A welcoming ceremony for the turtle ship's arrival at port [Tongyeong City]
A welcoming ceremony for the turtle ship's arrival at port [Tongyeong City]

Tongyeong, where blue seas meet history and culture, will host a special festival this summer.

The 65th Tongyeong Hansan Daecheop Festival, one of the city's signature historical and cultural events, will run for five days from Aug. 12 to 16 at Tongyeong Hansan Daecheop Square, Gangguan and Yi Sun-sin Park, among other venues.

Organized by Tongyeong City and the Tongyeong Hansan Daecheop Cultural Foundation, the festival carries the theme "The Admiral's Sea, Tears of the Nanjung Ilgi." It commemorates the 1592 Battle of Hansan Island, during the Imjin War, when Joseon naval forces defeated Japanese warships off the coast of Hansando and secured control of the seas. The event also honors the patriotic spirit of Admiral Yi Sun-sin and the narrative of his wartime diary, the Nanjung Ilgi (War Diary).

On the opening day, Aug. 12, ceremonies at Sebyeonggwan will include a ritual offering at Chungnyeolsa Shrine, a procession of the Supreme Naval Commander of the Three Provinces, a military inspection and an aerobatic display by the Black Eagles.

A reenactment of the Battle of Hansan Island [Tongyeong City]
A reenactment of the Battle of Hansan Island [Tongyeong City]

The festival's centerpiece is a maritime performance reenacting the Battle of Hansan Island on Aug. 14, in the waters off Yi Sun-sin Park. Dozens of vessels — including turtle ships, government patrol boats and local fishing boats — will take to the open sea to execute the crane-wing formation tactic and recreate the battle in vivid, three-dimensional detail.

This year's festival has also expanded its nighttime programming to encourage visitors to stay after dark. Aug. 14 will feature an EDM (electronic dance music) party targeting younger visitors, while Aug. 15 will bring the "2026 Tonight Tongyeong Fireworks Show," lighting up the night sky over the Gangguan waterfront. A community parade and street festival for residents is scheduled for Aug. 17.

The Tonight Tongyeong Fireworks Show [Tongyeong City]
The Tonight Tongyeong Fireworks Show [Tongyeong City]

Also during the festival, operating hours for the Gangguan nighttime lighting facility will be extended by one hour, from 9:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Digital signage and media art installations at the cultural plaza will run on the same extended schedule, and the Gangguan Bridge musical fountain will be open for viewing every night throughout the festival.

Additional attractions include a water play area for children, food trucks tied to local businesses and a flea market, all designed to enhance the experience for festivalgoers.

"We are preparing a convergence festival that strengthens historical authenticity and cultural diversity so visitors can truly feel the narrative of the Battle of Hansan Island," a foundation official said.


terry@heraldcorp.com