[Provided by Chilgok-gun]
[Provided by Chilgok-gun]

The Seokjeok-eup Community Harmony Festival Organizing Committee held a celebration Saturday marking the 20th anniversary of Seokjeok-eup's elevation to township status, near Seokjeok Elementary School in Namyul-ri, Seokjeok-eup, Chilgok-gun, North Gyeongsang Province.

Buckwheat flowers in full white bloom surrounded the venue, adding to the festive atmosphere. Residents posed for photos against the buckwheat fields and enjoyed performances and hands-on activities, sharing laughter together for the first time in a while.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of Seokjeok-eup's elevation to township status.

Over the past two decades, Seokjeok-eup has undergone rapid urbanization and population growth, emerging as a major residential hub within Chilgok-gun. The event was organized to reflect on those changes and strengthen bonds among the township's roughly 29,000 residents.

The program ran from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m., opening with a lifelong learning showcase.

During the showcase, residents demonstrated skills honed through community programs, taking the stage for samulnori, saxophone, Zumba, singing, harmonica and line dancing.

Nine teams that had advanced to the finals of the "Chilgok-gun Star Search" singing competition then took the stage to compete.

The harmony festival featured performances by the drumming group Bukchineun Eonnidul, the Mikofit Hap Crew and the Janggok Elementary School cheerleading squad, followed by a magic show and a musical gala. Invited entertainers Hong Rok-gi, Oh Jeong-tae and Ahn So-mi also performed, adding to the excitement.

Organizing Committee Chairman Jo Gyu-sang said he was especially glad that residents had come together face to face to celebrate Seokjeok's 20th birthday with smiles in such a meaningful year.

Chilgok-gun Mayor Kim Jae-uk said the township's growth over the past 20 years was built on the sweat and effort of its residents. He expressed hope that residents' happiness would bloom across Seokjeok just as the buckwheat flowers had blossomed on Tuesday.


kbj7653@heraldcorp.com