A three-day autumn event in Inje, Gangwon Province, will celebrate local culture alongside performances by military personnel and health experiences. The Hapkang Cultural Festival will feature programs designed for residents, soldiers, and family visitors.
According to Inje County, the 44th Hapkang Cultural Festival, along with a cultural and sports event for military personnel and the 12th Lifelong Learning Expo, will take place from October 16 to 18 at the Inje Grass Stadium, Hapkangjeong, and the Sky Center.
This year's festival is notable for integrating cultural, educational, and health programs into the local celebration. Traditional rituals and experiences will convey the region's history, while sports and performances involving soldiers and residents will foster community interaction. The addition of learning and health experiences broadens participation options across generations.
The Hapkang Cultural Festival, which began in 1983, has been a platform for promoting traditional culture and community unity through cultural and sports events. The collaboration with military events and the Lifelong Learning Expo has been a consistent approach in previous years. This year, the festival continues to emphasize local culture with joint activities for residents and soldiers.
On the first day, October 16, a Hapkang ritual and traditional food experience will take place at Hapkangjeong starting at 10:30 a.m. From noon, demonstrations and experiences of Inje's traditional rafts will be held at Hapsumari, allowing participants to engage with the region's history and lifestyle.
That same day, the Inje Grass Stadium will host a cultural and sports event for military personnel. After engaging in sports activities, performances featuring KiiiKiii, AtHeart, DJ Heo, and DJ JooJoo will begin at 6:30 p.m. This event aims to provide a space for military personnel and community members to enjoy leisure together.
On October 17, the opening ceremony of the Hapkang Cultural Festival will be held at 6 p.m. on the outdoor stage of the Inje Grass Stadium, followed by congratulatory performances from Lee Seung-gi, Lee Jae-hoon (Cool), Jang Min-ho, Hong Ji-yoon, and Park Ji-hoo, along with a fireworks and laser show. On October 18, a community sports event will involve local athletes and residents.
Opportunities for learning will also be highlighted. The 12th Inje County Lifelong Learning Expo, themed 'Exciting Encounter of K-Culture and Lifelong Education,' will take place at the Sky Center Plaza on October 17 and 18. Attendees can explore local lifelong education programs through promotional and experiential booths, exhibitions, and performances, making the festival a gateway to new learning opportunities.
On October 18, starting at 10 a.m., the '2026 Sky Center Inje Health Experience Day' will be held in the parking lot of the Inje Gymnasium. Ten health experience zones will offer body composition measurements, disease prevention quizzes, and memory games for dementia prevention. Participants can receive gifts such as household items and camping wagons based on the number of stamps collected from the experiences.
The health program provides an opportunity for festival-goers to assess their health and access preventive information. This year's festival combines enjoyment of local culture and performances with practical learning and health management.
Inje County Mayor Choi Sang-ki expressed hope that many residents and tourists will visit Inje to enjoy the rich experiences of the autumn festival.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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