Theme: "Peace, If Not for Chilgok"
Introduction of a New Concept Smart Festival
Chilgok County in North Gyeongsang Province will host the 12th Chilgok Nakdong River Peace Festival and the 16th Nakdong River Battle Victory Commemoration Event over four days, from October 16 to 19, at the Chilgokbo Ecological Park and surrounding areas.
This year’s festival, held under the theme “Peace, If Not for Chilgok,” is sponsored by North Gyeongsang Province, Chilgok County, and the Ministry of National Defense of the Republic of Korea, and is organized and hosted by the Chilgok Cultural Tourism Foundation and the Second Operational Command.
In line with the “Digital 2.0 Era,” Chilgok County will fully implement a new concept of a smart festival by integrating digital technology into the traditional festival management system, aiming to maximize convenience and efficiency for festival visitors.
The main experience and performance programs, planned around the two themes of “Music for Peace” and “Power of Peace,” include Treasure Hunt 328, 55 Game, 960t Forest, If Chilgok, Nakdong Island, Mister Trot TOP7 Concert, and Peace Music Festival, among others.
The Peace Concert lineup features Korea’s leading artists: on October 16, Park Seojin, Hong Jinyoung, and Park Jihoo; on October 17, Mister Trot 3 TOP7; on October 18, Lim Changjung, Lee Jaehoon, Min Kyunghoon, and Son Seungyeon; and on October 19, Jaurim, Lee Seunggi, and Dynamic Duo, all of whom will deliver moving performances celebrating peace.
At the Chilgokbo Auto Camping Site, under the theme “Power of Peace,” cutting-edge military equipment that protects Korea, such as the KUH-1 Surion, UH-60 Black Hawk, K-2 tank, K-9 self-propelled howitzer, and amphibious bridging vehicles, will be showcased.
Additionally, a floating bridge-the longest in Korea at 430 meters-will be installed across the Nakdong River between the Chilgokbo Ecological Park and the Auto Camping Site, where visitors can participate in the “Mungyo” river crossing experience using amphibious equipment.
Programs like the “55 Game” are expected to offer special experiences that go beyond simple play, allowing participants to reflect on the value of history.
The 55 Game is a large-scale experiential program inspired by the fierce 55-day defense of the Nakdong River Line during the Korean War.
Through four large-scale experiential contents of unprecedented scale, the program is designed to help participants vividly feel the urgency of the times.
The “National Treasure Hunt 328” is set against the backdrop of Hill 328, the first site in Korea for excavation of war remains.
At Hill 328 on Mount Yuhak, where the Battle of Dabudong took place during the Korean War, the ownership of the hill changed hands as many as 15 times over just 12 days, illustrating the intensity of the battle.
Through this experience, visitors will have a meaningful time honoring the unknown soldiers buried beneath the earth and paying tribute to the spirits of those who defended the nation.
The “960t Forest ECO Zone” is a space that demonstrates how land, once devastated by 960 tons of carpet bombing during the Korean War and left barren, has now been reborn as a “land of life” where peace and nature coexist.
The “Honey Beer Pub (Honey Beer + Pub)” is a space where everyone attending the festival can enjoy “Chilgok Honey Beer,” made from the region’s representative specialty, honey, and toast to the peace of the Nakdong River together.
At the Chilgokbo Auto Camping Site, the Second Operational Command of the Army will host a special military culture experience that connects the past, present, and future.
Moreover, during the festival on October 18 and 19, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., shuttle buses will operate between the Chilgokbo Ecological Park and various locations, including the Chilgokbo Outdoor Water Park, Waegwan North Bus Terminal, Chilgok Sports Complex, Buksam Town Office, Seokjeok Town Office, Jicheon Town Office, Dongmyeong Lifelong Learning Welfare Center, Gasan Lifelong Learning Welfare Center, Yakmok Town Office, and Yakmok Nonghyup (Gisan Branch).
From 9 p.m. on October 16 to 2 a.m. on October 20, traffic will be controlled on the section from Gwanho-ri, Yakmok-myeon (west of Chilgokbo) to Deoksan-ri, Yakmok-myeon (Mulim Drainage Station).
Alongside the Nakdong River Peace Festival at Chilgokbo Ecological Park, Chilgok County will also host the “205 Chilgok Cultural Street Festa” on Waegwan City’s Route 1 on October 18 and 19.
The “205 Chilgok Cultural Street Festa” is not centered on famous singers but instead features continuous street performances such as magic, bubble shows, and circus acts.
The opening parade will include marching bands, costumed characters, senior models, and local youth and children, while various dance troupes, traditional music groups, and percussion performances will fill the streets, enhancing the festive atmosphere.
Notably, world-renowned magician Yoo Hojin will perform a story-driven show on the opening stage, captivating the audience.
On October 19, the children’s musical “Who Pooped on My Head?,” based on the original work by German author Werner Holzwarth, will be performed, offering a unique experience for young audiences.
Following that, a variety of programs will be available for all ages, including acrobatics by Breakers Company, a circus band performance by Team Funnist, taekwondo demonstrations, line dancing, stunt cheerleading, mime, and comedy magic shows.
The festival also offers a wide range of hands-on programs.
In the “Eco Zone,” eco-friendly experiences such as air-purifying plant hanging, upcycled keyring making, eco-soap crafting, and crafts using recycled banners are available. In the “Humanities Village Zone,” visitors can try making wood-fired pizza, pounding rice cakes, and tasting traditional Sikhye (sweet rice drink).
The highlight of this festival is the “205 Playground,” where, over two days, the seven zones of the street will each host seven different programs, changing throughout the event.
Programs include decorating the street as a canvas with chalk drawings, a bubble playground with shows and hands-on activities, random play dance and various games, and experiential activities such as nail hammering and shoe throwing, all scheduled at different times for families and visitors to enjoy.
The “205 Chilgok Cultural Street Festa” goes beyond stage performances, transforming the entire street into a festival space where visitors can directly participate and experience the festivities themselves.
Embodying the symbolism of Chilgok County’s slogan “Lucky Chilgok,” this event is expected to heat up Waegwan City with continuous performances and experiences over two days.
Chilgok County Mayor Kim Jaeuk stated, “This year’s Chilgok Nakdong River Peace Festival, operated with a new smart system, has been designed for visitor convenience with ample parking and convenient shuttle bus services. We hope that many people from across Korea will come to share in the meaning of national defense and peace, and that the local economy will also be revitalized.”
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