"The 22nd Story: Nostalgic Fairy Tales" Theme
Kim Changwan Band and Trot Singer Jang Yoonjung on Stage
Permanent Programs Including Nostalgic Theme Streets
Car-Free Streets for Five Days from the 15th to the 19th
On the afternoon of the 15th, the opening show of the 22nd Gwangju Nostalgic Chungjang Festival is taking place around Geumnam-ro, Dong-gu, Gwangju. Photo by Min Chanki
The 22nd Gwangju Nostalgic Chungjang Festival opened on the 15th in the Chungjang-ro and Geumnam-ro areas of Dong-gu, under the theme "The 22nd Story: Nostalgic Fairy Tales."
The singers performing on stage that day were selected to fit the "fairy tale" concept. The lineup included the Kim Changwan Band, trot singer Jang Yoonjung, and Kim Kwangjin, known for "Magic Castle," among others.
The opening show on the first day of the festival avoided formal ceremonies and instead featured a stage combining an immersive fantasy musical and a mini-concert. The performance was structured into four acts: a pre-show event inviting the audience into the world of fairy tales, Act 1 "Chungjang Fairy Tales: Opening the Book," Act 2 "Into the Nostalgic Fairy Tales," Act 3 "New Memories of Fireworks," and Act 4 "A Festival Made from Nostalgic Fairy Tales." The show included a variety of performances such as musicals, circus acts, and choral singing.
On the afternoon of the 15th, the nostalgic theme street was operated at the 22nd Gwangju Memory Chungjang Festival held in the Geumnam-ro area of Dong-gu, Gwangju. Photo by Min Chanki
Before the opening ceremony, permanent programs were held around Chungjang-ro and Geumnam-ro, including the nostalgic theme street, healing rest areas, an administrative district parade symbol-making exhibition, Panpanpan, the Youth Planning Team's Jjini Playground, Fantasy Road, and the Light and Music Fountain. At the nostalgic theme street, participants who came with family, friends, or partners spent time enjoying old-style photo studios and food stalls reminiscent of the past.
People of all ages enjoyed the feeling of childhood at schools, snack bars, and arcades, while the healing rest area, set up as a traditional tavern, offered delicious food and a place to chat.
This year marks the 22nd edition of the festival, which will be held for five days through the 19th in the Chungjang-ro and Geumnam-ro areas. The festival focuses on globalizing the event, a rice ball contest, an expanded parade, and realistic recreations of 1970s and 1980s themed streets.
A total of 43 programs, including performances and exhibitions, will take place during this year's Chungjang Festival. The 16th is "Asian Culture Day," featuring reimagined cultural presentations from various Asian countries. On the 17th, "Family Day," there will be youth busking and a mask party for audiences to enjoy.
On the fourth day of the festival, the 18th, starting at 7 p.m., a Lotte World parade will be held under the theme "Nostalgic Fairy Tales" along Geumnam-ro 1st to 3rd Street. After the parade, fireworks will light up the area around the May 18 Democracy Square in front of the old Jeonnam Provincial Office. At 9 p.m. that evening, the Chungjang Road Night event will take place with DJ Subin, a former member of Dal Shabet.
On the final day, the 19th, the festival will conclude with performances by parade teams selected through a national contest and a drone show.
During the festival, Chungjang-ro 5th Street will host the "Midnight Festa," "Fluorescent Glitter City," and "Chungjang Open Market x Night Market," all organized by the Chungjang Commercial District Revitalization Task Force.
In the area of "Fortress of Light" near the Dongbu Police Station, nostalgic theme streets will be created under the theme of "Our Happy Story Like a Fairy Tale," featuring schools, snack bars, arcades, photo studios, cafes, and stationery stores.
Meanwhile, Dong-gu will operate the Geumnam-ro section as a "car-free street" by restricting vehicle access through the 19th to ensure the smooth running of the 22nd Gwangju Nostalgic Chungjang Festival and the safety of visitors.
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