A Time Travel to Baekje 1,400 Years Ago
Experience the Ancient Capital's Nighttime Splendor
Iksan City in North Jeolla Province will host the 'Iksan Baekje National Heritage Night Tour' from the 18th to the 20th at the Baekje Royal Palace (Wanggung-ri Historic Site) and its surrounding areas.
According to the city on the 16th, this night tour is themed 'A Time Travel to Baekje 1,400 Years Ago' and is designed to allow visitors to vividly experience the lives and culture of the people of Iksan Palace, the last capital of Baekje.
Iksan City will hold the 'Iksan Baekje National Heritage Night Tour' from the 18th to the 20th at the Baekje Royal Palace (Wanggung-ri Ruins) area. Photo by Iksan City
The vast palace grounds will be filled with fantastic nighttime illuminations, a variety of experience programs, performances, and exhibitions, all available exclusively at night, bringing the space to life with light and stories.
The Iksan Night Tour has been selected for the Cultural Heritage Administration's public contest for eight consecutive years. Following its selection in 2019, it was also recognized as an Excellent Night Tour in both 2023 and 2024. The event has won the Pinnacle Awards (Gold and Silver) from the International Festivals & Events Association, as well as awards in the Asia Night Market and Night Tour categories (2024), establishing itself as a leading example of a national cultural heritage night tour.
In particular, with this year's third consecutive Excellent Night Tour award, the event is expected to be inducted into the Cultural Heritage Administration's Hall of Fame.
This year's night tour features over 10 new experience programs in addition to the existing 50, including artifact pattern stamping and making sarira bottles. Signature programs such as Tapdori (pagoda circling), informative cultural commentary, a special Baekje lecture by historian Choi Taesung, and wish lantern flying are also ready to welcome visitors this year.
The quality of the nighttime scenery will be greatly enhanced as well. Hanji lanterns and landscape lighting will be installed throughout the main exhibition hall and rear garden, illuminating the Baekje Royal Palace at night. Visitors can capture 'once-in-a-lifetime photos' against the backdrop of the nighttime scenery.
Additionally, the event will be organized in conjunction with the Iksan World Heritage Center and the Geumma-myeon commercial district, creating a festival that grows together with the local economy. Food booths and various experience events will also be operated, providing enjoyable experiences for both local residents and tourists.
Exhibitions and promotional programs commemorating the 10th anniversary of the Baekje Historic Areas' UNESCO World Heritage designation will also be held, further raising awareness of the significance and value of cultural heritage.
Following last year, the city will once again operate a 'Car-Free Night Tour' this year. Instead of a dedicated parking lot at the event site, shuttle buses will run from nearby parking lots such as Mireuksaji, Palbong Public Stadium, and the World Heritage Center, alleviating parking inconveniences and promoting carbon neutrality.
In particular, direct shuttle buses connecting major city hubs to the event site have been newly introduced, greatly improving accessibility.
Bae Seokhee, Director of the Economic and Tourism Bureau, stated, "We have thoroughly prepared to make this an unforgettable springtime gift for everyone visiting the Baekje Royal Palace," and added, "We hope visitors enjoy the best night stroll, combining Baekje heritage with modern sensibilities, at the Iksan Baekje National Heritage Night Tour."
For more information, please refer to the official website of the Iksan Baekje National Heritage Night Tour or the official Iksan City social media channels.
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