Sangju to host first 'National Heritage Night' showcasing Joseon-era history

Sangju, a city in North Gyeongsang Province that once housed the Gyeongsang Provincial Government during the Joseon Dynasty, is set to host its inaugural "National Heritage Night" (Gukga Yusan YaHaeng). The event is scheduled to take place on October 18-19 at the Gyeongsang Gamyeong Park, offering a unique opportunity to experience the city's rich historical and cultural assets.

The festival aims to bring Sangju's past to life, highlighting its significance as a historical hub for inland Gyeongsang Province's transportation and administration. The event will be divided into three thematic zones: 'Market Zone,' inspired by Sangju's old traditional market; 'Imjin War Zone,' focusing on Sangju's history during the Japanese invasions of Korea; and 'Government Office Zone,' dedicated to the history of the Gyeongsang Gamyeong and the Joseon Dynasty's administrative culture, featuring the historic Sangsangwan building, once the largest guesthouse in the southern Yeongnam region.

Attendees can immerse themselves in history through interactive programs. The 'Sangju Gamyeong Night Tour' invites participants to become Sangju's magistrate, undertaking missions related to the 'Seven Duties of a Magistrate.' Another program, 'Provincial Governor's Fair Judge,' allows visitors to step into the role of the new Gyeongsang Provincial Governor, navigating the event grounds by following QR codes to complete tasks. The event will also feature performances, exhibitions, and hands-on activities related to national heritage sites in Sangju, including the Sangsangwan, the Bokryong-dong Stone Buddha, the Daeseongjeon of Sangju Hyanggyo, and traditional Sangju pottery.

Beyond the historical reenactments, the "National Heritage Night" will offer a 'Moonlit Docent' tour of the museum, an outdoor music performance called 'Pungnyu On,' and a flea market with food trucks, among approximately 40 diverse programs. A city official expressed hope that the event will allow citizens to rediscover the historical value of Sangju's national heritage, much of which may be overlooked in daily life. Detailed information on programs and participation will be available on the event's website, sangjunight.com.

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We hope that through the National Heritage Night, held for the first time this year, citizens will have a time to newly recognize the history and value of Sangju's national heritage, which they may not have known despite being close by.