Osan Doksanseong Cultural Festival Set for Oct. 24-25, Featuring the Semailhwa Legend and Victory Parade

Osan City closes recruitment for 50-member citizen participation group
Reenactment of General Gwon Yul’s Semailhwa legend and victory parade
Geumam Turtle Play and Seodo Band performance also featured
Mayor Jo Yongho: “We will develop it into a signature festival connecting the past, present, and future”

At Osan Dolmen Park, a madanggeuk, or traditional courtyard play, will bring to life the story of General Gwon Yul's ingenious strategy during the Imjin War. Residents will take part in a victory parade, reflecting on the significance of the victory at Doksanseong Fortress.

Poster for the 17th Osan Doksanseong Cultural Festival. Provided by Osan City.

Osan City in Gyeonggi Province, led by Mayor Jo Yongho, announced on October 19 that it will hold the 17th Osan Doksanseong Cultural Festival at Dolmen Park on October 24 and 25. Returning after a two-year break, the festival will feature historical reenactments, traditional games, performances, and hands-on programs under the theme "A Stroll Through Time in Osan: Discovering History as You Walk Through Time."

The main programs are the Doksanseong Historical Madanggeuk and the Victory Parade, both scheduled for 4:30 p.m. on October 24. The madanggeuk is based on the Semailhwa legend, in which General Gwon Yul defeated Japanese forces by sprinkling white rice on a horse to make it look as though the horse was being washed with water.

For the Victory Parade, residents will march about 230 meters from Jangmi Tteure to the main stage. The event has drawn considerable interest, with applications for its 50-member citizen participation group closing early. The festival grounds will also feature booths where visitors can try on military uniforms and make victory flags.

Performances celebrating the region's traditional culture will also take place. Traditional tightrope walking will be presented on October 24, followed on October 25 by Geumam Turtle Play, one of Osan's signature folk games.

In Geumam Turtle Play, people climb inside a turtle-shaped structure woven from sorghum stalks and walk through the village, wishing residents long, healthy lives and peace. It is a local tradition that residents, centered in Geumam-dong, have worked together to restore and pass down.

At a performance by Seodo Band, held alongside the opening ceremony at 5 p.m. on October 24, audiences can enjoy "Joseon pop," a fusion of traditional Korean music and pop. On October 25, a musical gala performance will explore the history of Doksanseong Fortress, including General Gwon Yul and Semadae.

Mayor Jo Yongho said, "I hope the Doksanseong Cultural Festival, returning to the community after two years, will give residents a chance to reflect on Osan's long history and the value of its precious cultural heritage, and become a place of unity where everyone can enjoy themselves and make special memories together."

He added, "Through a variety of programs that residents can take part in and experience firsthand, we will foster pride in the region's history and culture and develop the festival into Osan's signature historical and cultural event, connecting the past and present with future generations."

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