Gijang County in Busan Holds Finale for "30th Anniversary of Restoration and 2025 Gijang County Citizens' Day" Commemorative Event

Opening Ceremony of the 29th Gijang Anchovy Festival
Commemorative Video Screening and Multimedia Performance

Gijang County (Mayor Jung Jongbok) successfully held a commemorative event for the "30th Anniversary of the Restoration of the County and 2025 Gijang County Citizens' Day" on April 25 at the Daebyeon Port area in Gijang-eup.

This event was organized to celebrate the remarkable history of Gijang's growth achieved together with its citizens on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the restoration of Gijang County this year, and to foster pride among Gijang residents. It was held as the opening event in conjunction with the 29th Gijang Anchovy Festival.

The event began with the screening of the "30th Anniversary of the Restoration of Gijang County Commemorative Video," which looked back on the county's history, followed by a commemorative speech from Mayor Jung Jongbok and a "multimedia traditional drum performance" as a 30th anniversary performance, offering a retrospective on the past, present, and future of Gijang County.

In particular, during his commemorative speech, Mayor Jung expressed his gratitude to the many Gijang residents and guests who attended the event and declared that Gijang County would accelerate its efforts to leap forward into the future, surpassing the achievements of the past 30 years since the restoration of the county.

Jung Jongbok, the mayor of Gijang County, is delivering a commemorative speech at the 30th anniversary of the restoration of the county and Gijang County Citizens' Day event. Photo by Gijang County

The term "restoration of the county" for Gijang refers to regaining the name "Gijang," which has been in use since the 16th year of King Gyeongdeok of Unified Silla in 757. In 1914, during the Japanese occupation, Gijang County was incorporated into Dongnae County. After Korea's liberation, Dongnae County was abolished in 1973, and Gijang was merged into Yangsan County. Finally, after 81 years, on March 1, 1995, the name "Gijang County" was restored.

Additionally, "May 26," which falls one month later, is celebrated as Gijang County Citizens' Day. This date also marks the day in 1895, the 32nd year of King Gojong of Joseon, when the administrative organization was reorganized from Gijang-hyeon to Gijang County.

Mayor Jung Jongbok said, "I sincerely congratulate the 30th anniversary of the restoration of the county, and as we commemorate County Citizens' Day every year and reflect on its significance, I hope all residents will take pride in being citizens of Gijang County and remember this widely. I will continue to lead the county administration with even greater dedication to ensure the happiness of our residents and the sustainable development of Gijang County."