Seongdong-gu to Hold Taejo Yi Seong-gye Festival at Salgoji Sports Park on Oct. 24

King Yi Seong-gye's Return-to-the-Palace Procession Recreated, Along With an Original Traditional Performance and Residents' Singing Contest

A festival recreating the scene will be held on Salgoji Plain in Seongdong-gu, Seoul, where Joseon’s founder, King Taejo Yi Seong-gye, is said to have stayed on his way back to Hanyang from Hamheung.

Seongdong-gu, led by District Mayor Yoo Bohwa, announced on October 20 that it will hold the "2026 Taejo Yi Seong-gye Festival" and the "Seongdong-gu Residents' Singing Contest" together on October 24 at the soccer field at Salgoji Sports Park.

A scene from last year's Taejo Yi Seong-gye Festival at Salgoji Sports Park in Seongdong-gu, Seoul. Photo provided by Seongdong-gu.

The festival was organized to reflect on the historical significance of Salgoji, which has deep ties to King Taejo Yi Seong-gye, and to present performances that reinterpret local stories for modern audiences. This year, the event has been expanded to include a singing contest in which residents can participate directly.

The event will begin at 5 p.m. with the "Procession of King Yi Seong-gye's Return to the Palace." Around 30 people, including a military band, flag bearers and warriors, will recreate the scene of King Taejo, who had been staying in Hamheung, arriving at Salgoji Plain on his way back to Hanyang after being persuaded by Master Muhak. This will be followed by an opening video about the king's return and the original traditional performance "Peace Descends on Salgoji," as well as a fusion gugak performance.

The second part will be the "Seongdong-gu Residents' Singing Contest." Residents who advance to the final after preliminary auditions will take the stage, followed by celebratory performances by invited singers.

District Mayor Yoo Bohwa said, "With the Taejo Yi Seong-gye Festival and the residents' singing contest taking place together, this will be a special occasion where people can experience not only history and culture but also the talents and passion of our residents. I hope many residents will join us, cheer one another on, connect with one another and make happy memories."

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