Six Experiences Over Two Days, April 25-26
On the 7th, Dong-gu District of Gwangju (Mayor Lim Taek) announced that it will operate the "Gwangju National Heritage Night Walk," where visitors can experience national heritage sites owned by Dong-gu, such as the Unnim-dong Stone Chamber Tomb, Jisan-dong Five-story Stone Pagoda, and the Gwangju Eupseong Ruins.
This year’s National Heritage Night Walk will be held over two days, from the 25th to the 26th of next month. The Night Walk is a nighttime cultural festival that utilizes and connects national heritage sites and the region’s unique historical and cultural resources, centered around areas with a high concentration of national heritage.
Now in its ninth year, the event has previously engaged citizens with differentiated national heritage storytelling under themes such as "Greetings of Stones" in 2023 and "Memories of Stones" in 2024. This year, as the final chapter of the stone series, it will present "Time of Righteousness of Stones."
Main content includes: ▲The Unnim-dong Stone Chamber Tomb from the 5th to 6th centuries, built to comfort the death of a loved one ▲The Jisan-dong Five-story Stone Pagoda from the 8th to 9th centuries, where people prayed for their wishes ▲The Jaemyeong Stone Lantern from the 11th century, made in hopes of peace ▲The Gwangju Eupseong (Ruins) from the 14th century, built to protect the safety of local residents ▲Seoseok Elementary School from the 20th century, established out of a passion for learning ▲The former Jeonnam Provincial Government Office from the 20th century, which served as a shield to protect justice.
Dong-gu plans to present these storytelling contents through eight Night Walk programs, and will also train child docents to offer diverse interpretations. Additionally, the district aims to contribute to the revitalization of the local culture and economy by attracting tourists from other regions.
Various programs themed around the "Eight Nights" are prepared: Night View (nightscape), Night Route (historical tour), Night Painting (exhibition), Night Tale (performance), Night Experience (hands-on activities), Night Food (local cuisine), Night Market (marketplace), and Night Stay (accommodation).
In detail, citizens can enjoy exhibitions featuring local figures at "Atelier Mudungdeung," a mini parade experience "Little Righteous Army," where participants patrol the venue as volunteer soldiers, and "Gwangju National Heritage Festival," which highlights figures related to Gwangju’s history.
Paid programs such as the "Night Walk Tour Package" and "Knowledge Guide Tour" will also be operated to allow visitors to experience national heritage more conveniently. Through these programs, Dong-gu aims to vitalize national heritage-themed tourism, attract tourists from outside the region, generate revenue, and secure self-sustainability.
The "Night Walk Tour Package" is a 2-day, 1-night package that allows visitors to enjoy both the Gwangju National Heritage Night Walk and local tourist attractions, while the "Knowledge Guide Tour" is a premium tour accompanied by a knowledge guide offering a new perspective on Gwangju’s modern history.
Mayor Lim Taek of Dong-gu stated, "We will strive to vitalize the local culture and economy by developing content utilizing national heritage," and added, "We hope for much interest and participation in the Gwangju National Heritage Night Walk, which unfolds with the 'Time of Righteousness of Stones' theme."
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