The Hahoe Seonyu Julbulnori fire-rope performance unfolds against the natural backdrop of Mansongjeong and Buyongdae at Hahoe Village. [Andong City]
The Hahoe Seonyu Julbulnori fire-rope performance unfolds against the natural backdrop of Mansongjeong and Buyongdae at Hahoe Village. [Andong City]

The "2026 World Heritage Festival Andong" drew 80,000 visitors in its first six days, organizers said Friday.

According to Andong City, a cumulative total of 80,000 visitors were counted at four UNESCO World Heritage sites — Hahoe Village, Bongjeongsa Temple, Dosanseowon and Byeongsanseowon — from Oct. 9 through Wednesday.

Held under the theme "World Heritage of Reflection, Future Value of Convergence," the festival is designed to let visitors experience the history and significance of the heritage sites through performances, media content, exhibitions and hands-on activities.

At Hahoe Village, the Hahoe Seonyu Julbulnori fire-rope performance plays out against the natural scenery of Mansongjeong and Buyongdae, while programs centered on historic clan homes and traditional residences showcase the lifestyle and culture passed down through the village.

Dosanseowon presents the philosophy and life of Joseon scholar Toegye Yi Hwang through a media theater production and nighttime programming.

Bongjeongsa conveys themes of peace and healing through music, meditation and temple-stay experiences, while Byeongsanseowon hosts a nighttime program reinterpreting the legacy of scholar Seoae Ryu Seong-ryong and his historical record "Jingbirok," along with performances set against the views of Mandaeru Pavilion and the Nakdong River.

The festival opened Oct. 9 with a performance of "Dosansipigok" at Dosanseowon and an eve-of-opening ceremony at Bongjeongsa, followed by the official opening ceremony at Hahoe Village on Sunday.

Thursday saw a forum on revitalizing Korea's historic seowon academies, with representatives from all nine sites on the UNESCO "Seowon of Korea" World Heritage list in attendance. Participants discussed ways to ensure the sustainable use and broader recognition of the heritage sites.

On Sunday at 2 p.m., Bongjeongsa will host a talk concert featuring the temple's head monk and child and family specialist Oh Eun-young.

Andong City will continue performances, exhibitions and hands-on programs highlighting the distinct character of each heritage site through Oct. 25.

Detailed program schedules are available on the festival's official website. Further inquiries can be directed to the Andong Hahoe Village Preservation Society.

"I hope this festival allows more people to share in the historical value and cultural appeal of Andong's World Heritage sites," Andong Mayor Kwon Ki-chang said. "We warmly invite everyone to take part in the many programs running through Oct. 25."


kbj7653@heraldcorp.com