Gyeongju City has announced that it will host a major Hallyu festival, ‘Beyond K in Gyeongju,’ from June 6 to June 8 at the Gyeongju Arts Center and its surrounding areas. This large-scale cultural event aims to showcase the diverse elements of K-culture, from K-pop and dance performances to fashion and culinary experiences.

The festival has been made possible through a 1.5 billion KRW ($11.2 million) budget, secured as part of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism’s Hallyu Comprehensive Event Local Government Collaboration Project. The funding will allow for a high-quality production that integrates K-pop concerts, traditional and contemporary dance performances, and interactive cultural experiences.

The lineup includes renowned K-pop artists, dance teams, international K-pop cover dance groups, and local performance teams, offering visitors an immersive experience into the global phenomenon of Hallyu. One of the highlights of the event is the collaborative performance between Silla’s historic Goguryeo Music Band and contemporary K-artists, merging Korea’s traditional heritage with modern cultural trends.

In addition, visitors will have the opportunity to participate in unique cultural experiences such as the Gyeongju-themed fashion showcase featuring traditional Silla-era clothing (G-fashion), and a K-dessert exhibition that utilizes Gyeongju’s regional specialties to create innovative Korean desserts.

To encourage international attendance, Gyeongju City is offering priority ticket reservations and discounted admission fees for foreign visitors. Additionally, the event will be linked to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit, allowing tourists and international delegates to explore Gyeongju’s historical landmarks and tourism offerings.

Mayor Joo Nak Young stated, “Through this event, we aim to solidify Gyeongju’s reputation as a leading global tourist destination and a cultural hub of Korea. We are preparing an unforgettable experience that blends tradition with contemporary K-culture.”

The festival is expected to draw a significant number of international tourists and further strengthen Gyeongju’s position as a key city in Korea’s tourism and cultural industries.

Sayart / Joy, nunimbos@gmail.com