Daegu's Dong-gu to hold 2026 Palgongsan Wanggeon Festival

The Gongsan-dong resident autonomy committee in Dong-gu, Daegu, will hold the 12th Palgongsan Wanggeon Festival from Friday to Saturday at the lawn square near the Sinsunggyeom General Historic Site, the committee said Wednesday.

The festival was launched to promote the region's history and culture, including the 927 Battle of Gongsan and the stories of King Taejo Wang Geon and Gen. Sin Sung-gyeom.

The event opens with the Gongsan Film Festival, which will screen "The King's Warden" free of charge. Other highlights include a reenactment of the Battle of Dongsu depicting the stories of Wang Geon and Sin Sung-gyeom, and the "King's Road" program that traces Wang Geon's footsteps. Additional events include a kite-flying event called "Doijangga" honoring Sin Sung-gyeom's loyalty, and hands-on traditional game experiences.

Alongside this, the festival will feature a "Star King" talent contest, Gongsan cultural performances and traveling concerts. Starting with the opening ceremony at 6 p.m., a "Strongest Gongsan" performance and shows by invited singers will round out the festivities.

"This year we prepared programs that let visitors feel the stories of Wang Geon and Gen. Sin Sung-gyeom more closely, so I hope many people will come and enjoy the festival together," said Kim Nam-ho, chairman of the Gongsan-dong resident autonomy committee.

"The stories of Wang Geon and Gen. Sin Sung-gyeom, preserved throughout Palgongsan, are a precious historical and cultural asset unique to Dong-gu," said Woo Sung-jin, Dong-gu district mayor. "I hope this festival, carried forward by the hands of our residents, will help spread our region's history and culture and draw more citizens and tourists to Palgongsan."