Gochang County to Hold "World Heritage Festival" Opening Ceremony on October 2

Theme: "The Treasures of Gochang: Depicting People and Nature"

Gochang County in North Jeolla Province and the Gochang World Heritage Conservation Council will hold the opening ceremony for the "2025 World Heritage Festival: Dolmen, Gochang Tidal Flats" at 7 p.m. on October 2 on a special stage at Dolmen Park.

Symbolic sculpture in front of Dolmen Park. Provided by Gochang County

According to the county on October 1, the opening ceremony will be attended by over 1,000 spectators, including residents of Maesan Village in Juknim-ri and tidal flat villages who live alongside the world heritage sites, as well as the National Heritage Administration, Gochang County Mayor Sim Deokseop, Gochang County Council Chairman Cho Minkyu, and National Assemblyman Yoon Junbyung, who are overseeing the World Heritage Festival.

The opening ceremony will be held under the theme "The Treasures of Gochang: Depicting People and Nature," set against the backdrop of the Gochang Juknim-ri Dolmen Cluster, which was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in December 2000.

The event will begin with a gilnori (street performance) by the Gochang Nongak Preservation Association, a pansori performance by the Dongri Cultural Project Association, and a performance by the Neulpureun Choir of Gochang Elementary School. This will be followed by a themed video highlighting the world heritage value of the dolmen and tidal flats, and a special performance by professional dancers depicting the process and significance of dolmen construction.

A county official stated, "The dolmen and Gochang tidal flats have been recognized for their global value as a shared heritage of humanity, demonstrating the exceptional historical, cultural, and ecological significance of the county. We hope that through this opening ceremony, many visitors will experience the value of world heritage and be deeply moved."

Meanwhile, the "World Heritage Festival" will take place for 22 days until October 22 at Gochang Dolmen Park and the Gochang tidal flats. The signature program, "Dolmen Building School," is a hands-on field experience in the form of a school class, allowing participants to learn about the history and culture of dolmens and receive a diploma upon completion.

The "Gochang Tidal Flat Birdwatching Tour" is a guided birdwatching program using electric vehicles, offering a special opportunity to learn about endangered bird species.