▲ Theme performance Baekje is born again

The 61st Baekje Cultural Festival themed “Baekje is born again!” took place from September 26 to October 4 in Gongju and Buyeo.

The festival was made even more special and meaningful this year by the fact that the Baekje Historic Areas in Gongju and Buyeo were listed as UNESCO World Heritage prior to the festival. More than 1.5 million people came to the festival, which was held in time for Chuseok, one of the two biggest holidays.

“History and culture, education, diversity, and fun” were adopted as the basic concepts of the festival as usual, along with major themes such as “contest, harmony, and consonance” and slogan “Create a story of Baekje together.”

The festival was held in Gongsanseong Fortress and Geumgang Singwan Park in Gongju. Major programs of the festival included Woonjinseong Parade, Eunsan Byeolsinje (Village Ritual of Eunsan), Baekje Lantern Feast, and culture and arts performances that involved other cities and counties within the province, constantly entertaining tourists throughout the festival.

On the other hand, Buyeo planned an urban-style festival and kept the streets free of cars and other vehicles in the Baekje Historic Areas in the county, including Jeongnimsa Temple Site, Seoktap-ro, Busosanseong Fortress, and Archaeological Site in Gwanbuk-ri. The festival began with the Baekje King’s Procession, followed by a traditional Korean drum performance at the Jeongnimsa Temple Site where a large crowd of people gathered together to enjoy the festival.

The festival was followed by Goyuje, a ritual to let the gods of heaven and ancestors know that the Baekje Historic Areas were named UNESCO World Heritage.

In addition, Gongju invited foreigners from the US, Canada, India, and other countries to the festival, with Buyeo organizing a fam tour for Chinese students attending five Korean universities including Chungnam National University.

The recent designation of the Baekje Historic Areas as World Heritage further enhanced the festivity and sense of pride among local residents and tourists alike.

The festival also provided a great opportunity for the province of Chungcheongnam-do to showcase the historic and cultural values of the Baekje Kingdom, serving as a venue for residents of the province to come together for a common goal and to strengthen their sense of community as proud citizens of Chungcheongnam-do, where the ancient kingdom of Baekje thrived.

The Baekje culture has now become the pride of the world as well as the pride of Chungcheongnam-do and Korea.