The Largest Volunteer Army Festival in Korea
Attracts 180,000 Visitors
The Uiryeong Honguijanggun Festival, the largest volunteer army festival in Korea, which has been held for half a century in Uiryeong County, Gyeongnam, known as the "Sacred Ground of the Volunteer Army," has come to a successful conclusion.
As declared by County Governor Tae Wan Oh at the opening ceremony, "The volunteer army spirit that Uiryeong County has spread over half a century is the very spirit of the times that the people of Korea need today." True to his words, the "volunteer army spirit" showcased by Uiryeong County during the festival, held from April 17 to April 20, was more than enough to move the hearts of attendees.
Despite the rainy weekend, about 180,000 people visited Uiryeong for this year's festival, and local residents enjoyed the event with a sense of unity. From the moment visitors entered the gateway to Uiryeong, everyone became a volunteer soldier in line with the festival’s slogan, "Volunteer Army! The Meeting of Past and Present - I Am Also a Volunteer."
The Volunteer Army Tower, the symbol of the volunteer army, was illuminated for four days to represent the spirit of the volunteer army reigning over the world. The "red" of the Honguijanggun was chosen as the festival's symbolic color, filling every corner of the venue with the grand spirit of the Honguijanggun and further elevating the pride of Uiryeong.
In particular, the opening ceremony was enlivened by the grandeur and splendor of the volunteer army departure parade, which featured more than 1,000 participants and stretched for 2 kilometers across 13 themed sections, as well as a torchlight march that illuminated the world with confident steps.
The festival atmosphere reached its peak with the opening theme performance "I Am Also a Volunteer," which re-examined the lives and struggles of General Gwak Jaeu of Mangu-dang, 17 other commanders, and unnamed volunteer soldiers, along with a "media art show" held at the 50th Anniversary Memorial Park's "Street of Light."
Choi Eunhwa, who attended with three generations of her family from Daegu, said, "I never knew Uiryeong was such a bright and vibrant city. My senses are delighted by the flowers and lights," adding, "The volunteer army departure parade, in particular, was an extraordinary sight I couldn't take my eyes off, and it was truly overwhelming and moving."
During the festival, Uiryeong County transformed into a "children's paradise." Children could be seen everywhere at the event venues.
The "volunteer soldiers of the future," the children, read books at the Volunteer Army Seodang and learned about volunteer armies from different eras and regions at the National Volunteer Army Theme Hall. Through step-by-step experiences at the Volunteer Army Training Center, Volunteer Army Play Zone, and Volunteer Army Tournament, they had the opportunity to become "I Am Also a Volunteer."
Especially popular was the "Hongui Yeopjeon Tour," held in a perfectly recreated Joseon marketplace, which attracted more than 20,000 children.
Other festivals held alongside the Honguijanggun Festival also welcomed visitors with a variety of unique options. These included the Uiryeong "Toyoae Watermelon Festival," featuring a giant watermelon; the "Honguijanggun National Poetry Recitation Contest," which promoted the spirit of defending the nation and patriotism; and the "Honguijanggun National Freshwater Fishing Contest," inspired by General Gwak Jaeu's love of fishing. All were well received by the public.
Meanwhile, Uiryeong County aimed to use the 50th Honguijanggun Festival to promote the "value of the volunteer army" as a spirit not just of the past, but one needed in our times.
Governor Tae Wan Oh said, "The spirit of sacrifice that stood firm in the face of crisis and the volunteer army spirit that embraced everyone for the goal of 'justice and community' will become a new beacon of hope for unity and harmony in Korea, where division and conflict continue."
Uiryeong County is determined to prepare for a "new 50 years" of the festival, redefining its identity and future vision, starting with the 50th Honguijanggun Festival. As the first step, this year’s Volunteer Army Day event, which rotates among regions with volunteer army history, will be held in Uiryeong to mark the 50th anniversary of the Honguijanggun Festival.
"Volunteer Army Day" is observed annually on June 1. Uiryeong County residents took the lead in having it designated as a national memorial day in 2010, and the first Volunteer Army Day ceremony was held in Uiryeong County in 2011.
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