60,000 Flock to Pohang... Pohang Marine Corps Culture Festival Sees Huge Success with Base Open House

Civilian-Government-Military Mega Festival:
Pohang Marine Corps Culture Festival Becomes a Local Landmark
Specialized Attractions Draw Crowds:
Unity Parade, High-Altitude Parachute Jumps, and Honor Guard Demonstrations Shine

As the Marine Corps base, symbolized by the "red name tag," opened its doors, a large number of citizens flocked to the site.

The 2025 Pohang Marine Corps Culture Festival was held at Haebyeong Street in Ocheon-eup and the area around the 1st Marine Division, drawing a huge crowd of approximately 60,000 visitors over two days from the 15th to the 16th.

Under the slogan "Leaping Pohang, Strong Marines! Into the Future with Citizens!", the festival was linked with the open house event of the 1st Marine Division, attracting a continuous stream of people to various parts of the venue.

From the 15th to the 16th, the 2025 Pohang Marine Corps Culture Festival was held at Haebyeong Street in Ocheon-eup and the area around the 1st Marine Division. Provided by Pohang City 1-3. Festival opening ceremony performance and parade.

On the first day of the festival, long lines formed for various Marine Corps experience programs such as paintball shooting, a physical fitness experience zone, and the U.S. Marine Corps booth. The base was bustling with tourists eager to see areas usually closed to the public, and key facilities highlighting the history of Pohang City and the Marine Corps-such as Dosol Hall, the Marine Corps History Museum, and Haeryong's House-also drew significant attention.

At Haebyeong Street, hands-on activities like making dog tags, sampling military rations, and face painting were offered, and the newly introduced kids' playground air bounce was especially popular among children, making the festival a hit with families.

The opening ceremony featured a civilian-military unity parade, beginning with the Korea-U.S. color guard, followed by the honor guard, Marine Corps band, and soldiers in special attire. After the opening, there were honor guard demonstrations, a high-altitude parachute jump, and celebratory performances by popular singers including Song Gain, all of which received enthusiastic responses from the audience.

2025 Pohang Marine Corps Cultural Festival Side Events. Provided by Pohang City

On the 16th, the festival continued with events such as the "Hot People Contest" featuring Marine Corps officers and soldiers, and the "Song and Dance FESTA," where citizens and Marines teamed up, creating a stage for unity and communication.

During the festival, local organizations and shop owners in Ocheon-eup contributed to visitor convenience by opening restrooms and organizing a Clean Day event, further highlighting the community spirit of the region.

Mayor Lee Kangdeok stated, "This festival was created together by the Marine Corps and citizens, becoming a model case of civilian-government-military unity. I would especially like to express my deep gratitude to Kim Cheolsoo, President of the Gyeongbuk Marine Corps Veterans Association, Koh Hanjung, President of the Pohang City Chapter, and all those involved for their key roles in maintaining order and supporting program operations at the event."