[Feature] Experience 500 Years of Tradition at the "Hwajo Pungak" Yeonggwang Beopseongpo Festival

Yeonggwang Beopseongpo Dano Festival Kicks Off on June 18
K-Music Festival, Fireworks, and More: Plenty to See
A Destination for Extended Family Trips

The early summer breeze brushes over the sea, flowers are in full bloom, and birds sing their songs. Amid this scenery, a vibrant festival with over 500 years of history awakens once again.

From June 18 to June 21, the Yeonggwang Beopseongpo Dano Festival, designated as a National Intangible Heritage, will be held for four days in Beopseongpo, Yeonggwang, South Jeolla Province.

This year's theme is "Hwajo Pungak," which means "flowers, birds, wind, and music" harmonizing together. As the theme suggests, the festival will transform into a grand playground where tradition and nature, people and culture become one.

The scene of the Dano Festival Yongwangje event held last year. [Photo by Yeonggwang-gun]

The first thing visitors will notice upon entering Beopseongpo is the sea breeze. True to its history as a port village that once hosted the largest yellow corvina fish market in Joseon, the festival is infused with stories of people who have lived alongside the sea.

Formed around the Buyongchang warehouse during the Goryeo Dynasty and the yellow corvina fish market during the Joseon Dynasty, Beopseongpo was a prominent port in the Honam region where people and goods gathered for centuries. The Yeonggwang Dano Festival naturally emerged from this rich history.

Although time has passed, the spirit of tradition remains at the heart of this year's festival. National Intangible Heritage events such as Nanjangteugi, Yongwangje (Dragon King Ritual), Seonyunori (Boat Parade), Sanshinje (Mountain Spirit Ritual), and Dangsan Ritual vividly recreate the scenes of villagers praying for abundant harvests and good catches, just as they did centuries ago.

Of course, the Beopseongpo Dano Festival is not limited to preserving tradition alone. A variety of new programs tailored to younger generations have also been prepared. The newly created "Nanjang Madang" is a space designed to appeal to young sensibilities, featuring colorful photo zones, food trucks, DJ performances, and, as night falls, music and lights that transform the festival grounds.

At the local specialty market, visitors can find Yeonggwang gulbi (dried yellow corvina), solar sea salt, salted seafood, and more. There are also multicultural costume experiences and a photography exhibition, offering unique entertainment for families and tourists alike.

Samulnori performance at the Beopseongpo Dano Festival held last year.
[Photo by Yeonggwang County]

For those traveling with children, activities such as the changpo hair-washing experience, traditional folk games, and a children's playground are highly recommended. Facilities such as wheelchair and stroller rentals, as well as nursing rooms, are available, making it a convenient destination for family trips.

As the sun sets, Beopseongpo reveals a different side to visitors.

The opening ceremony on June 18 will begin with "Five Hundred Years of Festivity, A Thousand Years of Sound," followed by fusion Korean music, traditional percussion busking, and performances by local artists. On June 20, the K-Music Festival "Rest" will feature performances by popular singers, as well as dance and rock stages, sure to attract a younger audience.

On the final night of the festival, June 21, fireworks will light up the sky over Beopseongpo, creating a breathtaking spectacle against the early summer sea. It is the moment when the 500-year-old Dano Festival is reborn as a contemporary celebration.

If you're wondering where to travel this summer, Beopseongpo in Yeonggwang comes highly recommended.

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