A Hands-On Cultural Festival Enjoyed by All Generations
The "2025 Yeongju Korean Seonbi Culture Festival," under the theme "The Warmth of Seonbi, the Fragrance Born from Encounters," opened in grand style on May 3.
This year's festival will be held over three days until May 5 throughout Yeongju, North Gyeongsang Province, offering citizens and tourists a vibrant array of traditional cultural experiences through a modern reinterpretation of Seonbi culture.
Yeongju's three major hyanggyo Confucian scholars are performing a traditional ritual. Photo by Yeongju City
The opening ceremony, held at 7 p.m. on May 3 at the main stage of the Munjeong Riverside venue, drew approximately 1,500 citizens and tourists, adding to the excitement. The pre-ceremony featured a majestic wind orchestra performance, followed by the 7th Korea Seonbi Awards ceremony, the themed performance "Eumpungnongwol?Beneath the Wind and the Moon: The Elegance and Artistry of the Seonbi," and congratulatory performances, all of which received enthusiastic applause from the audience.
Earlier that day at 11 a.m., a traditional ritual was held to pray for the festival's success and the well-being of the region. This was followed by calligraphy performances by Yeongju Hyanggyo, Korean traditional dance, and other performances such as Dendongeome Hwajeon Nori, further deepening the richness of the region's traditional culture.
During the festival, visitors can enjoy a variety of exhibitions and hands-on programs designed to make the essence of Seonbi culture easily accessible. This year, special attention is being drawn to the Seonbi Theme Hall, featuring the concept "Living Like a Seonbi (GOD-saeng)," and the Seonbi Lantern Exhibition, which can be enjoyed even at night.
In addition, the festival grounds are filled with programs for all ages, including traditional seasonal games, gache (traditional wig) experiences, archery, tea ceremonies, Korean traditional music performances, and the Seonbi Concert.
Lee Jaehoon, acting mayor of Yeongju, stated, "This Seonbi Culture Festival has been designed as a festival where everyone, regardless of generation or social status, can enjoy together by reinterpreting the traditional Seonbi spirit in a modern way. We will continue to develop Yeongju's spiritual culture so that it can reach out to the world."
The "2025 Yeongju Korean Seonbi Culture Festival" is establishing itself as a leading traditional cultural festival where citizens and tourists can experience the elegance and composure of the Seonbi spirit together.
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