Performances, Experiences, and Exhibitions in Suncheon and Gochang
For the First Time, "Global Envoy" Delegation Joins
A vibrant venue for enjoying UNESCO World Heritage sites in diverse ways is opening.
The National Heritage Administration and the National Heritage Promotion Agency announced on July 1 that the World Heritage Festival will be held sequentially this month in Jeju, followed by Gyeongju, Suncheon, and Gochang. This is a leading cultural event themed around Korea's World Heritage sites. From 2020 to last year, more than 1.95 million people attended, enjoying performances, hands-on experiences, and exhibitions at World Heritage locations.
This year, the festival kicks off in Jeju on July 4. Under the theme "Age of Inheritance," hands-on programs will take place around Jeju Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes until July 22. Participants can walk along the formation process of the Geomunoreum Lava Tube System or explore normally restricted sites such as Bengduigul and Gimnyeonggul. "Starlight Hikes" will also be available in the Hallasan Natural Reserve and at Seongsan Ilchulbong. The special hike "The Highest Secret," which visits Baeknoksaem and had drawn significant attention even before the event, is already sold out.
In Gyeongju, from September 12 to October 3, performances and experiential events will be held under the theme "Light of a Millennium, Coexistence of Generations." Various heritage sites such as Seokguram, Bulguksa, Cheomseongdae, Yangdong Village, and Oksan Seowon will be introduced in unique ways. During the same period in Suncheon, a variety of programs will take place, focusing on Seonamsa and the Suncheon Tidal Flats.
In Gochang, known for its dolmen sites and tidal flats, the festival will continue from October 2 to 22 under the theme "Coexistence with Nature, Humanity's Eternal Time! Tidal Flats and Dolmens." Programs include the "Dolmen Building School," where participants can learn about and experience prehistoric life and culture, and "Sunset Birdwatching," which offers opportunities to observe the mysterious tidal flat ecosystem and migratory birds.
Meanwhile, for the first time, a "Global Envoy" delegation will participate in this year's festival. Starting with a launch ceremony on July 4, twenty foreigners from fourteen countries, including the United States, India, and Indonesia, will tour and promote World Heritage sites across Korea for four days. The National Heritage Administration stated, "We plan to produce vivid content to promote the outstanding universal value of Korea's World Heritage sites to the world."
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