Namyangju City to Open 40th Dasan Jeong Yak-yong Cultural Festival on Oct. 17

by Lee jonggu

Published 13 Oct.2026 20:37(KST)

Through October 18 at the Jeong Yak-yong Historic Site and Dasan Ecological Park
Robot experiences and traditional cultural events
Lee Sangbong fashion show and Urban Zakapa performance
Shuttle buses from Ungilsan Station and other locations

Namyangju City in Gyeonggi Province (Mayor Choi Hyun-deok) announced on October 13 that it will hold the 40th Dasan Jeong Yak-yong Cultural Festival on October 17 and 18 at the Jeong Yak-yong Historic Site and Dasan Ecological Park in Joan-myeon.

Poster for the 40th Dasan Jeong Yak-yong Cultural Festival, opening on the 17th. Provided by Namyangju City.

The festival is Namyangju City’s signature event, honoring Jeong Yak-yong’s Silhak philosophy of seeking truth through facts and his humanistic spirit. This year’s theme is “Jeong Yak-yong, Who Designed His Era, Innovating Today,” and the festival will feature hands-on activities, performances and traditional cultural events.

Hands-on programs include the “Jeong Yak-yong Robot Creation Contest,” where families work together to bring ideas to life, and the “Jeong Yak-yong Future Workshop,” where visitors can experience artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics. Other activities include “Dasan’s Last Disciple,” a treasure hunt in which participants explore the historic site and complete tasks, and a “Digital Detox Exile Experience,” offering time for reflection away from digital devices.

Other events include hanbok experiences, traditional games, a literary contest, “Challenge: Become First Place in the State Examination,” a quiz program for children, and flower-laying and tea-offering ceremonies in which citizens can participate.

The city moved the opening ceremony from the morning to 3 p.m. to encourage greater public participation.

On the first day, October 17, a gala performance from the musical “Dasan, the Star on the Water” will follow the tea-offering ceremony and opening ceremony. Designer Lee Sang-bong will also present a 40th-anniversary fashion show, reinterpreting Jeong Yak-yong’s innovative spirit through Korean beauty.

A commemorative concert featuring Urban Zakapa, HYNN (Park Hye-won) and AUX will be held on the afternoon of October 18. Street performances and busking will take place throughout the festival grounds, along with a farm market selling locally grown agricultural products.

The city will operate shuttle buses from Ungilsan Station and Joan-myeon Sports Park to the festival site. As parking near the venue is limited, the city recommends using public transportation and the shuttle buses.

A Namyangju City official said, “We hope this 40th festival will be an opportunity to reflect on Jeong Yak-yong’s spirit of challenge and innovation and bring generations together.”