KOREA
A man with a traditional clothing is making a speech with his right hand raised.

(Image: Jinju City)

The 73rd Gaecheon Arts Festival, one of Korea’s oldest local comprehensive arts festivals, is taking place in Jinju’s Jinjuseong area through October 20.

This year’s festival boasts 59 events across nine categories, providing a rich array of cultural experiences for visitors of all ages.

The festival opened with the lighting of the sacred fire at the Imjin Battle Gyesasunuidan, signaling the start of the festivities.

A major highlight of the festival is the National Costume Parade Competition, featuring 31 teams, mascots from various cities, and international participants like the Chiang Mai Art Association from Thailand.

Throughout the event, visitors can enjoy a wide range of artistic performances and exhibitions.

The Art Competition, featuring 19 categories including traditional music, dance, literature, and fine arts, offers a platform for emerging artists to showcase their talents. This year, a new folk painting category was introduced to expand the artistic scope.

At Jinju Battle Historical Park, visitors can experience performances like the Namgaram Open Yard and the popular musical “Chokseoksanseong Aria”. The festival also emphasizes safety and visitor satisfaction, with a reduction in booths and measures to prevent overcharging, ensuring a pleasant experience for all.

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