Jinhae Gunhangje Festival to Feature Grand Military Parades

2025 Jinhae Gunhangje Festival to Feature Spectacular Victory Parade & Patriotic Procession

The 2025 Jinhae Gunhangje Festival, one of Korea’s most celebrated military and cultural events, is set to showcase an even more spectacular lineup of parades and performances.

jinhae gunhanghe festival 1 — [Photo ⓒchangwon.go.kr]

The Changwon Special City Government (Mayor Hong Nam-pyo) announced that the festival’s signature events, the “Admiral Yi Sun-sin Victory Parade” and the “Patriotic Parade,” will take place from April 4 to April 6 at Jungwon Rotary and Bukwon Rotary in Jinhae-gu.

The Victory Parade, which reenacts the procession of the Joseon Navy, will commence at 3:00 PM on April 4 and continue for one hour.

The parade will begin at Docheon Elementary School and proceed to Jungwon Rotary, featuring participants dressed in traditional military attire from Joseon (Korea), Ming Dynasty China, and Japan. Upon reaching Jungwon Rotary, the procession will be met with a grand military band performance.

Leading the parade will be a police escort and a Navy Military Police unit, followed by the multinational naval procession, military bands, and a display of historical weaponry such as the Singijeon (rocket weapon) and Cheonja Chongtong (cannons used by the Joseon military).

On April 5 and 6 at 1:30 PM, the “Patriotic Parade” will take place, starting from Bukwon Rotary and passing through Jungwon Rotary before concluding at the Public Stadium.

This event will feature spectacular performances by military bands from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and the U.S. 8th Army Band.

This year, for the first time, the Mongolian Military Band will join the procession, along with the Army’s Traditional Honor Guard, further enriching the experience for visitors.

A special highlight of the festival will be the “Black Eagles” Air Show by the ROK Air Force’s aerobatic team, scheduled for April 5 at 2:00 PM.

The breathtaking aerial display, combined with the vibrant ground parades, will offer an unforgettable experience.

The 63rd Jinhae Gunhangje Festival will take place from March 29 to April 6 across Jinhae-gu, featuring various events celebrating the city’s rich naval heritage against the backdrop of stunning cherry blossoms in full bloom.

Lee Seong-min, Director of Changwon’s Culture, Tourism, and Sports Bureau, stated, “The Jinhae Gunhangje Festival offers the finest military parades that can only be witnessed here. We encourage visitors to join in, experience history firsthand, and become part of this extraordinary celebration.”