South Korea proclaims ‘Local Culture Day’ to promote regional heritage

A proclamation ceremony for ‘Local Culture Day’ was held on September 17 at the Goseong Training Center in Gangwon Province, marking the start of a national movement to preserve and promote South Korea's regional history, culture, and traditions. The event was attended by approximately 300 people, including representatives from 165 regional newspapers, journalists, and various guests.

The initiative aims to move beyond government-led preservation by establishing a collaborative movement involving regional media, local governments, and citizens. Proponents suggest evolving the day from a single anniversary into a year-round cultural movement, potentially including a ‘Grand Festival of Local Culture’ featuring speech contests, writing competitions, and cultural exchanges to boost regional tourism and local economies.