Uiryeong County to Hold 'Uibyeong Day' on June 1 Next Year ... Announces National Memorial Event

Next Year Marks the 50th Honguijanggun Festival ... Korea's Largest Volunteer Soldier Festival

Uiryeong County in Gyeongnam announced on the 4th that it will host the national ceremony for the '15th Uibyeong Day' in Uiryeong next year to commemorate the 50th Honguijanggun Festival.

'Uibyeong Day' is designated as a national memorial day on June 1, which is the converted solar date of April 22 on the lunar calendar, when the first uibyeong (righteous army) was formed in Uiryeong during the Japanese Invasion of Korea in 1592. Thanks to the efforts of Uiryeong residents, the first Uibyeong Day ceremony was held in Uiryeong County in 2011.

Uiryeong County will hold the national commemorative event for 'Uibyeong Day' on June 1 next year.
[Image provided by Uiryeong County]

Next year, Uiryeong County plans to host the largest uibyeong festival in the country to mark the 50th Honguijanggun Festival, aiming to spread the uibyeong spirit that has been preserved in Uiryeong for half a century to the entire nation.

Through the Honguijanggun Festival, the county promotes the idea that 'uibyeong' is not just a part of history but a spirit needed in today's society, spreading the 'value of uibyeong.' In particular, it highlights the spirit of sacrifice in the face of crisis and the unity and harmony of the uibyeong, who embraced everyone for the goals of 'justice and community.'

County Governor Oh Taewan emphasized, "Uiryeong County, a small local government, has independently established and maintained Uibyeong Day over the course of half a century through continuous effort. The beginning and end of the uibyeong spirit is truly our unique pride." He added, "Starting with the 50th anniversary of the Honguijanggun Festival next year, the uibyeong spirit fostered by Uiryeong County will once again inspire national pride among the people."

Meanwhile, on the 1st, the county held the 14th Uibyeong Day ceremony at the Uiryeong County Civic Culture Center, attended by about 350 people, including the descendants of 18 generals such as General Gwak Jaewoo, members of the Uibyeong Memorial Association, and local residents.

The commemorative event included a special performance, the reading of the Uibyeong Declaration, commemorative speeches, memorial addresses, a poetry recitation collaboration, a choral performance of the Uibyeong Song, and a three-fold cheer for victory.

In particular, the Uiryeong Wind Orchestra, composed of about 30 students from local elementary, middle, and high schools, participated in the event with a pre-ceremony performance, adding significance to the occasion.