GANGNEUNG CITY ENG - 솔향강릉

 During the Chuseok holiday, the vicinity of Gyeongpo in Gangneung will glow brilliantly with a thousand moons, welcoming citizens and tourists with a rich festival in harmony with beautiful lights.

   Gangneung City and the Gangneung Traditional Culture Institute are set to host the 2023 Gyeongpo Lantern Festival from September 28 (Thursday) to October 3 (Tuesday) in Gyeongpo Wetland Plaza (behind the March 1st Memorial Tower) and in the area around Gyeongpo Beach.

  The festival will feature more than 20 programs based on eight themes (performances, exhibitions, processions, rituals, forums, meditation yoga, folk experiences, and a flea market) with the slogan "A Thousand Moons Shining through Hunminjeongeum."

    The festival will begin with a reenactment of the "Gyeongpo Beach Hwarang Ritual," which was spiritual training for the Silla Hwarang, followed by an array of events, including the opening performance, lantern parade, light and letter exhibitions, traditional food, culinary experiences, folk games and hands-on activities, creative poetry exhibitions, and a flea market.

    Additionally, on September 30 (Saturday), a lantern parade showcasing various creations, accompanied by street performances such as Gangneung folk music, will take place starting from the Gyeongpo Co-op Parking Lot (across from Hongjangam) to the March 1st Memorial Tower Wetland Plaza.

    Attendees can also enjoy traditional tea tasting, coffee, sweet rice punch, vegan bread, wildflower tea, medicinal confections, and other delicacies. There will also be activities such as crafting family wish lanterns and calligraphy experiences.

    A representative from Gangneung City said, “Traditional cultural heritage is akin to the lanterns of wisdom lit by our ancestors. In particular, the Gyeongpo Lake vicinity overflows with the aura of great figures. With the inception of the Gyeongpo Lantern Festival, we anticipate a fresh wave of cultural content at Gyeongpo Lake, unveiling a renewed Gangneung by rediscovering the value of our cultural heritage.”