The Cities of Busan, Jinju, and Gimhae in Gyeongsangnamdo (South Gyeongsang Province) are welcoming visitors with various festivals this autumn.
Some of the must-see festivals in the region include the Jinju Namgang Yudeung Festival, the Busan Jagalchi Festival and the Buncheong Ceramics Festival of Gimhae.
Jinju Namgang Yudeung Festival (October 1-12)
"Yudeung" means lanterns floating on the water. The tradition of Yudeung began in Jinju following the Jinjuseong Battles in 1592 during Imjinwaeran (Japanese invasion) of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). When Jinju Castle was under siege, Joseon General Kim Si-min (1554-1592) with his 3,800 soldiers defended against a force of Japanese troops 30,000-strong.
After the battle, residents began to float lanterns on the river to honor the deceased and wish for peace and prosperity of home and nation. To reflect the long history of the city, Jinju has been holding the festival as a symbol of royalty and wishing.
This year, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism selected this festival as one of the greatest festivals in the country. To mark the ministry’s appointment, this year’s festival will showcase new features to delight festival-goers.
For this year’s festival, the organizing committee will introduce a newly built bridge linking Jinju Castle and a musical water fountain so that visitors can enjoy the beauty of the lanterns in various shapes and colors while walking around the event venue. The festival will also showcase an exhibition themed on the evolution of light at the castle.
More information is available at the homepage of the festival (http://www.yudeung.com/10E_index.php) (Korean, English, Chinese, Japanese).
Busan Jagalchi Festival (October 12-16)
Busan will attract seafood lovers this month as the Busan Jagalchi Festival will be held from October 12 to 16 at Jagalchi Market, the largest seafood market in Korea and one of the most well-known tourist attractions in the city. The festival program includes four categories — opening events, experience programs, food auction, and the market, not to mention cultural events like performances and exhibits.
The festival will begin with “yongsinje” (a traditional shamanistic ritual to celebrate the opening of the festival), and “gilnori” (street parade).
As the Busan International Film Festival will also be ongoing until October 14, visitors can enjoy both seafood as well as movies from 70 countries.
More information is available at the homepage of the festival (http://www.ijagalchi.co.kr/english.html) (Korean, English, Chinese, Japanese).
Gimhae Buncheong Ceramics Festival (October 18-23)
Buncheong ceramics are often considered to have a simple and natural beauty unlike Goryeo celadon. From October 18 to 23, the Gimhae Buncheong Ceramics Festival will be held in Songjeong-ri, where the largest potteries in Korea are run.
Visitors can have fun and learn more about the Buncheong wares at the festival, which will be composed of nearly 90 programs in eight categories, including the history of Buncheong ceramics and Buncheong tea wares. People can also make their own Buncheong ceramics and participate in the festival auction.
More information is available at the homepage of the festival (http://festival.buncheong.net/index.jsp) (Korean, English, Chinese, Japanese).
Yoon Sojung
Korea.net
