Slogan "The Road to You" Captures Queen Jeongsun's Deep Love
Fireworks, Danjong Royal Funeral Reenactment, and More Colorful Events Until the 27th
The 58th Danjong Cultural Festival will be held in Yeongwol County, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province (Governor Choi Myungseo), where the spirit of Danjong, the sixth king of the Joseon Dynasty, and his loyal subjects are honored, and where his final footsteps remain. The festival will run from April 25, starting with the opening ceremony, until April 27.
A reenactment of the Danjong Royal Funeral Ceremony during the 'Danjong Cultural Festival' held in Yeongwol County, Gangwon Province. Photo by Yeongwol County Office
The slogan of the festival is "The Road to You." It tells the story of Queen Jeongsun, who, after Danjong was dethroned and exiled, fell from queen to servant and lived alone for 64 years, longing for her husband Danjong. The slogan expresses a wish that their tragic love will be revived today and, even belatedly, fulfilled.
On the first day of the event, the main programs will include the Jeongsun Queen Selection Contest, which is a signature event of the Danjong Cultural Festival, as well as the opening ceremony, fireworks, and the Byeolbyeol Parade. The opening ceremony will feature a performance themed on Danjong, and singers Jin Sung, Hong Jamun, Shin Seungtae, and Park Seojin will appear to enliven the festival. The day will conclude with a drone show and fireworks display.
The opening ceremony of the 57th Danjong Cultural Festival held on April 26 last year. Photo by Yeongwol County Office
On the second day, April 26, the Danjong Ritual and a reenactment of the Danjong Royal Funeral Ceremony will take place. Family-friendly events that began last year, such as "Ring Out! Kkaebi History Quiz Show!", "Kkaebi OX Quiz," and "Kkaebi Sports Day," will also be held.
On the final day, April 27, the Kudzu Vine Parade and Kudzu Vine Tug-of-War Competition, which are designated as intangible heritage of Gangwon Province and are other signature events of the Danjong Cultural Festival, will be held throughout the day.
A scene from the Kudzu Vine Tug-of-War, one of the events of the Danjong Cultural Festival. Photo by Yeongwol County Office
The "1st Danjong Gourmet Festival," which is being introduced for the first time this year, is also drawing attention. The Danjong Gourmet Festival is a creative royal cuisine contest using Yeongwol's local specialties and is expected to offer tourists new attractions and culinary experiences.
An official from Yeongwol County stated, "By holding the Danjong Cultural Festival and organizing various cultural events and programs, we will strive to attract many domestic and international tourists to Yeongwol County." The official added, "We will continue to seek ways to maximize the historical significance of Danjong and prepare programs for the 60th anniversary."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
