In a 10-day run beginning on May 10 this year
By Maeng Ju-seok (Foreign Journalist)
The festival aims to become a global K-festival, attracting foreigners and Korea’s multicultural community, showcasing traditional Korean culture, create an opportunity to attract overseas tourists.
This year's Chunhyang Festival will be held in various ways around Namwon for seven days from May 10 to boost the "Popular Global Chunhyang Festival" as it marks a turning point toward its 100th anniversary.
Chunhyang festival is known as the oldest traditional Korean festival.
Mayor of Namwon city, Choi, Kyung-Sik introduced the direction and viewing points of the Chunhyang Festival, which is moving toward a global festival, where style and excitement converge through fashion and color
Jeong Ga-ya of Miss Chunhyang in 2022, Kim Joo-hee of Miss Chunhyang 1st, Shin A-rim of 2nd, and Shin Seo-hee of 3rd in 2023 wearing traditional hanbok will play a pivot role as the main characters of Chunhyangjeon
An archive exhibition will also be held at the event to examine the history of "Chunhyangje," which boasts a long history, proving once again that it is the longest existing traditional cultural festival in Korea.
Wendy Teo, foreign correspondent of ‘The Straight Times’ in Singapore says that "The Chunhyang Festival, which is known as a local traditional cultural festival, seems to be transforming from a representative Korean traditional culture festival to a global K-festival this year," adding, "This year's festival, such as the Global Chunhyang Contest and Chunhyang Costume, is expected to be interesting in many ways."
Namwon city will prepare to understand the festival nature of this year's Chunhyang Festival, which consists of various exhibitions from Chunhyangjeon Costume to Archive Exhibition, drawing favorable responses from participants.
"Looking ahead to the 100th anniversary, Chunhyangje is a symbol of Namwon itself and an asset of our city that should be passed from generation to generation," Mayor Choi Kyung-sik said.
In order to continue its reputation as Korea's longest representative traditional cultural festival, this year's Chunhyang Festival will showcase delicious festivals and rip-off-free festivals through collaboration with Dubon Korea as well as global Chunhyang Contest, he added.
This year marks the 94th anniversary of the Chunhyang Festival, which began in 1931, and will be held in Gwanghallu Garden, Yecheon, Chunhyang Theme Park Namwon, for seven days from May 10.