Moving Heritage (World Heritage in Transit), Sharing the Value of World Heritage with the People
[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Gwiyeol] From September 3 to 25, the ‘2022 World Heritage Festival ... Gyeongbuk Andong·Yeongju’ will be held for 23 days at six UNESCO World Heritage sites located in Andong and Yeongju.
The six UNESCO World Heritage sites are Hahoe Village, Dosan Seowon, Byeongsan Seowon, Bongjeongsa, Sosu Seowon, and Buseoksa.
The World Heritage Festival is a Cultural Heritage Administration public project held annually since 2020 to commemorate the inscription of domestic heritage on the UNESCO World Heritage list and to enjoy the value and meaning of world heritage.
The festival is held in local governments that possess world heritage sites, and Gyeongbuk has been selected as the host for three consecutive years since the first event.
This year’s event, under the theme ‘World Heritage in Transit,’ is hosted by the Cultural Heritage Administration, Gyeongbuk Province, Andong City, and Yeongju City, organized by the Korea Cultural Heritage Foundation and the World Confucian Culture Foundation, and will proceed in September in Gyeongbuk, followed by Suwon·Hwaseong and Jeju in October.
Starting with the ‘World Heritage International Conference’ at Sosu Seowon in Yeongju on the 3rd of this month, a grand opening ceremony will be held in the afternoon at Buseoksa in Yeongju and Hahoe Village in Andong, attended by Gyeongbuk Governor Lee Cheol-woo, the mayors of Andong and Yeongju, relevant local government heads, and world heritage officials.
During the event period, 18 exhibition, performance, and experience programs themed around the six world heritage sites including Hahoe Village will provide abundant attractions.
Key programs by location include a permanent exhibition themed on heritage at the ‘World Heritage Festival Theme Pavilion’ designed by architect Seung Hyo-sang in Andong Hahoe Village, featuring participation from leading domestic artists.
At Byeongsan Seowon, there will be the musical play ‘Pungnyu Byeongsan - Song of Fragrance,’ depicting the life of Seoae, a three-day stay program at Byeongsan Seowon to appreciate its value, and the trekking program ‘Gugokgil Radiant Touring’ which walks the Gugokgil trail connecting Byeongsan Seowon and Hahoe Village accompanied by live radio broadcast.
At Dosan Seowon, the ‘Dosan Seowon Night Opening’ will be held continuously this year as well, following last year, with an added program where professional actors reenact the lifestyle of seowon students at the time, continuing its popularity.
At Sosu Seowon in Yeongju, the ‘World Heritage International Conference’ will be held on the first day of the festival.
Starting with a keynote lecture by architect Tadao Ando on the theme ‘World Heritage, Intersection of Tradition and Modernity,’ various sessions involving experts from different fields are prepared.
At Buseoksa, world-renowned choreographer Ahn Eun-mi will present a roaming-style performance ‘Buseoksa Myungmujeon - Giteuk Giteuk’ offering a Buddhist interpretation, and visitors can view sculptural works by artist Lee Tae-su.
In Buddhism, ‘Giteuk (奇特)’ refers to the event of Buddha coming into the world, meaning the compassionate act of descending from heaven to human form to save humanity.
Additionally, during the event period, an ‘AR Heritage Detective’ program using digital AR will be introduced, allowing mobile participation at the six world heritage sites in Andong and Yeongju.
Also, every weekend, the ‘My World Heritage Exploration Diary’ will be held, where visitors can stroll through the world heritage sites and hear stories of people living alongside the heritage.
Various famtour events will be linked to diversify the programs, and through this event, a promotional center to introduce major tourist sites and a place to showcase and sell official World Heritage Festival merchandise will also be operated.
Gyeongbuk Governor Lee Cheol-woo said, “As this is the first World Heritage Festival since returning to daily life after COVID-19, its significance is even more special. I hope it will be a precious time for families to heal their long-weary minds and bodies,” and added, “We plan to make this a good opportunity to promote the value and excellence of the province’s world heritage and to fully commit to attracting tourists.”
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