Sangju to Illuminate National Heritage with "Night Walk"... Five Utilization Projects Selected Simultaneously

Beyond Preservation, Toward Utilization
A Signal for Sangju's Leap as a City of Historical and Cultural Experiences in 2026

Sangju City in North Gyeongsang Province achieved significant results by having a total of five projects selected in the "2026 Local National Heritage Utilization Project" competition organized by the National Heritage Administration. The secured project budget alone amounts to 527 million won, laying the groundwork for reviving the region's cultural heritage in a modern way.

Sangju City, Gyeongbuk, Signals Leap to Become a 'History and Tradition Experience City' by 2026, Moving Beyond Cultural Heritage Preservation to Utilization

The selected projects include one for vibrant national heritage utilization, two for utilizing Confucian schools and academies, one for utilizing traditional houses and head families, and, newly added this year, one for the national heritage "Night Walk." In particular, the "Night Walk" project will reinterpret Sangju's cultural heritage at night through lights, storytelling, and interactive events, offering citizens and tourists a unique experience.

The theme is "Sangju, Opening the Gates of Time: Night of History and Tradition." Programs such as historical commentary, nighttime parades, craft workshops, and reenactments of traditional ceremonies will be held at key cultural heritage sites like Sangsan-gwan and Sangju Hyangcheong. "Sangju at Night," encountered along illuminated paths, is not just a festival but symbolizes the creation of new value for cultural heritage.

Kang Youngseok, Mayor of Sangju, stated, "The national heritage utilization project is about creating 'living heritage' that breathes with citizens, going beyond mere preservation. We will continue to discover creative ways to utilize our regional identity so that both citizens and tourists can enjoy these programs."

Building on this achievement, Sangju City plans to expand various cultural experiences utilizing national heritage, aiming to instill pride in local residents and offer romance and healing to visitors.

"Sangju's selection for the national heritage utilization project signals a shift from the traditional paradigm of 'cultural property preservation' to a 'branding strategy that shares local assets with citizens.' In particular, the 'Night Walk' is expected to mark the beginning of Sangju's leap as a city of historical and cultural experiences."