A Journey Through Time Unfolds Along a 600-Year-Old Fortress Wall... Seosan Haemi Eupseong Festival Opens on October 9

The 23rd Seosan Haemi Eupseong Festival will be held from October 9 to 11 at and around Haemieupseong Walled Town, Seosan, in South Chungcheong Province.
Under the theme “HAEMI UNIVERSE 1421: The Door of Time Opens,” this year’s festival will offer a range of interactive programs based on the completion of Haemieupseong in 1421 and the history of Taejong of Joseon and Sejong the Great.
Visitors will be able to use QR codes to receive Joseon-era identity tablets and take part in military and civil service examinations. Other programs include a reenactment of Taejong’s royal military training procession and a “Gakjaseongseok” performance symbolizing solidarity among 23 towns in the Chungcheong region.
At night, a lighting show featuring 1,000 drones will be held five times over the three-day festival. A “Path of Light,” decorated with lights and video from Jinnammun Gate to the government office, will also be operated. Outside the fortress, the “Haemi Defense Road” will offer a modern way to experience the spirit of national defense during the Joseon period.
On October 9, the opening day, singer Jang Yoon-jeong will give a celebratory performance in addition to the festival’s highlight, the “Gakjaseongseok” performance. On October 10, the Black Eagles aerobatic team of the Republic of Korea Air Force will stage an air show, followed by a performance by DinDin and other events.
In particular, on October 10, a limited 60-person historical dining event titled “Haemi Seongchan Palpok” will be held at the government office and magistrate’s residence. Using local specialties from Seosan, the event will express 600 years of history through eight dishes.
On October 11, the outdoor musical “Become the Moon,” set against the Cheongheojeong Pavilion hill inside Haemieupseong, will be staged as the closing theme performance. The festival will conclude with its final drone lighting show.
Festival director Lee Jeong-min said, “Just as people came together to build Haemieupseong 600 years ago, we will convey through the opening ceremony the meaning of people gathering together today to hold this festival.” Lee added, “Through this festival, we will ensure that visitors can enjoyably experience the history and identity of Haemieupseong.”
[email protected] Lee Jeong-min Reporter