From Muryongwang Tomb to Yongam Cave... Enjoy World Heritage Performances, Experiences, and Exhibitions

World Heritage Festival in Gongju, Buyeo, Suncheon, Suwon, Jeju, and More

A festival promoting UNESCO World Heritage through performances, experiences, and exhibitions will be held. It is the World Heritage Festival organized by the Cultural Heritage Administration and the Korea Cultural Heritage Foundation, taking place from July to October in the Baekje Historic Areas (Gongju, Buyeo, Iksan), Suncheon, Suwon, and Jeju. This cultural event conveys the value of World Heritage through distinctive programs and is now in its fourth year. Last year, it was held in Andong, Yeongju, Suwon, and Jeju, attracting about 540,000 participants.

This year’s festival will open on the 7th of next month at the Baekje Historic Areas. The theme is "Engraving the Value of Baekje." Various programs will be held until the 23rd of next month at sites imbued with Baekje’s spirit, including Gongju Gongsanseong Fortress, King Muryeong’s Tomb, Buyeo Jeongnimsaji Temple Site, Naseong, Iksan Mireuksaji Temple Site, and Wanggung-ri Ruins. Programs include the "International Sculpture Art Symposium," where twelve world-renowned artists exhibit sculptures inspired by Baekje’s legacy, as well as media art, non-verbal creative performances, "Baekje Camping Expedition," and "Intangible Heritage Yeonhui Madang."

Suncheon, participating in the festival for the first time this year, will spotlight mudflats and Seonamsa Temple throughout August. The former offers experiential opportunities connecting nature and people, such as "Reed Path Rest with Emptiness" and "Healing Time in Nature." The latter demonstrates the coexistence of cultural heritage and humans through rituals like the Gwaebul Bong-an Ceremony and temple gourmet events. Kwon Seunghoon, the general director overseeing the programs, stated at a briefing held on the 21st at Han-guk-ui Jip in Jung-gu, Seoul, "While mudflat experiences were possible, we decided to place more emphasis on education and heritage transmission," adding, "We also plan to operate a World Heritage School."

In Suwon, from September 23 to October 14, various performances will be held under the theme "The Uigwe Lives On: Suwon Hwaseong, Continues." These include "Building Memories," which blends traditional music with modern performances, the traditional performance "Artisans’ Square" reflecting the labor value of fortress builders, and the humanities concert "The Pond Where Wisdom Blooms." The popular "Walking the Memories of Suwon Hwaseong," which revisits the 227-year history of fortress construction, will add a daytime course to the existing nighttime route to welcome visitors.

Jeju will promote the area of "Jeju Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes" from October 3 to 8 through walking tours ("Walking the Breath of Fire, the Breath of Eternity") and pilgrimage and experience programs ("Breath Path Expedition"). It will also showcase how Jeju’s natural heritage has been connected to human life in seven World Natural Heritage villages, including Seonheul 1st and 2nd villages, Deokcheon-ri, and Gimnyeong-ri.

Choi Eungcheon, Administrator of the Cultural Heritage Administration, said, "As this is the first festival held after the pandemic and the recovery of daily life, we will share the outstanding universal value of World Heritage with more visitors and engage closely with them."