Gimhae City in South Gyeongsang Province announced on September 17 that three projects, totaling approximately 600 million won, have been selected for the 2026 Local National Heritage Utilization Project, organized by the National Heritage Administration.
The selected projects are: ▲ "Gaya Sensory Journey," part of the Lively National Heritage Utilization Project; ▲ "Wolbong K-Lecture, Scholar School That Blocked Lightning," under the Confucian School and Seowon National Heritage Utilization Project; and ▲ "Night Walking Through the Time of the Waterway," as part of the National Heritage Night Project.
The total budget amounts to 677 million won, including 338 million won from national and provincial funds.
"Gaya Sensory Journey" will be held under the theme "King Suro's Gaya Table Picnic."
This experiential program combines Gimhae's history, gastronomy, and arts, featuring activities such as making lunchboxes using local specialties and fresh local foods, and a hands-on experience of making Suro-style rice balls.
"Night Walking Through the Time of the Waterway" is recognized as a popular content of the Gimhae Night Project, which will celebrate its tenth edition next year.
The program will be enhanced by developing content that connects the Bongridan-gil commercial district, a famous spot in Gimhae, through storytelling-based media facade displays.
Additionally, the city plans to operate hands-on tourism, educational, and nighttime cultural programs centered on Gaya culture, making local cultural heritage more accessible to both residents and tourists.
The city expects these projects to reinterpret Gaya culture with a modern perspective, expand educational opportunities for youth and future generations, and invigorate the local economy by strengthening nighttime tourism content.
Kim Suyeon, head of the Cultural Heritage Division, stated, "This national heritage utilization project will serve as an opportunity to create an open cultural space enjoyed by both local residents and tourists," adding, "We will strive to enhance the value of Gimhae's cultural brand and increase opportunities to experience traditional culture."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
