The Chilgok Culture and Tourism Foundation said it will hold the '13th Chilgok Nakdonggang Peace Festival' for 4 days from October 15 to 18 around Chilgokbo Ecological Park in Gyeongbuk (North Gyeongsang Province). This year's theme is 'A Boy Becomes a Boy Soldier,' and the programs center on the stories of the boy soldiers deployed to the Nakdong River defensive line during the Korean War (6·25 War). The festival is hosted by the Chilgok Culture and Tourism Foundation and the 2nd Operations Command, and the 17th Nakdong River Area Battle Victory Commemoration (October 16–18) and the 205 Culture Street Festa (October 17–18) will be held in conjunction during the same period.
At the festival entrance, the exhibition 'Into Waegwan Railway Bridge' will introduce the Battle of the Nakdong River through photographs and video records. In the theme park experience zone, visitors can experience the training and combat conditions of the boy soldiers of the time. 'Nakdong Island' will host water leisure and water extreme programs, and there are also programs to cross the river on foot over a 430m-long floating bridge laid across the Nakdong River or by riding the 'Peace-Linking Ferry' (mungyo, a military raft ferry).
Military equipment including the KUH-1 Surion and AH-64E Apache helicopters, the K-2 tank, the K-9 self-propelled howitzer and the M903 Patriot will be displayed at Chilgokbo Auto Campsite. Participatory programs will also run, including an armored vehicle experience, a drone show, dog tag making, a MILES equipment experience, Hyungung simulated firing and mine detector operation. For children, 'Little Peace Guardians,' the 'Patriotic Playground,' the 'Peace Playground,' a kids' military camp experience using large inflatable bounce structures, and a military uniform experience have been prepared.
Performances will include 'Finding Chilgok's Star! County Residents' Harmony Festival,' an opening celebration performance, the Peace Music Festival and the Chilgok Harmony Concert. Performers include Jang Min-ho, Solji, 10CM, Baek Ji-young, Ha Dong-kyun, Seodo Band, Lee Eun-mi, Enoch, Cha Ji-yeon, Car, the Garden and Forestella, and YouTuber Egg Baksa (Dr. Egg) will also give a children's performance. A Black Eagles air show and a fireworks show will be staged, and performances by local artists and busking will take place throughout the festival grounds.
Food areas include the 'Chilgok Food Zone,' with local restaurants that received menu consulting and operations training in advance; the 'Kkulmaek Pub,' selling craft beer made with Chilgok honey; and the 'Chilgok Farmers Market,' selling local agricultural specialties. Following last year, the foundation has introduced a QR code-based AI smart system so that visitors can check parking status, sign up for experiences and order food on mobile using an electronic wristband. Reflecting complaints raised last year, the main stage, the 'Stage of Peace,' has been changed to allow free entry on a first-come, first-served basis without an admission wristband.
Last year's 12th festival drew about 400,000 visitors over 4 days, and its direct economic effect was analyzed at about 25.9 billion won, with a total economic ripple effect of about 48.9 billion won. Spending by visitors from outside the region accounted for about 70%, and the job creation effect was tallied at about 875 people. Admission is free, but items for sale and some experiences are paid. Inquiries: 054-979-3215.
The detailed schedule can be found on the festival details page.