56th Suwon Hwaseong Cultural Festival is coming soon. Suwon Hwaseong Cultural Festival started in 1964 under the name of “Hwahongmun Gate Cultural Festival” in order to remember Suwon Citizens’ Day. The festival has had events such as King Jeongjo Tomb Parade Reenactment, Yajo (martial arts), and Crown Princess Hong’s Jinchanyeon. Suwon Hwaseong Cultural Festival was selected as the Best Tourism Festival in Gyeonggi-do province in 2018 and as an Excellent Korean Culture and Tourism Festival in 2019. There are three main topics in this festival. They are ‘Suwon Hwaseong’ ‘King Jeongjo,’ and ‘Suwon citizens.’ This year the festival will be held in a more spacious place for a longer time in order to articulate these three topics in a better and deeper manner.
A joyful open square for everyone, Temporary Square
This is the first place where visitors of Suwon Hwaseong Cultural Festival will step into. Visitors will see diverse programs being prepared for everyone at Temporary Square. The festival will begin with an open play, “Pum(品)” which is a combination of an aerial performance and Madanggeuk (a traditional open play). Temporary Square Amusement Hall has five dorms where visitors can enjoy a special performance. The performance will delight their hands, ears, and eyes. Children’s Kyujanggak has books for children. Imagination Workshop has several miniature facilities of Suwon Hwaseong. Besides these, more events are prepared to attract visitors in this spacious place.
Modern Reinterpretation of Past, Hwaseong Temporary Palace
Passing the square, you can see three old trees and the main gate of Hwaseong Temporary Palace with a sign that says “Shinpungru(新豐樓)” on it. Hwaseong Temporary Palace, the historic site No.478, is the biggest and beautiful palace in Korea. There will be some events related to ‘King Jeongjo’ from daytime till late evening. Memory of the World Wonhaeng eulmyojeongri eugye can be seen at ‘Chosun Theater’ during the daytime. A humorous interpretation of Chinrim Royal Civil Service Examination will be conveyed through ‘A Very Unusual Royal Civil Service Examination Day’ during the daytime as well. When the moonlight falls on Hwaseong Temporary Palace, ‘Hanjungnok 1795,’ a media art that is a modern reinterpretation of Crown Princess Hong’s Jinchanyeon, will be played. Visitors can also enjoy ‘King Jeongjo Shilgam,’ a talk show that deals with Suwon Hwaseong Fortress, as a special evening event. You can sense the beauty of the past and the wonder of modern technology as you walk around the palace.
Hwaseomun Gate and Jangan park, a space with citizens
If you walk along the Eco-friendly Transportation Village, which is well known in SNS, soon you will arrive at Hwaseomun Gate, the west gate of Suwon Hwaseong. Starting from ‘Nakseongyeon’ on October 2, 15 programs that have been selected among citizen proposals and competitions, will be run at Hwaseomun Gate and Jangan Park. ‘Moonlight Singing Festival’ is prepared for teenagers and youth groups. ‘Watercolor painting Suwon Hwaseong’ is a painting program using natural stone powders. ‘Embracing King Jeongjo’s Art’ is a program that requires the citizens’ participation to finish it. More diverse inspiring experiences and performances are prepared and operated by the citizens.
Suwoncheon and Hwahongmun Gate, places where you can have an unforgettable night
The beautiful landscape of Suwon Hwaseong Fortress matches well with Suwoncheon at night. Its beauty has been well known since ancient times. Suwoncheon has a lantern festival, which features a blend of lights and lighting. Hwahongmun Gate has some programs that are made following the latest trends such as ‘Moonlight Salon,’ a concert, and ‘Good-party’ a DJ performance, which is performed alongside the fortress.
Suwon Hwaseong, world heritage site, was established by King Jeongjo’s filial piety and his great dream for a rich country. The four-day experience of Suwon Hwaseong, romantic performances and colorful lights with countless stories in them will provide visitors with very touching and romantic experiences.
Period: Thursday, October 3rd –Sunday, 6th 2019
Location: Suwon Hwaseong Fortress area
www.swcf.or.kr/shcf
SHCF 2019 Leaflet :
https://www.swcf.or.kr/shcf/?p=22&page=1&viewMode=view&idx=528
