The Gyeonggi Tourism Organization will host the "2025 Isan Cultural Festival," a modern reinterpretation of the spirit of King Jeongjo, also known as "Isan," until October 12, 2025.
Being held for the first time this year, the Isan Cultural Festival aims to go beyond a simple celebration and be developed into a signature tourism content that embodies the identity of Gyeonggi Province, based on the region’s representative cultural heritage.
Suwon City and Hwaseong City are collaborating to connect the region through the themes of King Jeongjo’s filial piety and reformist spirit, presenting participatory cultural tourism programs that blend tradition and modernity.
Main programs include the Isan City Tour, Isan Mobile Stamp Tour, Isan Popup Promotion Center, traditional Korean music and performances, and Hanbok experiences.
The Isan City Tour is divided into four themed courses: Filial Piety (25,000 won), Hwaseong (10,000 won), Nightscape (5,000 won), and Light (5,000 won). Each course features a dedicated bus and a professional guide. Participants can enjoy a variety of experiences, such as meditation at Yongjusa Temple, temple cuisine, tours of Suwon Hwaseong Fortress and Hwaseong Haenggung Palace, free exploration of Paldalmun Market, nighttime openings and media art performances at Hwaseong Haenggung Palace, and more.
The Isan Mobile Stamp Tour is a digital tourism program that uses smartphone GPS verification. Visitors can collect stamps by visiting major attractions in Suwon and Hwaseong, and those who collect stamps can enter a prize event.
In addition, from September 19 to 21, the Isan Popup Promotion Center will be operated on the first floor of the Milky Way Hall at Lotte Department Store Dongtan Branch.
On September 27 and 28, the creative and fusion Korean music relay performance "The Breath of Isan, Resonance of Generations" will be held at Yunggeolleung, and on September 27, the traditional dance performance "The Heart of Jeongjo, Connected Through Dance" will be staged at Hwaseong Haenggung Palace.
At Yunggeolleung and the Purmir Hotel, a traditional Hanbok experience titled "Hyeegyeonggung, Walking Today" will be available. Participants can transform into Lady Hyegyeong Hong with professional costume and hair styling services. Registration for this program will be on a first-come, first-served basis through the Gyeonggi Tourism Platform event page starting September 19.
Additionally, the festival will provide abundant opportunities to enjoy culture in connection with major autumn festivals in Suwon and Hwaseong, such as the Suwon Hwaseong Media Art (September 27-October 12), Suwon Hwaseong Cultural Festival (September 27-October 1), Jeongjo Filial Piety Cultural Festival (September 27-28), and the Joint Reenactment of King Jeongjo’s Royal Procession (September 28).
A representative from the Gyeonggi Tourism Organization stated, "We have prepared this event so that anyone-families, friends, or couples-can enjoy tradition in a fresh and youthful way, experiencing history and culture together."
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