Chilgok Nakdonggang Peace Festival returns for 13th edition Thursday through Sunday

The Chilgok Culture and Tourism Foundation in North Gyeongsang Province announced Monday that the 13th Chilgok Nakdonggang Peace Festival will be held over four days from Thursday to Sunday at Chilgokbo Ecological Park.

This year's festival will also incorporate the 17th Battle of the Nakdong River Victory Commemoration (Friday through Sunday) and the 205 Culture Street Festa (Saturday through Sunday) as linked events.

Themed "Boys Who Became Child Soldiers," the festival centers on the stories of unnamed young soldiers who fought along the Nakdong River defense line during the Korean War, offering a range of hands-on programs that reflect on a painful chapter of history and the peace that followed.

At the festival entrance, visitors can first encounter the historical record of the Battle of the Nakdong River through photographs and video in the "Into Waegwan Iron Bridge" exhibition. A themed park experience zone follows, where visitors can immerse themselves in the training and combat conditions faced by young soldiers during the Korean War.

A variety of hands-on programs set against the backdrop of the Nakdong River will also be available.

At "Nakdong Island," visitors can try water leisure and extreme water sports activities and discover a different side of the Nakdong River.

Visitors can also walk across a 430-meter pontoon bridge built over the Nakdong River — billed as "the bridge protecting the Republic of Korea" — and cross the river on a "peace ferry bridge," experiencing the history of the Nakdong River defense line and reflecting on the meaning of peace.

At the Chilgokbo auto-camping ground, visitors can explore a range of national defense and military exhibits, including up-close displays of hardware such as the KUH-1 Surion helicopter, AH-64E Apache helicopter, K-2 tank, K-9 self-propelled howitzer and M903 Patriot missile system.

Additional hands-on programs include armored vehicle rides, a drone show, dog tag making, MILES gear experience, Hyungung anti-tank missile simulation shooting and mine detector operation.

Children's programs run throughout the festival grounds, with "Little Peace Guards," "Patriots' Playground" and "Peace Playground" zones offering child-friendly activities, a kids' military camp experience using large inflatable structures, and military uniform try-ons.

A dedicated space will bring together local food and culture. The "Chilgok Food Zone" will feature a curated selection of the county's top restaurants, chosen through menu consulting and pre-event training, showcasing the area's distinctive local cuisine.

Alongside this, the "Honey Beer Pub" will serve craft honey beer brewed with Chilgok honey, while the "Chilgok Farmers Market" will offer local agricultural products and a variety of goods. Performances and busking by local artists will take place throughout the festival grounds, adding to the food and entertainment on offer.

This year's lineup of popular artists — including Jang Min-ho, Solji, 10CM, Baek Ji-young, Ha Dong-gyun, Seo Do Band, Heo Yong-byeol, Lee Eun-mi, Enoch, Cha Ji-yeon, Car, the Garden and Forestella — will perform at a community harmony event, an opening ceremony concert, the Peace Music Festival and the Chilgok Harmony Concert, with a different stage program each night.

A Black Eagles air show and a fireworks display are also set to heighten the festival atmosphere.

As it did last year, the festival will use a QR code-based AI smart system to offer visitors a more convenient experience.

Visitors will receive electronic wristbands embedded with QR codes, allowing them to use their mobile devices to check real-time parking availability, register for hands-on programs and order food from the moment they arrive.

"This year, through an improved AI smart system and a more diverse program lineup, we aim to create a festival that not only satisfies every visitor but also gives them a chance to make special memories in Chilgok and reflect on the meaning of peace," said Chilgok County Governor Kim Jae-wook.