The Tale of Seodong and Seonhwa Unfolds in Downtown Iksan

Seodong Festival in Iksan to Be Held from May 1 to 3

Seodong Festival Poster in Iksan. Provided by Iksan City

The Seodong Festival in Iksan is set to make a new leap forward this year as a stay-type historical and cultural festival by relocating its venue to the city center.

Iksan City announced that the Seodong Festival will be held from May 1 to May 3 at the areas of Sinhung Neighborhood Park and Jungang Sports Park.

The Seodong Festival is Iksan's representative historical and cultural event, based on the legend of King Mu of Baekje (Seodong) and Princess Seonhwa. Hosted by Iksan City and organized by the Iksan Culture & Tourism Foundation, the festival has showcased a variety of historical content linked to the heritage of Baekje Royal Capital.

This year, Iksan City will relocate the festival venue to Sinhung Neighborhood Park and Jungang Sports Park to improve accessibility and space utilization. The city also plans to strengthen connections with downtown commercial districts to ensure that the festival's impact translates into revitalization of the local economy.

In addition, the festival will enhance its competitiveness by expanding experience- and participation-oriented content. The entire festival will be restructured into a single narrative centered on the story of Seodong and Seonhwa, allowing visitors to follow the tale and enjoy a stay-type event from day to night.

The festival grounds will be organized into themed spaces such as the Seodong Story, Baekje Experience, and Night Scenery & Media, where various performances and hands-on activities will take place. During the day, historical experience programs for families will be offered, while at night, content combining media productions and performances will be showcased.

In particular, the festival's symbolic program, the 'Seodong & Seonhwa Narrative Parade,' will be tailored to the downtown environment, with strengthened segment-specific productions and increased opportunities for citizen participation.

An official from the Iksan Culture & Tourism Foundation stated, "We are preparing a participatory festival where visitors can enjoy following the story of Seodong and Seonhwa," adding, "We will expand programs involving local artists and citizens to create a festival where the entire city becomes a stage."

An Iksan City official commented, "By moving the festival to the city center, we expect to expand the festival space and improve accessibility for citizens and tourists. We aim to further develop the Seodong Festival as a historical and cultural event that increases visitor stay time and contributes to revitalizing the local economy by strengthening the parade, hands-on, and performance content."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.