Jeongseon County in Gangwon Province announced that the 50th Jeongseon Arirang Festival opened in grand style on the 25th at Jeongseon Public Stadium and throughout the Jeongseon-eup area.
Jeongseon County is holding the "50th Jeongseon Arirang Festival" on the 25th at Jeongseon Public Stadium and around Jeongseon-eup. Provided by Jeongseon County
This year’s festival is held under the theme “Jeongseon Arirang, Embracing the World,” marking a turning point as Jeongseon’s signature cultural festival, which has continued for half a century, steps onto the global stage.
On the morning of the first day, the Chilhyeon Ritual was held at Geochilhyeon Shrine in Nam-myeon. The ritual, which prays for the successful hosting of the Arirang Festival and the development of Jeongseon County, honors the loyalty of the seven sages featured in the origin legend of Jeongseon Arirang, wishes for the well-being of the residents, and serves as a meaningful moment to reflect on the roots of Jeongseon Arirang.
The county has steadily promoted the globalization of Jeongseon Arirang. In particular, the musical “Ari Arari” received high praise at the Adelaide Festival in Australia and the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in the United Kingdom. This year, official invitation performances at the “Korean Culture Day” in Tartu, Estonia, and the “Jeongseon Arirang Raftsmen” performance with descendants of Koryoin in Kazakhstan also drew attention. These achievements have heightened interest in the 50th Jeongseon Arirang Festival and are attracting many visitors.
The highlight of the festival, the “Arirang Parade,” will take place on the 27th, running through downtown Jeongseon-eup from the Jeongseon-eup Administrative Welfare Center to the Jeongseon Police Station. The Arirang Parade is a community participation program that has continued for 50 years. This year, a total of 25 teams-including a military band, international guest teams, youth performance groups, and local residents-will join in a large-scale march spanning generations. The parade will open with the 36th Division Military Band and the Jeongseon County Arirang Arts Ttaetkkun Troupe, culminating in a finale by the musical performance team “Ari Arari.”
Notably, unique local content prepared by the nine towns and townships of Jeongseon County will join the parade, showcasing each area’s traditions and culture. Large puppets and props crafted by residents, along with creative performances, will captivate the audience. In addition, international guest teams-including those from Colombia-and other outside participants will present a variety of performances such as cheerleading and combat dance. The “flash mob,” considered a highlight of the Arirang Parade, will offer a special moment where residents and visitors can come together and participate.
This year’s festival features a diverse lineup of programs, including the opening performance, academic forums and symposiums, traditional culture experiences, and a direct market for local agricultural specialties. A special historical exhibition commemorating the 50th anniversary will allow visitors to look back on the festival’s half-century journey, reaffirming the cultural value that connects generations.
Choi Jongsoo, Chairman of the Jeongseon Arirang Cultural Foundation, stated, “The core of the Jeongseon Arirang Festival is that it is led and owned by the residents of Jeongseon, reflecting the unique color of the region. This year, in celebration of the 50th anniversary, we have prepared a richer and more diverse program than ever before, making it an event where you can fully experience the excitement and beauty of Jeongseon Arirang. Through this, Jeongseon Arirang will firmly establish its place on the world stage.”
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