By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo
The 94th Namwon Chunhyang Festival, Korea's longest-running traditional performing arts festival, kicked off on May 10 with an opening ceremony attended by more than 5,000 domestic and foreign guests.
According to Namwon City and the Chunhyang Festival Committee, the 94th Namwon Chunhyang Festival was held for seven days from May 10 to 16 in Gwanghanruwon, Namwon, under the theme of 'Chunhyang, falls in love with color' with more than 40 programs.
With the active participation of foreign ambassadors, senior diplomats and overseas performance teams, the festival is becoming a global festival with active cultural exchanges.
The opening ceremony consisted of an opening declaration by Chunhyang Festival Committee Chairman Lee Kwang-yeon, a welcome speech by Namwon Mayor Choi Kyung-sik, congratulatory remarks by guests, and theme performances by the Namwon City Gugak Orchestra and Namwon City Arts Troupe.
The opening ceremony was attended by Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Yoo In-chon, Governor Kim Kwan-young of Jeollabuk-do, Rep. Lee Yong-ho, and Secretary General Kim Yoon-duk of the Democratic Party of Korea.
Amb. Songkane Luangmuninthone of Laos, Amb. Pekka Metso of Finland, Arman Narbayev, minister-counsellor of Kazakhstan and Fazliddin Arziev, minister-counsellor of Uzbekistan, and other senior diplomats attended the event to congratulate the opening of the 94th Namwon Chunhyang Festival and wish it success.
Namwon City Mayor Choi Kyung-sik said in his welcome speech at the opening ceremony, “The 94th Chunhyang Festival, which boasts the best history in Korea, is now in its 94th year.”
He added, “As the Namwon Chunhyang Festival is writing a new history for the 100th time based on the unique assets of Namwon, please come and see the colorful signs of Namwon's spring incense that can only be enjoyed in Namwon for seven days in Gwanghanruwon.”
The opening celebration concert, “Chunhyang, Love Light Concert,” featured artists such as Jang Yoon-jung, Lee Hae-yi, Kyung Seo-ye-ji, Kim Yong-im, and other famous artists, who delivered high-quality performances to add to the excitement of the opening.
A colorful fireworks display to celebrate the opening concluded the first day of the 94th Chunhyang Festival.
Meanwhile, such foreign artist groups, including the Mongolian Children's Theater Company of 60 Schools from Mongolia, a Japanese traditional music performance group from Haoki City, Japan, and a folk music group from Jingdezhen City, China, also attended the festival for the overseas cultural exchange.
The 94th Namwon Chunhyang Festival featured hip and dynamic participation programs such as the 'Luminous Nanjang Daedong Gilnori' and the 'Chunhyang Ball' where citizens and tourists alike can participate and enjoy wearing hanbok under the motif of 'Chunhyangjeon'.
The festival also offers carefully selected healthy food, such as a menu based on local produce in collaboration with Baekjongwon Thebon Korea.
