Hwasun Dolmen Festival Filled with Various Experiences and Events Until the 30th

As the 2023 Hwasun Dolmen Festival, which opened on the 21st, is progressing smoothly, the festival site is bustling with preparations to welcome guests coming this weekend.

This year’s festival is held until the 30th across the dolmen site cluster of 596 dolmens stretching from Dogok Hyosan-ri to Chunyang Daesin-ri, designated as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site in December 2000. The festival is filled with food booths, healing spaces, and a variety of experiential events.

◆ Atmosphere Boosted with Performances for All Generations

On the upcoming 29th, the World Megalith Theme Park will host an ‘EDM Festival.’

Hook, led by Aiki, Park Myung-soo, Wonstein, and others will perform, stimulating youthful emotions with DJ shows, dance, and hip-hop performances. At the Chunyang Pavilion, various busking performances such as fusion bands, kids’ DJing, and jazz concerts will take place.

Performances for seniors are also prepared.

On the main stage, on the 29th, Gayageum master Sun Young-sook will perform Gayageum Sanjo, and on the 30th, a ‘Performance by Gugak Musicians from Hwasun’ will be held.

The ‘Namdo National Singing Contest,’ a king of song competition hosted by the Jeonnam Culture and Arts Federation, will also be held on the main stage from the 28th to the 29th.

◆ Various Concept Experience Booths Including Prehistoric and World Folklore

Various experience booths are operated at Dogok Lawn Square and Chunyang Picnic Zone.

Through the ‘Metaverse Prehistoric Hunting and Gathering Experience’ and ‘Prehistoric Robot Experience,’ visitors can indirectly experience the life of prehistoric humans.

In particular, throughout the festival site, visitors can meet ‘Mr. Prehistoric Man’ dressed and made up in prehistoric costumes, watch primitive performances, and take commemorative photos together.

Additionally, at the World Folk Games and World Musical Instrument Experience booths, visitors can experience folk cultures from various countries.

Representative examples include Vietnam’s Tikkao Chabogi, similar to Korea’s Jegichagi, playing the Mongolian instrument Madugeum, and trying on the Vietnamese traditional costume Ao Dai.

◆ Dolmen Photo Exhibition and Installation Art Exhibition with Prehistoric Themes

At the Chunyang-myeon Pavilion, 20 photographs featuring dolmens scattered throughout Hwasun are exhibited, enhancing the festival atmosphere.

Through photos displayed in various concepts such as light and darkness, black and white, and color, visitors can rediscover the hidden elegance of the dolmens.

After viewing the dolmen photos and heading up towards Bogomjae, visitors can encounter Pingmae Rock.

In the Pingmae Rock area, there are five sculptures with historical and thematic significance created by six artists including Kim Kyung-chun, Jung Il, and Wi Jae-hwan.

This installation art exhibition, planned with the prehistoric era as the basic theme, offers the joy of reinterpreting the meanings contained in the artworks in one’s own way.

◆ Welcome Pets! Pet Zone for Companion Dogs

Hwasun County operates a pet playground pet zone in the Picnic Zone (Chunyang-myeon) to create a festival atmosphere where people and animals coexist harmoniously.

The pet zone covers approximately 430㎡ (130 pyeong) and has two safety personnel stationed at all times to prepare for any safety issues.

However, it should be noted that aggressive dogs are not allowed, and only small dogs accompanied by their owners can enter.

A county official said, “We hope people find a moment of relaxation at the end of April, a great time for spring outings, and visit the nearby Dolmen Festival site to regain vitality in daily life,” adding, “We hope many memories are made with the yellow rapeseed flowers, clear air, and blue sky of Hwasun.”