Latest news with #WorldHeritageFestival
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
"Looking for Something Enriching This Week? Try Korean Heritage" - Discover the Charm of Korea's National Heritage in Hong Kong
- Korea Heritage Agency promotes Korea's national heritage through a variety of events at Hong Kong's largest travel expo - Interactive experiences include a 3D World Heritage Tour and creating your own Joseon Dynasty character SEOUL, South Korea, June 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Korea Heritage Service (Administrator: Choi Eung-chon) and the Korea Heritage Agency (President: Lee Gwi-young) will participate in the 2025 International Travel Expo (ITE) Hong Kong, which will be held from June 12 to 15, to showcase the uniqueness and allure of Korea's cultural heritage to a global audience. Key heritage programs representing Korea's cultural landscape in the second half of 2025 will be introduced, including the World Heritage Festival, the Korean Heritage Media Art, and the Royal Culture Festival. The ITE Hong Kong is one of the Asia-Pacific region's largest travel events, bringing together government agencies, travel companies, and airlines from across the tourism industry. In 2024 alone, the expo drew more than 70,000 visitors, and it continues to attract tens of thousands each year. Seizing this opportunity, the Korea Heritage Agency aims to raise awareness of Korea's cultural tourism among Chinese-speaking travelers. As part of the Korea Tourism Organization pavilion, the Agency will run a "Korea National Heritage Promotion Booth", strategically targeting visitors from Asia—who make up approximately 90% of all inbound tourists to Korea. The booth will spotlight three major heritage festivals scheduled across Korea in the second half of 2025, offering attendees a glimpse into the richness of Korea's living traditions and history. First, the Agency will highlight the World Heritage Festival (July 4 – October 22), held at four UNESCO World Heritage sites in Korea. Each site will feature cultural programs tailored to its unique heritage value, offering immersive experiences to visitors: Jeju (Jeju Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes); Gyeongju (Gyeongju Historic Areas); Gochang (Dolmen site and Getbol, Korean Tidal Flats); and Suncheon (Sansa, buddhist mountain monasteries in Korea(Seonamsa) and Getbol, Korean Tidal Flats). In addition, the Agency will promote the Korean Heritage Media Art (August 8 – November 16), a nighttime program that fuses cultural heritage with cutting-edge digital technologies. It takes place across eight regions: Gyeongju (Daereungwon Ancient Tomb Complex); Goryeong (Ancient Tombs in Jisan-dong); Gunsan (Former Gunsan Customs Main Building); Yangsan (Tongdosa Temple); Jeju (Jeju-mok Government Office); Cheorwon (Korean Workers' Party Headquarters); Tongyeong (Navy Headquarters of Three Provinces); and Jinju (Jinjuseong Fortress). This media art event features projection mapping, immersive sound, media walls, and holograms, offering audiences a variety of ICT-innovative content under the theme of national heritage. Lastly, the Agency will vigorously promote the Royal Culture Festival (October 8–12), Korea's premier national heritage celebration, held at the country's five major royal palaces—Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Changgyeonggung, Deoksugung, and Gyeonghuigung—as well as at Jongmyo Shrine. Visitors to the booth will have the opportunity to explore Korea's UNESCO World Heritage sites through the "3D World Heritage Tour Platform." They can also experience the radiant beauty of Korea's national heritage through the "Mother-of-Pearl Keyring Workshop," inspired by the luminous aesthetics of the Korean Heritage Media Art. In addition, a social media follow event will offer participants a chance to receive various special souvenirs. Visitors can also enjoy the online program of the Royal Culture Festival, "Genre Painting For Everyone," where they can create and print their own personalized Joseon-Dynasty character. This interactive experience allows attendees to engage with Korea's traditional culture in a fun and memorable way, deepening their appreciation of Korean heritage. "Through our participation in this year's Hong Kong ITE, we hope that visitors will experience the living traditions of Korea and enjoy innovative content generated by modern technologies," says an official from the Korea Heritage Agency. "We are committed to vividly showcasing the charm of Korea's many cultural heritage festivals to Chinese-speaking audiences, with the goal of inspiring them to visit Korea in person." Responsible OfficeKorea Heritage AgencyLocal Cooperation Team, Cultural Heritage Project DepartmentManager; Choi Sung-tae (gaebong@ Asst. Manager; Lee Min-ji (lmj0519@ View original content: SOURCE Korea Heritage Agency Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
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Travel + Leisure
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Travel + Leisure
This Popular Asian Island Has UNESCO Sites That Are Typically Closed to the Public—but You Could See Them This Summer
Jeju Island has long been a place of allure, some calling it the "Hawaii of Korea," while others have been enchanted by its set-jetting charms through the long list of K-pop dramas set there. Known for its dramatic volcanic landscapes (from Hallasan National Park to Cheonjeyeon Falls), unique culinary scene (Jeju Black pork, anyone?), and quirky culture (like a teddy bear museum!), the South Korean island is a rare destination that's a triple threat of UNESCO sites, inscribed as a World Heritage Site in 2007, as well as a Biosphere Reserve in 2002 and Global Geopark in 2015. To showcase all of its natural assets, the Jeju World Natural Heritage Village Preservation Association is bringing back its World Heritage Festival from July 4 to July 22. While the purpose of the sixth edition of this event is to 'promote the universal value and significance of Jeju Island's UNESCO-listed natural heritage sites,' for locals and travelers alike, it's also a chance to see the sites like never before, according to Korea JoongAng Daily. Throughout the 19-day event, the UNESCO-honored Hallasan Natural Reserve, Geomunoreum Lava Tube System, and Seongsan Ilchulbong Tuff Cone will all be thrust into the spotlight, while the opening ceremony and performances throughout the celebration will highlight the area's cultural traditions. Perhaps the most unique aspect of the festival are special expeditions that invite visitors inside sections of the sites that are usually off limits. This year's programming includes tours of the geological wonders of the Gimnyeonggul and Bengdwigul lava tubes, both part of the Geomunoreum Lava Tube System, which UNESCO said is "regarded as the finest lava tube system of caves anywhere, with its multicolored carbonate roofs and floors and dark-colored lava walls.' Another festival highlight is the walking tour following the lava path, divided into three sections, starting with following the road carved by lava, then a cave section before reaching a stone section that represents new life, including limestone formations and endemic plants in forested areas, a true immersive journey through the volcanic flow. Other events include Hallasan hikes, including the night sunrise hike through the natural reserve, forums with global leaders, and a heritage village to enjoy 'tours, experiences, and performances, and hear the rough, special, and honest stories of people who were born and raised in this World Heritage site,' the festival site explained.
