Gyeongju and Yeoju prepare for upcoming October cultural festivals

South Korean cities Gyeongju and Yeoju are finalizing preparations for upcoming cultural festivals scheduled for October.

Gyeongju is preparing for the 53rd Silla Cultural Festival, held from October 9 to 11 near Bonghwangdae and Woljeonggyo. The event aims to be a citizen-led festival with 321 participants managing operations. Key programs include the ‘Hwabaek Festival’ featuring drone shows and media facades, the ‘Silk Road Festa’ with street arts, and the ‘Hwarang Hip-hop Festa’ featuring rapper Woo Won-jae. The city is focusing on improved viewing environments and safety management in cooperation with police and fire departments.

Yeoju will host its inaugural ‘Yeoju Alley Bread Festival’ from October 9 to 10 near the Namhangang Suspension Bridge. The festival features 25 bakeries, including participation from award-winning chef Jang Kyung-ju. The event aims to connect visitors to local commercial alleys through a ‘Bread Pilgrimage Map.’ Programs include Hangeul-themed activities, such as making Hangeul cookies, and collaborations with the animation ‘Bread Barbershop’ to attract families.