The 72nd Baekje Cultural Festival launched its nine-day run on October 3, 2026, opening with a Sabi Capital Transfer procession and a drone art show at the Jeongnimsaji historic site in Buyeo, South Chungcheong Province, news.jkn.co.kr reported. The annual festival spans Buyeo and Gongju through October 11, celebrating the history and culture of the 1,500-year-old Baekje Dynasty with traditional ceremonies, performances, and multimedia exhibitions.
Opening Ceremony and Official Addresses
The opening ceremony at the Buyeo Jeongnimsaji main stage began with the Sabi Capital Transfer procession and a traditional ancestral ritual known as the Jeongdogouyuje. These events were followed by theme performances, celebratory music, and a drone art show over the autumn night sky. South Chungcheong Governor Park Su-hyun attended the opening and outlined the province’s future vision centered on historical and cultural resources. Governor Park stated that the province will properly develop the National Historical and Cultural Zone Promotion Agency slated for Buyeo to position the region as the central hub connecting South Korea’s nine historical and cultural zones. He also promised to establish Buyeo as a tourist destination with stay-over appeal by promoting high-end nighttime permanent performances tied to Baekje culture.
Program Details Across Buyeo and Gongju
The festival features distinct programs highlighting the unique charms of both Buyeo and Gongju. In Buyeo, activities center around the theme “Beautiful Baekje, Shining Sabi” throughout the downtown area. These events include the Buyeo Gocheonje ritual, traditional folk performances, and the Sabi Fall Trot festival. Meanwhile, Gongju hosts events themed around “Bronze Mirror, Lighting up the 1,500 Years of Baekje” at the Geumgang Singwan Park, Gongsanseong Fortress, and the historic downtown. Gongju’s schedule features the Honbul Chaehwa fire-lighting ceremony and the Woongjin Fantasia alongside various exhibitions and hands-on experience programs.
Tourism Expansion and Future Plans
South Chungcheong Province aims to connect rich historical assets, including UNESCO World Heritage sites in Gongju and Buyeo, through this year’s festival. The province is moving beyond simple spectator-focused events to concentrate on developing long-term stay-over tourism resources. These efforts form part of a concrete blueprint to transform the region into South Korea’s leading historical and cultural tourism city.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Festival
What are the dates for the 72nd Baekje Cultural Festival?
The 72nd Baekje Cultural Festival runs for nine days, starting on October 3, 2026, and concluding on October 11, 2026.
Where are the primary events taking place?
Events are hosted across Buyeo and Gongju, with specific programs taking place at locations such as the Jeongnimsaji site in Buyeo, as well as Geumgang Singwan Park and Gongsanseong Fortress in Gongju.
What is the main theme of the festival in Buyeo and Gongju?
Buyeo’s events are organized under the theme “Beautiful Baekje, Shining Sabi,” while Gongju’s programs run under the theme “Bronze Mirror, Lighting up the 1,500 Years of Baekje.”
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