Waegwan Holy Festival attracts 30,000 visitors to Chilgok

Approximately 30,000 visitors attended the second annual ‘2026 Waegwan Holy Festival’ held at the Waegwan Monastery in Chilgok County from April 4 to 6. The event combined the 120-year history of the Catholic holy site with modern cultural content, focusing on themes of healing and peace.

Programming included Gregorian chants, pipe organ performances, and a ‘Holy Concert’ featuring artists Lin and Ahn Ye-eun. Other activities featured a talk concert by Father Lee Chang-min, monastery tours with monks, a 120-year archive exhibition, and various hands-on experiences such as making rosaries and crosses.

Chilgok County officials noted that the festival successfully attracted diverse age groups, including families from across the country, helping to promote local tourism and regional commercial districts.