Uijeongbu Proves Its Identity as the "City of Kings"
Hoeryong Cultural Festival Performance Sharing Meeting Held
Over 1,000 Citizens Join the Uijeongbu Procession
A Historical and Cultural Festival with 60,000 Attendees
Economic Impact of 3 Billion Won, 83.7% Satisfaction
Achieving Both Citizen Participation and High Quality
History Comes Alive On-Site
From the 1405 Heonsurye Ceremony to Joseon Dynasty Costume Reenactments
Beyond a Festival, Toward City Identity
Pursuing Sustainable Growth Through Academia, Tourism, and Regularization
Uijeongbu City in Gyeonggi Province (Mayor Donggeun Kim) held the "40th Hoeryong Cultural Festival Performance Sharing Meeting" at Taejo Hall in City Hall on the 28th.
Mayor Donggeun Kim is presenting at the '40th Hoeryong Cultural Festival Performance Sharing Meeting' held on the 28th. Provided by Uijeongbu City
This event was organized to share the achievements of the Hoeryong Cultural Festival, which took place from September 27 to 28, and to explore ways to further develop the festival as a signature event representing the identity of "Uijeongbu, the City of Kings."
More than 100 people attended the performance sharing meeting, including Mayor Donggeun Kim, Uijeongbu City Council Chairman Kim Yeongyun, city council members, officials from the Uijeongbu Cultural Center and Uijeongbu Cultural Foundation, and festival participants.
The event began with a pre-performance by the acoustic Korean traditional music band "Ttangkongkong," followed by a screening of the video "King Taejo and King Taejong's Uijeongbu Procession," the mayor's performance report, presentations of participants' impressions and discussions on future directions, and an awards ceremony.
The "Hoeryong Cultural Festival" began in 1986 as a historical and cultural festival inspired by "Hoeryong" and has continued its 40-year tradition. The highlight of this year's festival, "King Taejo and King Taejong's Uijeongbu Procession," provided an opportunity to revisit the historical identity of "Uijeongbu, the City of Kings" with citizens for the first time in 62 years since the city was promoted to its current status, fostering civic pride.
Mayor Kim Donggeun is taking a commemorative photo with actor Jung Eegap, who participated in the "Taejo and Taejong Uijeongbu Procession," after awarding him a certificate of commendation at the "40th Hoeryong Cultural Festival Performance Sharing Meeting" held on the 28th. Provided by Uijeongbu City
This year, the Hoeryong Cultural Festival and the Uijeongbu Procession demonstrated significant advancements in various aspects. Notably, over 1,000 citizens directly participated in the procession, and the festival attracted a large crowd, with approximately 15,000 visitors at Jeonjwa Village in Howon-dong and 45,000 at the Uijeongbu Procession, totaling around 60,000 attendees.
The economic impact was also clear. The festival generated an estimated economic ripple effect of about 3 billion won, and media coverage increased to 360 reports, up 170% from the previous year. In a satisfaction survey of 1,069 citizens, 83.7% of respondents expressed satisfaction, and the official Uijeongbu City YouTube channel recorded 2,900 views.
Noticeable changes were also felt on-site. Highlights included the nation's first large-scale parade reenacting late Goryeo and early Joseon dynasty attire, enhanced direction that improved the quality of costumes, props, and makeup, and the recreation of the 1405 Heonsurye ceremony symbolizing historical harmony during the dynastic transition.
Above all, the enthusiastic and voluntary participation of citizens elevated the festival's atmosphere, turning the entire city of Uijeongbu into a united celebration.
Mayor Kim Donggeun is taking a commemorative photo with attendees at the "40th Hoeryong Cultural Festival Performance Sharing Meeting" held on the 28th. Provided by Uijeongbu City
Building on this year's festival, the city plans to further upgrade the event by strengthening its academic foundation through hosting academic forums and developing and operating citizen history education programs, as well as expanding citizen-participatory content.
Additionally, the city announced its goal to establish the festival as a leading historical and cultural event in northern Gyeonggi Province by systematizing achievements and records, developing linked tourism products for extended stays, and regularizing the festival.
At the sharing meeting, citizens who participated directly in the festival shared vivid impressions, and various suggestions were made to enhance the festival's quality. Key development strategies discussed included transitioning to an extended-stay festival, expanding citizen-led operations, and strengthening linked content between King Taejo and King Taejong's Uijeongbu Procession, the Hoeryong Cultural Festival, and Jeonjwa Village.
In addition, certificates of commendation from the mayor and the city council chairman were awarded to 37 citizens who played key roles in King Taejo and King Taejong's Uijeongbu Procession and actively participated as members of the citizens' royal procession group.
Mayor Donggeun Kim stated, "Building on 40 years of tradition, we will do our utmost to ensure that the Hoeryong Cultural Festival, created together with our citizens, continues to develop as a festival representing the identity of Uijeongbu."
Based on the feedback gathered at this performance sharing meeting, the city plans to develop the "2026 Hoeryong Cultural Festival" into a citizen-centered historical and cultural event. Furthermore, the city will strengthen data-based visitor analysis and satisfaction surveys to secure a policy foundation and enhance the efficiency and sustainability of festival operations.
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