Suwon Mayor Lee Jae-jun said Tuesday that the Suwon Hwaseong Cultural Festival, with its 63-year history, has the potential to grow into a global event.
Lee made the remarks while presiding over a planning briefing on Suwon's three major Hwaseong festivals for 2026, held at Suwon City Hall. "Festivals that have continued consistently for more than 60 years are rare," he said. "We will turn Suwon's outstanding tourism assets — including the Suwon Hwaseong Cultural Festival and the reenactment of King Jeongjo's royal procession — into an industry and develop them into global festivals."
The briefing reviewed inter-departmental cooperation to ensure the effective operation of the three major Hwaseong festivals: the 63rd Suwon Hwaseong Cultural Festival, the King Jeongjo Royal Procession Reenactment and the Suwon Hwaseong Media Art festival. Attendees included Lee, First Deputy Mayor Kim Hyun-su, Second Deputy Mayor Lee Dong-gi, heads of relevant departments and representatives of partner organizations.
Lee urged officials to conduct thorough and repeated safety checks in advance so that visitors can enjoy the three festivals safely.
The 63rd Suwon Hwaseong Cultural Festival runs from Oct. 4 to Oct. 11 at venues across the Suwon Hwaseong fortress area, including Haenggung Square, Hwaseong Haenggung, Banghwasuryujeong, Yongyeon and Yeonmudae. This year's festival, themed "Saebithongmin," will feature programs including the Suwon fantasy night performance "Yajo," the water performance "Seonyumong," "Haenggung Yahwa," the citizen architecture showcase "Hwahong" and the Suwon palanquin race.
The joint reenactment of King Jeongjo's royal procession will take place Oct. 4. The procession departs from Nosong District, passes through Suwon Comprehensive Stadium and Janganmun Gate, and concludes at Haenggung Square. It will include a citizen-participation Suwon Hwaseong parade and a reenactment of the Eulmiyo royal outing procession.
The Suwon Hwaseong Media Art festival is a nighttime content festival that reinterprets Suwon's historic spaces through light and technology. Themed "Saebittongnak: Suwon Hwaseong, Blooming in Light — Season 1, Ayugabin," it runs from Sept. 19 through Oct. 6 at Hwaseomun Gate, Janganmun Gate and Jangan Park.
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