Held at the Citizen Theater of the Masan Culture and Arts Center
Changwon Special City is holding the "126th Anniversary of Masanhang Port Opening Festival" at the Citizen Theater of the Masan Culture and Arts Center from May 1 to May 4.
Masanhang Port opened as a self-opened treaty port on May 1, 1899 (the third year of Gwangmu), but was closed by Japan at the end of December 1910. It was later designated as an open port by Presidential Decree No. 39 on June 29, 1949, and began to establish itself as an auxiliary port to Busan Port.
To commemorate the historical significance of the opening of Masanhang Port on May 1, 1899, and to provide an opportunity for citizens to gain a new perspective on the sea, the event was held annually as the "Masangagopa Grand Festival" around May 1 until 2015. Since 2016, it has been held as the "Masanhang Port Opening Festival."
This year's 126th anniversary festival features a variety of cultural events, including: the Opening Ceremony, folk art performances, an opening concert, a photo exhibition on the history of Masanhang Port, and screenings of four maritime-themed films (including "The Book of Fish").
On the first day of the festival, May 1, Changwon Special City Second Vice Mayor Cho Myeongrae served as the chief officiant at the opening ceremony. The chief officiant is responsible for offering the first cup during the ritual, and on this day, Vice Mayor Cho represented the region in wishing for the well-being and prosperity of the local community.
Second Vice Mayor Cho Myeongrae stated, "It is deeply moving to see that the opening of Masanhang Port has already reached its 126th anniversary," and added, "I hope that we will continue to reflect on the historical significance of the port's opening and that it will further develop into a unique and original culture based on the port."
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