From the Publisher

After an extended period of reticence, which perhaps resulted from the central government’s ambitious ‘Help North Korea’ policies, it appears the local governments have re-started paying due attention to the importance of local festivals they enthusiastically hosted in the past. There are clear signs indicating the possibility of local governments’ ‘re-starting’ of the festivals for the good of their people and also for the international community in Korea, the diplomatic community in particular.

One such festival is hosted by Mayor Jeon Dong-pyeong of the Yeongam County of the Jeollanam-do Province hosts on the upcoming 4th of April.

It is the Wangin Culture Festival where he cordially invites a number of ambassadors and their spouses for a two-day tour on Thursday and Friday on the 4th and 5th of April 2019.

The tour for the ambassadors and madams is organized and fully covered by The Korea Post with its five media outlets, 3 in English and 2 in Korean.

The 2019 Yeongam Wangin Culture Festival, which marks the 22nd anniversary this year, will take place at the Historical Site of Dr. Wangin from April 4 (Tuesday) through April 7 (Sunday) when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom.

A procession of the 2018 Yeongam Wangin Culture Festival.

Main programs of the festival include “Dr. Wangin Goes to Japan,” a Hansi (Chinese poems) Writing Contest in memory of Dr. Wangin, “The Culture Festival in Our Neighborhood” and a “Romantic Train Tour” along the Cherry Blossom Road. “Dr. Wangin Goes to Japan” is a great parade where thousands of marchers wear clothes that imitate the clothes that Dr. Wangin and his people wore in Japan.

The entire venue where cherry blossoms will bloom during the festival will be transformed into a photo zone, adding scenic beauty to the festival. To this end, there will be programs such as traditional martial arts experience and operation of flower chariots in the birthplace of Dr. Wangin and Seongcheon.

With a view to enhancing the globalization of the annual festival, the contents designed to more attract foreigners will be introduced. Specifically, the county will try to attract foreign tourists for programs lasting one night and two days in cooperation with travel agencies.

At the same time, county plans to launch an extensive promotion campaign for foreign tourists, including diplomatic envoys stationed in Korea. Foreigners will be able to wear global traditional clothes and enjoy global folk performances. Of note, a “restaurant for foreigners” will stay open during the festival time.

저작권자 © The Korea Post 무단전재 및 재배포 금지