Geochang-gun Holds the 24th Gamaksan New Year's Sunrise Event

Residents gathered at the summit of Gamaksan Mountain in Geochang, Gyeongnam, to spend the first day.

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Choi Soon-kyung] Geochang-gun, Gyeongnam announced on the 2nd that it held the 24th Gamaksan Sunrise Festival at the summit of Gamaksan Mountain on New Year's Day, hosted and organized by the Namsang-myeon Youth Association.

This year's sunrise festival, held for the first time in three years due to the spread of COVID-19, was filled with residents gathered from early dawn to welcome the rising sun and spend the first day of the new year of the Gyemyo (癸卯) year.

Attending the event were the Namsang-myeon Youth Association, who prepared the event, Governor Goo In-mo, National Assembly member Kim Tae-ho, Chairman of the County Council Lee Hong-hee, Provincial Assembly members Kim Il-su and Park Joo-eon, as well as county council members, sharing a meaningful time praying for the well-being of the residents and regional development.

The event began with a performance by the Gamaksan Pungmul troupe welcoming the New Year's morning, followed by a ritual ceremony, New Year's greetings and three cheers, and tasting of rice cake soup. Residents gathered at the venue participated in the 'Wish Balloon Release' and 'Wish Prayer Signing Event,' sending their wishes to the sky by attaching them to balloons and praying for the health and happiness of their families.

Kim Jong-sung, president of the Youth Association, said, "It is a moving experience to hold a meaningful event where residents can come together in harmony after three years," and added, "I hope that all the wishes made by the residents while watching the rising sun will come true."

Governor Goo said in his New Year's greeting, "In 2023, we will continue the stability and continuity of the 7th elected term and complete the 8th elected term's 'Greater Geochang Leap, Era of Resident Happiness,'" and expressed gratitude to the residents who provide great help to the county administration with their affectionate attention and interest, wishing for a hopeful Gyemyo New Year filled with health and happiness."