Hamyang’s Signature Festival ‘Cheonryeong Cultural Festival’ Kicks Off... Begins Four-Day Celebration

From Children's Day Events to Celebratory Performances
A Wide Array of Participatory Programs Awaits

The 65th Cheonryeong Cultural Festival, representing Hamyang County in South Gyeongsang Province, kicked off its opening ceremony on May 1 at the Sangnim area in Hamyang County, marking the beginning of a four-day event.

This year’s festival has been organized as a participatory event where residents and tourists can create and enjoy together, with a focus on performances and experiential programs that blend tradition and modernity. From the very first day, large crowds gathered, making for a lively and successful opening.

The festivities began with a ceremony commemorating Children's Day, followed by a traditional ritual and a procession of scholars, highlighting the importance of tradition. The official opening ceremony and celebratory performances then signaled the full-scale start of the festival.

[Photo by Choi Soon-kyung] Scene from the opening ceremony of the 65th Cheollyeong Cultural Festival in Hamyang County

In particular, guest singers such as Kim Suchan, Yang Ji-won, Bae Seoyeon, Kim Hyejin, and Choi Jeonseol graced the stage for "Night of Sangnim," dazzling the audience and receiving an enthusiastic response from visitors.

Residents who visited the festival site expressed their satisfaction, saying, "There are a variety of programs to enjoy with children," and, "The traditional events and performances blended well, truly bringing the festival atmosphere to life." Another tourist commented, "The festival is even more impressive because it is set against Hamyang County’s natural scenery, and the quality of the performances exceeded my expectations."

On the second day, May 2, the festival will feature a national sijo singing contest, a pungmul folk music extravaganza, the Federation of Artistic and Cultural Organizations of Korea festival, performances by Hamyang-born singers residing abroad, and a stage by guest singer Geumjandi. In addition, the "Gyeongnam Artist One Pick Selection Contest," an audition-style program that discovers promising artists from the Gyeongnam region, will add a unique touch of excitement.

On May 3, the third day, there will be a national gugak (Korean traditional music) competition, a residents’ baduk (Go) tournament, a national classical Chinese poetry contest, and other traditional and participatory programs. The day will also include a youth talent show, a town and township singing class recital, and a family talent show. Popular singers such as Kim Hye-yeon, Ji Won-yi, and Kim Dana will take the stage for the celebratory performance.

On the final day, May 4, club performances and talent shows by organizations and groups are scheduled, culminating in celebratory performances by Young-gi and YB Band (Yoon Dohyun Band), as well as the closing ceremony, bringing the festival to a grand conclusion.

Throughout the festival, visitors can enjoy a variety of ongoing attractions including photography, art, and poetry exhibitions, free photo services, a food market, sales of local agricultural specialties, and various hands-on programs, offering a wealth of experiences for all attendees.

An official from Hamyang County stated, "We hope the Cheonryeong Cultural Festival will establish itself as a signature event where residents and tourists come together," and urged for continued interest and participation throughout the remainder of the festival period.

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