September 3 at Geumnam-ro: Festival Atmosphere Heats Up
Gossaumnori, Changgeuk Company, K-pop and More Diverse Performances
On August 26, Gwangju City announced that it will host the opening show "Land of the Bow" on September 3 at 6:30 p.m. around Geumnam-ro, to wish for the successful hosting of the "2025 Hyundai World Archery Championships" and the "2025 World Para Archery Championships."
The event will take place along the section from Jeonil Building 245 to Geumnam-ro Park in Dong-gu, aiming to attract nationwide attention to the championships, create a festive atmosphere, and realize the slogan "Resonance of Peace." It is designed to widely promote Gwangju's culture and identity to both citizens and participants of the World Archery Federation Congress and the championships.
The opening stage will feature "Gossaumnori," National Intangible Cultural Heritage No. 33. This traditional game, which was showcased at the opening ceremonies of the 1986 Seoul Asian Games and the 1988 Seoul Olympics, will be used to elevate the status of the two major global archery events being held in Gwangju.
Additionally, a video introducing the history of Gwangju archery and the historical significance of 5·18 Democracy Plaza will be screened. There will also be various performances to promote Gwangju as a city of art to the world, including a pungmul performance by the Gwangju Municipal Changgeuk Company. Guest singers Ali and Norazo will also take the stage.
Unlike previous events, this occasion will minimize formal greetings and congratulatory speeches to maintain a continuous festive atmosphere. True to the name "Opening Show," the entire event will proceed in a show format. In particular, the "Opening Show" will coincide with the "Geumnam-ro Car-Free Street" event, aiming to minimize inconvenience for citizens while offering a wide range of attractions.
Lee Yeon, Secretary General of the Championships Organizing Committee, stated, "This opening show 'Land of the Bow' will serve as an opportunity to showcase the excellence of Gwangju archery and the historical significance of 5·18 Democracy Plaza, where the finals will be held, to the world. We ask for the enthusiastic participation of many citizens so that the opening show 'Land of the Bow' on the evening of September 3 at Geumnam-ro will lead into a festival atmosphere for the championships."
Jeon Eunok, Director of Culture and Sports, said, "As the opening show 'Land of the Bow' has been planned to connect the festival atmosphere with the preparations for the championships, and with the participation of archery teams visiting Gwangju expected, we hope that many citizens will join and help promote the civic spirit of Gwangju."
Meanwhile, the "Gwangju 2025 Hyundai World Archery Championships" will be held from September 5 to 12, with the finals taking place at 5·18 Democracy Plaza from September 7 to 12. The "Gwangju 2025 World Para Archery Championships" will be held from September 22 to 28, with the finals at 5·18 Democracy Plaza on September 27 and 28.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
