A Grand Feast of Arirang
A Moving Festival Shared by Citizens and Tourists
Miryang City in South Gyeongsang Province announced on the 26th that the 67th Miryang Arirang Festival, held under the slogan "A Story We Create Together, We Are Arirang," concluded in grand fashion on the 25th, filling Yeongnamnu Pavilion and the banks of the Miryang River with joy and emotion.
With the goals of a citizen-centered festival and a tourism-linked festival, the high-quality Arirang performances offered in a variety of formats opened a new chapter for Miryang Arirang. As a result, numerous visitors from across the country came to Miryang.
The 67th Miryang Arirang Festival, which featured 38 unique programs, provided visitors with new experiences outside of their daily routines despite somewhat inclement weather. The festival left lasting memories and overwhelming emotions with performances and shows of an even higher caliber.
The live multimedia show "Miryang River Odyssey: Sorrow While Holding a Sword," starring actor Song Ilguk, Sunye of Wonder Girls, and top-tier musical actors in Korea, received enthusiastic applause from the audience.
This performance, which depicted the life story of Samyeong Daisa through a grand and beautiful stage production never seen before, is being hailed as an opportunity to glimpse new possibilities for the Miryang River Odyssey.
This year's festival further enhanced the meaning of a participatory event, with increased citizen involvement through the "Street Parade Citizen Participation Teams"?five teams delivering fresh and entertaining performances?the "Miryang Citizen Open Concert" featuring passionate local artists, and the "Food Zone" representing Miryang's renowned eateries.
The 67th Miryang Arirang Festival Successfully Concludes Amid Enthusiastic Response from Citizens and Tourists. Provided by Miryang City
Diverse performances, exhibitions, and hands-on programs themed around Miryang Arirang, which is inscribed as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, firmly established the festival's identity as a bridge between tradition and modernity.
The "Melody of Arirang, Trio," one of the nation's three major Arirang performances, and the "National Grand Unity Arirang: Miryang Arirang Pungnyu Hanmadang" further advanced the artistic level of Miryang Arirang performances. The "Arirang Theme Hall," "Arirang Maze: Wonderland," and "Miryang Arirang Talk Concert" brought the public closer to Miryang Arirang.
The "Pop-up Store," a program for mutual growth with local businesses, also received an enthusiastic response. Leading local companies such as Samyang Ramen, Chiram Sakae Bakery Cafe, the popular Homildang, and the wine bar Chillout participated, promoting both Miryang and their businesses while pursuing shared growth.
The Miryang Sarang Gift Certificate Payback, introduced for the first time this year to revitalize the local economy, was also well received by tourists. In addition, the "Youth Arario Grand Festival" and "Old NO! (Nono) Happy Roo" gained great popularity not only among youth and seniors, but also across various generations.
The 67th Miryang Arirang Festival Successfully Concludes Amid Enthusiastic Response from Citizens and Tourists. Provided by Miryang City
Based on the successful execution of the Miryang Arirang Festival, Miryang City plans to implement even more proactive tourism policies to expand the resident population and revitalize the local economy.
Mayor Byunggu Ahn stated, "Thanks to the active participation and support of citizens and tourists, we were able to successfully conclude this festival," adding, "We will focus our administrative efforts not only on the Miryang Arirang Festival but also on discovering a variety of cultural and tourism policies to enhance Miryang's cultural and tourism capabilities and inject new vitality into the local economy."
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