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2021 Tongyeong Cultural Heritage Night Tour “The Secret of 300 Years of Tongjeyeong”

The 2021 Tongyeong Cultural Heritage Night Tour offered visitors a unique nighttime cultural experience, bringing the city's rich historical and cultural resources to life under the stars. This year’s theme, “The Secret of 300 Years of Tongjeyeong”, unfolded across historic locations such as Samdosugun Tongjeyeong, Tongjeyeong Street, and the iconic Sebyeonggwan Pavilion.

As part of the exhibition, we produced and displayed:

  • A large central butterfly sculpture at Sebyeonggwan

  • Over 1,200 small butterflies

  • A 4-meter tall Hanji lantern in the form of a traditional Tongyeong Jeonsul Biyeon (Military Fan)



Festival Concept: “8 Nights, 26 Programs”

Expanding cultural heritage appreciation from daytime into the night, the event featured 8 themed night programs—Nightscape (야경), Night Road (야로), Night History (야사), Night Painting (야화), Night Performance (야연), Night Market (야시), Night Food (야식), and Night Stay (야숙)—totaling 26 diverse programs designed for tourists, locals, and local businesses to share and grow together.



Act I – Reenactment of the Command Transfer Ceremony

The opening ceremony began with a reenactment of the Samdosugun Tongjesa Gyoinsik—a historical military command transfer ritual between incoming and outgoing commanders.

  • Incoming Commander: Foundation Chairman Kang Seok-joo

  • Outgoing Commander: City Council Chairperson Son Kweh-hwan

  • Local town leaders and village autonomy committee members participated as sub-commanders, adding significance and a sense of community unity.



Act II – “The Butterfly’s Dream”

The commander’s procession arrived at Sebyeonggwan, where a dancer presented the sun and moon to the new and outgoing commanders. When these celestial symbols were placed onto the butterfly sculpture, a magical moment unfolded:

  • The lantern butterflies began to glow one by one

  • Dreamlike atmosphere was enhanced by the performance of dancers in butterfly formations

  • Accompanied by the music “Whisper of the Sea” and Tedesco’s piece, leading into a graceful solo dance

  • The ceremony concluded with a traditional Hanji lantern rising behind Sebyeonggwan, carrying wishes for the end of COVID-19 and the prosperity of Tongyeong



Act III – “The Commander Walks the Tongjeyeong”

The commander’s procession, carrying traditional Cheongsachorong lanterns, toured historical sites:

  • From Sebyeonggwan East Gate to Unjudang for a Namhaean Byeolsingut folk music performance

  • Visits to Uiduhun and Yukuijeong for traditional poetry recitation

  • Then moved to Mangillu Pavilion, where martial arts demonstrations and traditional military music awaited

  • The journey symbolized the illumination of Tongyeong’s heritage through sound, movement, and ceremony



Act IV – “Let’s Play with Cultural Heritage, Butterfly!”

At the opening stage, children dressed as butterfly angels welcomed the new and outgoing commanders with the song “Let’s Play, Cultural Heritage! Let’s Play, Butterfly!”

  • The children’s chorus was followed by a pre-recorded interview with Foundation Chairman Kang Seok-joo

  • A violin and piano performance accompanied the Butterfly Dance, both solo and ensemble, filling the night with elegance and delight



Act V – “Into Tongyeong’s Modern Cultural Heritage”

The final act celebrated the designation of nine sites, including the birth house of Kim Sang-ok in Hangnam 1st Street, as National Registered Cultural Property No. 777 (March 2020).

  • Wishes for Tongyeong’s cultural revival were symbolically expressed as Chairman Kang Seok-joo, Chairperson Son Kweh-hwan, and National Assemblyman Jeong Jeom-sik struck a ceremonial wish drum three times each.

  • With that, the opening ceremony concluded and the procession continued into Tongyeong’s modern cultural district for a nighttime alley tour.



Closing Remarks

Foundation Chairman Kang Seok-joo remarked:

“The 2021 Tongyeong Cultural Heritage Night Tour aspires to make cultural heritage feel like a warm neighbor—something to live with, cherish, and protect together. Through carefully curated performances and experiences, we hope to offer joy and comfort to both locals and tourists, especially in these pandemic-weary times.
With the flutter of even the smallest butterfly’s wings, we believe cultural heritage can breathe new life into our community and bring renewed hope for Tongyeong’s future.”



Upcoming Event:
The Fall 2021 Tongyeong Cultural Heritage Night Tour is scheduled for October 8–9, over two special nights.

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