25th Gyeongsan Gatbawi Wish Fulfillment Festival Opens on the 19th at Onmaru Plaza... A 'Wish Playground' Unfolds in the City Center

The 25th Gyeongsan Gatbawi Wish Fulfillment Festival, a signature local event themed around the Palgongsan Gatbawi in Gyeongsan—known for the saying, “At least one wish will come true”—will be held for two days from September 19 to 20 at the Onmaru Plaza of the Gyeongsan Life Sports Park.

Hosted by the Gyeongsan Cultural Tourism Foundation and co-organized by Eunhaesa Temple and the Gyeongsan Buddhist General Association, among others, this year’s festival features the slogan, “A Millennium Wish Sanctuary: Renaissance of Gyeongsan Gatbawi.”

Poster for the 25th Gatbawi Wish Fulfillment Festival. Provided by Gyeongsan City.

Celebrating its 25th edition, the festival has been completely transformed into a participatory cultural event by moving its venue from the traditional Gatbawi area to the city-center Onmaru Plaza, greatly improving accessibility for citizens and tourists alike.

On the opening day, September 19, there will be the Gatbawi Yadanbeopseok Buddhist ceremony, a temple food demonstration by Master Buddhist monk Hong Seung—a first-generation master of temple cuisine—and a runway show of Silla-era costumes as pre-event programs.

The official opening ceremony, starting at 5 p.m., will feature a “Harmony Wish Bibimbap” performance, during which participants can share their wishes and bibimbap together.

This will be followed by a healing concert hosted by Pansori singer Nam Sangil, with performances by singers Ra.D & Jungin, the vocal ensemble Sorinamu, and more, lighting up the autumn evening.

On the second day, September 20, the festival will conclude with the “Wish Concert” featuring a creative play by the Gyeongsan Municipal Theater Company and collaborative performances by baritone Kim Dongkyu, soprano Kang Hyejung, and the Gyeongsan Municipal Arts Troupe.

At the venue, a variety of hands-on experiences will be available, such as writing wish notes, stacking mini stone towers, making lotus flowers with cups, and a stamp tour. There will also be booths selling local agricultural specialties like Wachon plums and jujube bread, as well as food trucks.

Choi Sangryong, CEO of the Gyeongsan Cultural Tourism Foundation, stated, “Since this festival brings us closer to the citizens in the city center, I hope you visit and create special autumn memories.”

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