▲ This image provided by the Korea Heritage Service shows the 2026 World Heritage Festival poster. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE)(Yonhap)

 

SEOUL, Aug. 10 (Yonhap) -- A variety of events will offer visitors opportunities to enjoy UNESCO World Heritage sites, including ancient tombs of Gaya and Jeju Island's unique geological and ecological landscapes.

 

The Cultural Heritage Service and the Korea Heritage Agency said Monday they will hold the "2026 World Heritage Festival" in Gaya, Jeju and Andong, beginning with the Gaya Tumuli on Aug. 28.

 

This year's festival will kick off at seven sites that preserve stories from the ancient Gaya Kingdom.

 

The seven areas where the Gaya Tumuli are located -- Gimhae, Haman, Hapcheon, Goseong and Changnyeong in South Gyeongsang Province, Goryeong in North Gyeongsang Province and Namwon in North Jeolla Province -- will jointly host the festival for the first time since the tumuli were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2023.

 

▲ This image provided by the Korea Heritage Service shows Malsan Tumuli in Haman. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE)(Yonhap)

 

An opening ceremony themed "Seven Stories, One Civilization" will be held around the Haman Museum on Aug. 28, alongside events introducing the history of the Gaya Tumuli, including astronomical observation and excavation experiences.

 

Jeju will showcase natural wonders shaped by fire and wind.

 

▲ This image provided by the Korea Heritage Service shows Manjanggul Cave in Jeju. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE)(Yonhap)

 

During the festival from Oct. 3-18, visitors can walk along the path taken by lava that flowed from Geomunoreum to the coast of Woljeong-ri, or explore caves that are normally off-limits to the public.

 

The "Sumgil Expedition" will also allow participants to walk and camp across Jeju's World Heritage sites over five nights and six days.

 

Andong, home to Hahoe Village, Bongjeongsa Temple, Dosan Seowon and Byeongsan Seowon, which are all part of World Heritage sites, will hold its festival from Oct. 9-25 under the theme "World Heritage of Contemplation, Future Values of Convergence."

 

Traditional houses in Hahoe Village and Dosan Seowon will host performances and exhibitions by local cultural organizations, while "A Night at Bongjeongsa" will offer visitors a chance to experience a quiet day at a Buddhist temple.

 

▲ This image provided by the Korea Heritage Service shows Hahoe Village in Andong. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE)(Yonhap)

 

At Byeongsan Seowon, nighttime lighting and performances will highlight the beauty of Mandaeru Pavilion.

 

The festival, now in its seventh year, is a cultural event held at World Heritage sites across South Korea. It began in 2020 with the aim of allowing people to experience World Heritage through a range of performances, hands-on activities and exhibitions.

 

 

[ⓒ K-VIBE. 무단전재-재배포 금지]