The city of Seosan, South Korea, is celebrating the Lunar New Year with a vibrant display of traditional Korean culture at the Haemieupseong Fortress. A report from X (formerly Twitter) details a “Min Sok Han Ma Dang” – a traditional folk performance – featuring large-scale drumming (daebuk), tightrope walking, and traditional rice cake pounding (tteokmechi).
Haemieupseong Fortress itself is a significant historical site. Constructed in the early 15th century, beginning in and completed in , it served as a crucial military headquarters for the Chungcheong region during the Joseon Dynasty (–). Its strategic location near the coast was specifically chosen to defend against attacks by Japanese pirates, replacing a previous military headquarters located inland at Deoksan. The fortress walls, built entirely of stone, span approximately 1.8 kilometers (1.1 miles) and stand around 5 meters (16.4 feet) high.
The fortress is recognized as one of the few remaining complete examples of a Joseon Dynasty eupseong – a walled town that functioned as an administrative and military center. During the Joseon period, over 300 eupseong were built across the Korean peninsula, but many have been lost to damage or disrepair, particularly during the Japanese colonial period. Haemieupseong stands out as a well-preserved landmark, alongside Gochang-eupseong in Jeollabuk-do and Nakan-eupseong in Suncheon, Jeollanam-do.
Beyond its historical importance, Haemieupseong has become a focal point for cultural events. The annual Seosan Haemieupseong Festival, highlighted in reports from and , blends tradition with modern experiences. The festival, the 22nd iteration, featured a media art installation at the Jinnammun Gate, transforming the fortress walls into a dynamic display screen at night. This integration of technology aims to create a unique nighttime experience, combining the fortress’s historical ambiance with contemporary art.
The festival is designed to be family-friendly, with a focus on safety and providing a secure environment for children. Festival organizers emphasize a commitment to childcare, offering safety wristbands and health management services. This approach aims to position Haemieupseong as a welcoming space for all ages, functioning as a home, plaza, playground, and sacred site simultaneously.
The Seosan Haemieupseong Festival also showcases local food and culture. The festival provides a platform for local vendors and artisans, promoting the region’s culinary traditions and crafts. This emphasis on local culture aims to connect visitors with the unique identity of Seosan and the surrounding area.
Recent events, including a major flood that impacted Seosan this summer, have underscored the importance of community resilience. Reports indicate that the festival’s restoration was a collaborative effort between citizens and government officials, demonstrating a shared commitment to preserving the region’s cultural heritage. The festival, represents not only a celebration of history but also a symbol of recovery and unity.
The Lunar New Year celebrations at Haemieupseong, with their traditional performances, represent a continuation of this effort to revitalize and celebrate the region’s cultural identity. The combination of historical significance, modern artistic installations, and a focus on community engagement positions the Seosan Haemieupseong Festival as a key cultural event in South Korea.
