Miryang Arirang Festival 2025 Kicks Off

Miryang Arirang Festival — Over 7,000 locals join Korea’s most inclusive festival

The city of Miryang in Gyeongsangnam-do will host the 2025 Miryang Arirang Festival from May 22 to May 25, bringing the iconic melody of Arirang to life under the theme “The Sound of Arirang, Echoes of Hope.”

The festival aims to reinterpret the value of Miryang Arirang in a contemporary context and features 38 diverse programs spanning performance, exhibitions, participatory activities, and cultural showcases.

First launched in conjunction with the restoration of Yeongnamnu Pavilion, the festival has evolved into a citizen-led celebration, drawing nearly 7,600 participants annually—equivalent to 7% of the city’s population.

A highlight of the festival is the “Miryang River Odyssey,” a large-scale multimedia performance staged against the backdrop of Yeongnamnu Pavilion and the Miryang River.

The Arirang Exhibition Hall offers immersive displays introducing the history of Arirang and its global reach.

The festival also presents themed programs including “Sunshine Miryang”, a stage featuring local artists; “The Melody of Arirang, Trio,” a collaborative performance between the three major Arirang regions of Miryang, Jeongseon, and Jindo; and “Youth Arariyo Festival,” curated entirely by local teens.

Experiential programs like the “Arirang Maze,” “Arirang Wonderland,” and the “Arirang Creative Contest” invite visitors to explore the cultural heritage of Miryang through interactive storytelling, traditional games, and hands-on learning.

Cultural connection is further deepened through a heritage parade, traditional performing arts, and the Arirang Story Tour, which provides guided experiences led by local narrators.

Additional events include a traditional market zone, activities for seniors, and various river-based recreational programs.

Some programs require a small participation fee—2,000 won for the maze, 3,000–5,000 won for the wonderland, and 3,000 won for the guided tours—while general admission to the festival remains free.

The 2025 Miryang Arirang Festival is expected to once again serve as a platform for artistic expression, community pride, and regional tourism, solidifying its status as one of Korea’s most participatory and culturally rich festivals.

Editor 익스플로듀서

🎒 Natural Note

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