The 28th Gwangju Royal Ceramics Festival Opens: "Tradition and the Future Together"

Held at Gonjiam Ceramic Park until May 6
Rich Program: Ceramics Exhibitions and Sales, Royal Culture Experiences, Performances, and More

The 28th Gwangju Royal Ceramics Festival, the representative cultural festival of Gwangju City, Gyeonggi Province, held a grand opening ceremony at Gonjiam Ceramic Park on the 25th, marking the start of a ten-day cultural celebration.

The 28th Gwangju Royal Ceramics Festival, the representative cultural festival of Gwangju City, Gyeonggi Province, opened on the 25th at Gonjiam Ceramic Park. Photo by Gwangju City, Gyeonggi Province

The opening ceremony was attended by more than 1,000 people, including Gwangju Mayor Bang Sehwan, National Assembly members Soh Byunghoon and Ahn Taejun, City Council Chair Heo Kyunghaeng, Zhao Qingyuan, Mayor of Zibo, China, Boeun County Governor Choi Jaehyung, delegations from sister cities, ceramic artists, and citizens, all wishing for the festival's success.

The opening performance, held under the theme "Tradition and the Future Together," featured children, ceramic artists, foreign guests, and dignitaries entering with Gwangju Royal Ceramics "Moon Jars," symbolically expressing the spirit of ceramics. This was followed by the "Royal Ceramics Presentation Ceremony," a reenactment of a traditional royal procession with actor Lim Ho portraying a Joseon Dynasty king, which received enthusiastic applause from the audience.

The ceremony was hosted by broadcasters Son Beomsu and Kim Kyungmi, and included an opening video, opening declaration, welcoming remarks, congratulatory speeches, and congratulatory videos from Korea and abroad. In particular, performances by the Gwangju Municipal Gwangjiwon Nongak Troupe and masters of intangible cultural heritage, titled "Dojarak (Adding Joy to Ceramics)," as well as a special performance by trot singer Song Gain, further heightened the festive atmosphere.

The festival, which runs until May 6, features a wide range of programs including ceramics exhibitions and sales, ceramics hands-on experiences, royal culture experiences, and various performances and exhibitions, offering a cultural space for all ages to enjoy.

Especially popular is the "Ceramics Time Auction," held daily at 2 p.m., where domestic and international artists introduce their works and interact with visitors. There are also a variety of hands-on programs for families, such as the "Moon Jar Potter's Wheel Experience," "Clay Play Family Contest," and "Colorful Painting."

Programs where visitors can experience royal culture, such as "Making Royal Cuisine," "Royal Costume Experience," and the "Presentation Parade," are especially popular among foreigners and children. In addition, a variety of related events are being held, including the Food Culture Festival, Gwangju Arts Festival, Multicultural Harmony Festival, Children's Day Family Festival, and Gonjiam River Market.

Mayor Bang Sehwan stated, "Through this festival, we hope to shed new light on the history and artistic value of Gwangju royal ceramics in a modern context, and allow citizens and visitors to experience Gwangju's cultural assets firsthand." He added, "With Gwangju's unique content, this festival will establish itself as Korea's leading ceramics festival."