Goryeoin Village to reenact Battle of Bongo-dong with water gun festival for Liberation Day

Goryeoin Village in Jeonnam Gwangju is set to host a unique water gun festival on August 15, marking the 81st anniversary of Korea's Liberation Day. The event centers around a reenactment of the historic Battle of Bongo-dong, a significant victory for Korean independence fighters led by General Hong Beom-do.

Organized by the Association of Goryeoin Village, which is designated as a refugee support center by the Ministry of Justice, the festival aims to provide an engaging way for participants to learn about the battle. Attendees will engage in water fights against event staff dressed as Japanese soldiers, fostering a hands-on understanding of the historical struggle for independence.

This reenactment, first introduced last year, is open to everyone. Participants will include residents of Goryeoin Village, students from elementary schools to universities across the country, and diaspora from Central Asian countries like Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan.

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The Association of Goryeoin Village, together with the Ministry of Justice-designated refugee support center, will hold the Bongo-dong Battle reenactment event and Liberation Day commemorative concert on the 15th.

Beyond the water gun battle, the festival will offer a range of attractions. An exhibition of original illustrations from the recently published children's book 'Goryeo Arirang' by author Hong Jong-ui and illustrator Moon Viktor will be held, complete with author signings. Attendees can also sample traditional Central Asian bread, lepyoshka and partyr, made by Goryeoin Village residents.

Goryeoin Village itself is a unique community formed by Goryeoin (ethnic Koreans from Central Asia) who began migrating to Wolgok-dong in 2001. It is now home to approximately 7,000 Goryeoin and operates 21 institutions and organizations, including a history museum and a cultural center.

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The Bongo-dong Battle reenactment event, which was first introduced last year, is a place to naturally learn about the Bongo-dong Great Battle led by General Hong Beom-do. Participants will have a water gun fight with event staff dressed as Japanese soldiers, reflecting on the independence spirit of their ancestors.