Namhae County to Host "Darangyi Village Moonlight Walk" on Oct. 31

Resident-participation programs include a jazz performance, village tour and terraced rice paddy fashion show
Lantern-lit walk along terraced rice paddy paths; homestay program seeks 15 groups in advance

Namhae County in South Gyeongsang Province will host a community cultural event that draws on the natural scenery and village culture of Darangyi Village.

According to the county, the "Darangyi Village Moonlight Walk" will take place on October 31 in and around Darangyi Village, bringing together residents and tourists.

The event was organized to introduce the village's history and everyday culture and to offer performances and hands-on activities in which residents and visitors can participate together.

[Photo courtesy of Namhae County] A promotional poster for the “Darangyi Village Moonlight Walk,” which Namhae County will hold on the 31st in the Darangyi Village area. The event will feature a variety of cultural and hands-on programs, including the moonlight walk, a jazz performance, a village tour, and a fashion show on the Darangyi rice terraces.

The event will begin at 11 a.m. with a village tour led by resident docents. Participants can follow residents' guides and hear about Darangyi Village's history and the stories associated with it.

From 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., visitor-participation programs will include tray throwing, a fashion show in the terraced rice paddies, and an OX quiz about Namhae.

A market and activity booths run by village residents will also be set up to introduce local residents' everyday culture and the village's distinctive character.

From 5 p.m., the event's signature "Moonlight Walk" program will be held.

Participants will carry lanterns and walk along the terraced rice paddy paths for about 30 minutes, taking in the village scenery. Busking performances by Saea and Guseula are also scheduled along the walking route.

Then, from 5:30 p.m., a performance featuring jazz pianist Song Gwangsik and jazz vocalist Lee Dongwoo will take place against the backdrop of Darangyi Village's sea and terraced rice paddies.

A homestay program will also be offered so visitors can stay in the village and experience local culture.

The homestay program will accept a total of 15 groups, with a participation fee of 30,000 won. Participants can stay at homestay accommodations in the village and experience Darangyi Village's natural environment and everyday culture.

Advance registration is required for the terraced rice paddy fashion show and homestay program. Those wishing to participate can apply online using the QR code shown on the event poster.

"Through this event, we hope to showcase not only Darangyi Village's scenery but also the lives of its residents and its community culture," said Cho Hyeeun, head of Namhae County's Culture and Sports Division. "We hope it will be a chance for residents and travelers to walk and enjoy the village together and experience what makes it unique."

The event can be seen as a departure from conventional tourism focused on scenery, as local residents will take part directly in running the programs and visitors will experience the village's history and everyday culture.

A key feature of the event is that residents will run the programs themselves while making use of Darangyi Village's terraced rice paddies and coastal scenery.

There is particular interest in whether linking the village tour, market, and homestay program will encourage tourists to spend more time in the village.

However, since the event includes a nighttime walk along the rice paddy paths, advance preparations for managing participant routes, ensuring safety, and protecting residents' living spaces will also be important.

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