Yeongcheon wraps up 23rd Bohyeonsan Starlight Festival

Yeongcheon City in North Gyeongsang Province announced Monday that the 23rd Yeongcheon Bohyeonsan Starlight Festival concluded successfully, drawing strong turnout from residents and tourists. The three-day event ran Friday through Sunday at the Bohyeonsan Astronomical Science Museum and its surrounding grounds.

This year's festival centered on the theme "A Tilted Planet, a New Perspective: Uranus," weaving astronomical science together with performances, hands-on activities, food and community participation — a step forward from a festival visitors simply watch to one they actively join and linger in.

The opening ceremony kicked off with comedian Kim Jeong-hwan as emcee, followed by a drone show featuring 500 drones and a performance by singer Tei, drawing the crowd into the festival's opening energy.

Throughout the festival, a range of programs kept attendees engaged — a constellation lecture series called "Eye Contact with the Stars," a star party held with amateur astronomy clubs, a science experience zone run by an astronomy enthusiast group, astronomy lectures, a children's golden-star challenge, a bubble magic show, a science musical and starlight busking performances.

Interactive content for all ages added to the lineup, including a space cosplay contest titled "War of the Stars," which drew particular interest from families.

An experience zone sponsored by Korea Water Resources Corporation proved especially popular with children, offering activities built around emerging technologies — AR-glass archery, laser shooting, drone and aircraft flight simulators, AI-powered gomoku and AI can-badge making.

Community-linked programs enriched the festival further. Local farmers and regional wineries set up a direct-trade market to showcase Yeongcheon's agricultural specialties and local food, while a dedicated "Starlight Mandu Zone" — spotlighting mandu, one of the city's signature foods — drew a steady stream of visitors.

Companion events rounded out the experience: the observatory opened its telescopes to the public, and the Bohyeonsan Dam suspension bridge offered nighttime access, giving visitors a chance to take in the mountain's autumn scenery and night sky together.

Kim Seon-ok, chairperson of the Yeongcheon Bohyeonsan Starlight Festival Committee, said it was deeply meaningful to have brought joy to so many residents and tourists again this year. "We will continue to develop content that carries Yeongcheon's own distinct character," she said.

Yeongcheon Mayor Kim Byeong-sam expressed sincere gratitude to residents, tourists, festival staff, volunteers and city employees who worked on the ground to ensure safety throughout the event.