Time Travel into History in Goyang City
Signature Programs: "Stone-Throwing Battle" and "Drone Fireworks Show"
Performances and Experiences Continue with Song Gain, Aktoong, and More
The 37th Goyang Haengju Cultural Festival, the representative historical and cultural festival of Goyang Special City in Gyeonggi Province, will take place over two days on June 14 and 15 at Haengju Fortress Historical Park and the surrounding Haengju Fortress area.
This year’s festival, held under the theme "Connecting the Memories of Victory to the Future," will present a variety of programs that reinterpret the history and spirit of the Haengju Daecheop?one of the three great victories of the Imjin War?in a modern way. In particular, a large-scale nighttime performance combining drones and fireworks, as well as expanded participatory experience programs, are expected to draw attention.
The festival’s signature event is the "Haengju Daecheop Stone-Throwing Battle," inspired by the tactics of the historic battle. Operated as the "National Pot-Smashing Contest," this program will feature a total of 96 teams, including 32 teams in the general division and 64 teams in the family division, marking a significant expansion in scale compared to last year. The prize money has also been increased, raising expectations for a more intense and exciting competition.
At night, a "Drone Fireworks Show" will light up the sky above the Han River. More than 850 drones, together with fireworks, will vividly depict the Haengju Daecheop, Singijeon, Bigyeokjincheonroe, and even the epic stories of Korean heroes in celebration of the 80th anniversary of Liberation. The drone fireworks show, which can be viewed from anywhere at the venue, will decorate the skies above Haengju Fortress Historical Park at around 8:35 p.m. on both June 14 and 15.
The festival will open with the "Haengju Departure Ceremony," featuring popular trot singer Song Gain and the traditional pungmul group Churiband on stage. Performances by Band Aktoong, led by Choo Seungyeop?who gained fame through "Sing Again 3"?and other groups such as a traditional magic theater troupe will follow.
Band Aktoong, led by singer Choo Seungyeop, who showcased a unique charm on "Sing Again 3," as well as "Hwansul Theater Dam," which reinterprets traditional Korean magic (Hwansul) in a modern way, and "Hwansul Theater Dachaeh," a magic troupe from the Joseon era, will also participate in the Goyang Haengju Cultural Festival.
The "Tongjeyeong Martial Arts Troupe" from Tongyeong, one of the three great victory cities of the Imjin War, will present traditional Korean martial arts, while the "JIA Art Troupe," a traditional performing arts group from Seoul, will perform a thrilling tightrope act. In addition, "Joseonz," a troupe that vividly reenacts the lives of Haengju and the Haengju Daecheop during the Joseon Dynasty, will stage a traditional outdoor play.
Other highlights include the Haengju Seowon Music Concert, held after the traditional ritual on June 13, street performances by the Goyang Buskers throughout the festival, and traditional performances by the Goyang Cultural Center, offering a diverse array of stages to captivate the eyes and ears of visitors.
The area around Haengju Fortress Historical Park will feature sensory experience zones such as "Haengju Experience Yard," "Haengju Maendor Village," and "History Mission Game." There will be history-themed mission games for children, as well as traditional craft experiences like making Singijeon, woodblock printing, and painting Buddhist fan art.
During the festival, the "Haengju Market" and art market will offer traditional foods and handmade crafts for sale, while the "Pungnyu Rest Area" will provide a space to relax and enjoy performances. The festival currency "Haengju Yeopjeon," distributed to participants in festival programs, can be used at various locations throughout the venue.
For the convenience of visitors, free shuttle buses will operate from Hwajeong Station, Baekseok Station, and Daegok Station to the festival site, and temporary parking lots such as the playground at Haengju Elementary School will be available. Detailed schedules and program information can be found on the official website.
Lee Donghwan, Mayor of Goyang Special City, stated, "Haengju Fortress and Haengju Fortress Historical Park, where the Goyang Haengju Cultural Festival takes place, preserve the history of the Haengju Daecheop and the old appearance of the Han River," adding, "We have prepared more diverse and abundant programs than in previous years so that the weekend spent at the Goyang Haengju Cultural Festival can become a cornerstone for a happier daily life. We hope to see many visitors join us."
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