Myeongnyang Victory Festival Opens on September 19 in Haenam and Jindo
Navy and Coast Guard Join Forces for Warship Parade
Diverse Programs Including Youth Trot Music Contest
Festival Runs Until the 21st, Showcasing the Charms of Maritime Culture and Tourism
Jeonnam Governor Kim Youngrok is attending the opening ceremony of the 2025 Myeongnyang Battle Festival held at Haenam Usuyeong Tourist Site on the 19th, taking a commemorative photo with key guests. Provided by Jeonnam Province
The 2025 Myeongnyang Victory Festival, commemorating Admiral Yi Sunshin and the Joseon Navy's great triumph during the Imjin War, opened on September 19 at the Usuyeong Tourist Site in Haenam and the Nokjin Tourist Site in Jindo. A variety of programs that combined historical themes with modern cutting-edge technology received an enthusiastic response from visitors.
At the opening ceremony, a naval fleet parade featuring warships from the Navy and Coast Guard took place around the Uldolmok Strait, drawing cheers from the audience. In addition, a grand departure parade was held atop the Jindo Bridge, featuring the Navy Band, Coast Guard Traditional Band, a joint pungmul troupe, royal guards, representatives from 21 local towns, and foreign tourists, totaling 1,200 participants and earning resounding applause. This was followed in Jindo by a solemn peace procession honoring the spirits of national martyrs and volunteer soldiers, which left a deep impression on attendees.
The festival’s main stage, designed as a large-scale Panokseon warship for the first time in Korea, hosted a spectacular naval battle media show that combined the latest information and communication technology (ICT) with special effects. The highlight was a joint congratulatory performance by singers Sohyang and Kim Junsu, accompanied by a fireworks display.
The massive Panokseon stage, measuring 40 meters in length and 10 meters in height, featured a giant central LED screen. Advanced stage technology, including LED wood structures, multi-screens, and a moving stage, vividly recreated the grandeur of the Panokseon, capturing the audience’s attention.
The stage performance recreated the Myeongnyang naval battle from over 430 years ago, blending state-of-the-art digital video, line rockets, artillery, acrobatics, and fire shows with dynamic live action from the performers, delivering a powerful and moving experience.
The newly introduced "Myeongnyang Hunters" booth was also a major hit this year. In collaboration with the Korea Minhwa Museum, events were held where visitors could receive Joseon-era animal paintings and magpie-tiger keyrings and other goods. There was also a "Joseon Era Boys Costume Experience," where visitors could try on traditional Korean hats, drawing a steady stream of guests.
With the theme "Immortal Myeongnyang, Uldolmok of National Defense," the festival runs for three days until September 21, offering a nationwide youth trot music contest, a Navy and Coast Guard warship parade on the Uldolmok Sea, and VR/AR Myeongnyang naval battle experiences. The event is designed to be enjoyed by families and foreign visitors alike.
Kim Youngrok, Governor of Jeollanam-do, stated, "It is meaningful to relive the moving history of the Myeongnyang Victory together with the public at the very site of the triumph." He added, "I hope this festival will help spread the noble spirit of Admiral Yi Sunshin and the Joseon Navy, and serve as a stepping stone for Jeollanam-do to become a global center of maritime culture and tourism."
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