities, the Gimje Horizon Festival truly celebrates the heart and soul of rural Korea.

Festival Highlights:

1. Main Programs:

• Horizon National Nongak Competition: Witness the energy and artistry of Korea’s finest Nongak performers as teams from across the country compete in this prestigious presidential competition. Experience the vibrant rhythms and dynamic movements of this traditional Korean folk music and dance.
• Byeokgolje Legend Ssangyongnori (Twin Dragon Play): Immerse yourself in the local folklore surrounding Byeokgolje Reservoir with this captivating performance. Featuring the twin dragon legend and the enthusiastic participation of Buryang-myeon residents, this event is a true spectacle.
• Ip Seok (Standing Stone) Tug-of-War for a Bountiful Harvest: Join the residents of Gyowol-dong in this traditional folk game, a symbolic prayer for a prosperous harvest performed on the first full moon of the lunar year.

2. Hands-On Experiences:

• Earth Art Zipline Experience: Soar over the "Earth Art" rice paddy experience field on a unique zipline constructed using straw, a symbolic nod to agricultural culture.
• Rice Water Foot Bath Massage Experience: Relax and rejuvenate with a soothing foot bath infused with rice water, while enjoying the serene views of the surrounding fields and rice paddies.
• Agungi Rice Cooking: Share a special family moment by cooking and enjoying rice together in a traditional Korean furnace called an "agungi."
• Rice Harvesting Experience: Gain a deeper appreciation for the hard work of farmers and the value of rice through this hands-on harvesting experience.
• Night Traditional Folk Games: Experience the charm of rural folk games with a modern twist! LED lights illuminate the games, allowing for safe and enjoyable play for all ages after dark.

3. Additional Features:

• Horizon Rice Show: Explore a pop-up store featuring powdered rice processed foods and a brand promotion hall showcasing rice, a local specialty, as part of a Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism competition project.
• Horizon Pet Zone: A dedicated space for pet owners and their furry friends, complete with a playground and resting area, catering to the growing trend of pet companionship.
• Global Center: Providing convenient facilities for international visitors, including national experience halls, food courts, and cultural performances.

4. Food and Shopping:

• Local Specialty Food Booths: Sample a diverse array of culinary delights from Gimje’s representative restaurants, carefully selected through a "Taste Competition" to ensure high-quality food offerings.
• Horizon Welcome Street: A vibrant street filled with snack booths, offering a variety of treats for younger visitors.
• Agricultural and Special Products Direct Transaction Market: Purchase fresh agricultural, livestock, and fishery products directly from local producers, along with processed goods and specialty items.

Event Details:

Location: 442 Byeokgoljero, Gimje-si, Jeollabuk-do

Accommodation: Hotels near the Gimje Horizon Festival

Admission: Free

Contact: 063-540-3037

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gimjehorizonfestival/

Website: https://festival.gimje.go.kr

Welcome to Singwandong: A Vibrant Festival in Gongju

Date: October 3rd – 5th, 2024

Location: Gongju University Road, 92, Gongju University Road, Gongju-si, Chungcheongnam-do

Admission: Free (some events may have fees)

Contact: 041-852-1328

Website: https://gjccc.or.kr

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/welcometosingwandong/

Get ready for an exciting three-day festival at Gongju University Road! Welcome to Singwandong offers a diverse range of entertainment for all ages, transforming the area into a hub of music, film, art, and community engagement.

Event Highlights:

Street Film Festival: Immerse yourself in the world of cinema with captivating screenings along Gongju University Road.

Alley Musical: Experience the magic of live musical performances in the unique setting of the area’s charming alleys.

Street EDM Party: Dance the night away to electrifying beats from talented DJs, including a special performance by DJ New Jeans.

Welcome to Gongju Beer Festa: Enjoy a refreshing selection of beers and festive atmosphere throughout the festival.

Welcome to Market Kkom: Explore a vibrant flea market offering unique crafts, goods, and delicious treats.

Experience Zone: Engage in interactive activities and workshops designed to entertain and educate visitors of all ages.

Exhibition: Discover captivating art displays and exhibitions showcasing the talent of local and regional artists.

Street Performances: Be entertained by talented street performers throughout the festival, adding a lively ambiance to the event.

Daily Schedule:

October 3rd:

• Welcome to Gongju Dormitory Musical: <Pine Wind, Gongju Dormitory> & <Prince Gongju Dormitory>
• Welcome to Gongju Beer Festa

October 4th:

• Welcome to Gongju Beer Festa
• Welcome to Market Kkom
• EDM Performance (DJ New Jeans)
• Street Performances

October 5th:

• Welcome to Gongju Beer Festa
• Welcome to Market Kkom
• Famous Singer Performances (Kid Milli, Geeks)
• Street Performances

Don’t miss out on this vibrant celebration of culture, art, and entertainment!

Whether you’re a film enthusiast, music lover, or simply seeking a fun-filled day out, Welcome to Singwandong has something for everyone. Join us at Gongju University Road for an unforgettable experience!

Uiryeong Rich Rich Festival: Embrace the Energy of Wealth

Date: October 3rd – October 6th, 2024 (Expected – based on 2023 dates)

Note: The following details are based on the 2023 festival. Information for the 2024 festival will be updated as it becomes available.

The Uiryeong Rich Rich Festival (also known as the Uiryeong Wealth Festival) is a vibrant autumn celebration held annually in Uiryeong, Gyeongsangnam-do. First launched in 2022, this unique festival draws inspiration from the legend of Sotbawi (Cauldron Rock), a cauldron-shaped rock located in the Nam River, which flows through Uiryeong. Legend has it that within an 8km radius of Sotbawi, wealth and honor will flourish endlessly.

This legend holds a strong connection to reality, as Uiryeong is renowned as the birthplace of numerous prominent figures in Korean industry. Founders of major corporations like Samsung Group, LG Group, and Hyosung Group were all born within this 8km radius. Notable individuals include Hoam Lee Byung-chul, the founder of Samsung Group, and Kwanjeong Lee Jong-hwan, the founder of Samhwa Chemical, known as the "Donation King."

As the only festival centered around the theme of "wealth energy," the Uiryeong Rich Rich Festival offers visitors a chance to embrace the positive energy and seek a turning point in their lives. The festival showcases Uiryeong’s commitment to eco-friendliness with its unique stage designs and integrates a variety of engaging events and activities for people of all ages. In addition to the main festival activities, various accompanying festivals are held throughout Uiryeong county, providing a rich and diverse experience for all visitors.

Festival Highlights:

Main Events:

• Opening Ceremony: Featuring a spectacular Rich Concert and a dazzling Fireworks Show.
• Rich Art Light Lighting Ceremony: Witness the illumination of captivating art installations.
• Rich Celebrity Talk Concert: Engage with renowned personalities and gain insights into their success stories.

Culture & Experience Events:

• Rich Tour Parade: A vibrant parade celebrating the spirit of wealth and prosperity.
• Rich Well-Cafe: Enjoy a unique cafe experience with themed beverages and treats.
• Rich Rich Career Experience Education: Explore various career paths and gain valuable insights.
• Rich Rich Experience Zone: Immerse yourself in interactive activities and games.
• Wish Meditation & Yoga: Find inner peace and focus on your aspirations.
• So Gang Magic Show: Be amazed by incredible illusions and magical performances.
• Chang-hyun Karaoke Room: Unleash your inner star and sing your heart out.

Side Events:

• Maenggae-tteok Festa: Indulge in the delicious local specialty, Maenggae-tteok.
• Rich Cinema: Enjoy a selection of films related to wealth, success, and inspiration.
• Rich Art Light: Explore stunning light art installations throughout the festival grounds.
• Rich Beer Festival: Sample a variety of craft beers and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
• Jirisan Rich Rich Camping: Experience the beauty of Jirisan National Park with a unique camping experience.
• Rich Tour: Embark on guided tours to explore the significant landmarks and attractions of Uiryeong.

Accompanying Festivals:

• Toyoae Uiryeong Agricultural and Specialty Products Festival: Discover the region’s finest agricultural products and local specialties.
• Youth Harmony Festival: Celebrate the energy and creativity of youth with various performances and activities.
• Local Food Competition: Experience the diverse culinary offerings of Uiryeong and witness a thrilling cooking competition.
• Uiryeong-gun Social Welfare Expo: Learn about the social welfare initiatives and services available in Uiryeong.

Location & Access:

Address: Seodong Living Park (General Social Welfare Center, National Sports Center), 44, Uibyeong-ro 8-gil, Uiryeong-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do

Admission Fee: Free

Contact: +82-55-570-2510

Website: https://www.uiryeong.go.kr/mayor/board/view.uiryeong?boardId=FESTIVAL&menuCd=DOM%5F000000304001000000&startPage=1&dataSid=1086268&boardId2=FESTIVAL

Instagram: @richrichfestival

Dive into the World of Webtoons at the Busan Global Webtoon Festival

Dates: October 3rd – 6th, 2024

Get ready to explore the vibrant world of webtoons at the Busan Global Webtoon Festival! This exciting event, themed around the narrative arc of "beginning-development-turn-conclusion," offers a diverse range of exhibitions, events, and opportunities for both creators and fans. Led by the Busan IT Industry Promotion Agency and local webtoon artists, the festival promises a dynamic space for connection and collaboration. From exhibitions showcasing diverse artistic styles to industry networking and engaging public programs, there’s something for everyone.

What to Expect:

1. Webtoon Exhibitions: Immerse yourself in a world of visual storytelling with a variety of captivating exhibitions:

• Webtoon, The Movie Multiverse: Explore creative interpretations of movie posters and scenes reimagined as webtoons by artists from Busan, across Korea, and around the globe.
• Webtoons Turned into Movies: Discover webtoon source material that has successfully transitioned to the screen, including popular dramas and films.
• Webtoons That Want to Become Movies: Get a sneak peek at promising webtoons with the potential for future screen adaptations.
• Golden Bridge Awards Winning Works: Admire award-winning works from the Golden Bridge, Art Bridge, News Star, and Special Bridge categories.
• This Year’s Completed Works: Celebrate recently completed Busan webtoon projects from 2023 and 2024.
• This Year’s Busan Webtoon Exhibition: Explore ongoing and upcoming webtoons from Busan artists who have secured contracts with agencies or platforms.
• Coming Soon! Anticipated Works: Discover exciting new talent through works selected for the Busan Global Webtoon Center creative support project and Mentor School student showcases.
• Busan Digital Location Exhibition: Enjoy webtoon panels featuring iconic Busan locations like Gwanganri and Centum City, recreated using SketchUp.
• Yulhyeol Kangho Special Exhibition: Commemorate the 30th anniversary of Yulhyeol Kangho with a dedicated exhibition.
• World’s Artist Invitation Exhibition: Experience a global perspective on webtoons with works by artists from Japan, Taiwan, USA, Italy, France, and Egypt.
• Maze Exhibition: Explore the world of Insta-toons created by artists active in the Busan area.
• Busan Webtoon University Booth: Support student artists and browse their works and merchandise from 10 webtoon universities in Busan.

2. Business Meetings: Connect and collaborate with webtoon industry professionals and local artists through targeted B2B networking opportunities.

3. Conferences: Expand your knowledge and skills with insightful sessions on webtoon story development, global cartoon and animation drawing workshops, and webtoon previews.

4. Side Programs: Engage with artists and industry experts through drawing talk shows, bromance shows, webtoon counseling sessions, and artist storytelling events.

5. Experience Programs: Unleash your inner artist and participate in the "Beat the Artist" battle drawing competition, the Family Cartoon Drawing Contest, and caricature events.

Event Details:

Location: 140 Suyeonggangbyeon-daero, Haeundae-gu, Busan (U-dong)

Admission: Free

Inquiries: +82-51-749-9160

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bwebtoon_fest

Website: https://bwfest.com/

Seomyeon Light Festival: Illuminating Busan’s Downtown

Dates: October 2nd, 2024 – January 10th, 2025

Experience the magic of the Seomyeon Light Festival, a signature event transforming Busan’s bustling downtown district into a radiant wonderland. This festival offers a unique blend of captivating light displays and interactive experiences, perfectly complementing Seomyeon’s vibrant energy. Explore colorful sculptures, capture memories in themed photo zones, and engage with exciting citizen participation programs.

Highlights of the Seomyeon Light Festival:

1. Dazzling Sculptures and Immersive Photo Zones:

Prepare to be mesmerized by a breathtaking array of light installations scattered throughout Seomyeon. Highlights include:

• A majestic arch-shaped gate at Seomyeon Rotary, echoing the iconic Busan Tower.
• Whimsical figures like Baekyang Grandpa and the Hocheon Cat Balloon.
• Pillar-shaped objects, cascading curtain-like installations, and mesmerizing Milky Way wave displays.
• Suspended horizontal sculptures creating a canopy of light.
• A festive Christmas tree, radiating holiday cheer.
• Eye-catching neon sign sculptures adding a retro touch.
• Themed photo zones offering perfect backdrops for capturing unforgettable memories.

2. Engaging Citizen Participation Program:

Join the fun with interactive activities designed to enhance your festival experience:

• Polaroid Photo Printing Event: Take home a tangible memory of your visit with a free polaroid print. Details on event timings and locations will be available on the festival website closer to the date.

Plan Your Visit:

• Address: Bujeon-dong, Busanjin-gu, Busan
• Admission: Free
• Inquiries: +82-51-605-4524
• Instagram: (Not provided)
• Website: www.busanjin.go.kr