Home of the Amsa-dong Prehistoric Settlement Site (875, Olympic-ro, Gangdong-gu) that cherishes the history of the ancient times, Gangdong-gu will host the “The 21st Prehistoric Culture Festival of Gangdong from October 7th to 9th.

The festival, which takes place in the Amsa-dong site area, has been held every year since its first event in 1996. It is the only festival in Seoul with a theme focusing on the prehistoric age.
It is also regarded as one of the most original festivals that possess both clear historicity and identity, confirmed by winning in consecutive Pinnacle Awards of the IFEA (International Festivals & Events Association) in 2014 and 2015.

The theme of the festival is “Person”. It will reveal the stories of “Gangdong Man” who possesses a warm heart thanks to the “caring” DNA of their prehistoric ancestors that formed communities and helped one another. Also, the concept of the festival is the “Era that Placed Humans at Its Heart”; a desire to form a caring, warm-hearted community such as in the New Stone Age, the most peaceful era in the history of mankind, will be on display throughout the festival.

At 3pm on the first day (10.7), “Seoljanggu performance by a 100-man pungmul band” will be performed on the main stage, followed by “Gangdong-gu Residents’ Festival”, a contest hosted by the community center, and a lighting ceremony of the prehistoric wish light tunnel.
In this year’s festival, the Amsa-dong site will be opened at night for the first time since its history.
The wish light tunnel leading to the grounds will be lit up brightly to add to the overall mood of an autumn night.

On the second day (10.8), “Yeongsan Tug-of-war” in which about 300 residents are set to participate will be held as a part of “Daedong Hanmadang”. Important Intangible Cultural Property No. 26, “Yeongsan Tug-of-war” is a storied traditional folk game, which has also been registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity this past December.
In the afternoon, “Primitive Exploration Street Parade”, the highlight of Prehistoric Culture Festival of Gangdong, will take place from Cheonho Park to the Amsa-dong site on a 1.8km-long section.
One of the more widely-known citizen participation programs, this street parade is entirely planned and executed by both the general public and the government, ranging from costumes to props. Although the parade may have an unfamiliar look to it, it still provides an exciting time for everyone to enjoy.
In particular, the “Grand Street Dancing Performance” to be on display during the parade is expected to create quite a lasting impression in many people’s memories.

The last day of the festival will commence while exuding youthfulness and passion.
At 11am, clubs formed by teenagers come together for contests such as “Dal Dal Concert” and “Byul Byul Concert”, while at 5pm, “Gangdong Rock Festival” with passionate rock music will begin to unfold before the audience.
The stage is available for anyone to participate who has talent and who loves rock, regardless of age, region or gender, and the only screening criteria is “how much he/she rocked the audience”.

The closing performance and fireworks will follow, ending the night in a colorful, splendid fashion.

<Related Photos>

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  Opening Performance of 2015 Prehistoric Culture Festival of Gangdong

  

  Prehistoric Wish Lights (hanging wish notes)

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  Korean Peninsula Exploration Street Parade (10. 8. 17:30)