North Gyeongsang, South Jeolla-Gwangju hold Yeonghonam harmony festival in Gyeongju

North Gyeongsang Province and the South Jeolla-Gwangju Special Integrated City came together in Gyeongju to promote regional harmony and mutual cooperation between the Yeongnam and Honam regions.

According to North Gyeongsang Province, the two regions jointly hosted the 2026 Yeonghonam Mutual Cooperation and Harmony Festival at the Gyeongju Hwabaek International Convention Center and APEC Memorial Park from Friday to Sunday.

The festival — the first since the launch of the South Jeolla-Gwangju Special Integrated City — was held under the theme "Beyond Mutual Prosperity, Toward the Future of Korea."

The official opening ceremony on Saturday drew about 300 attendees, including North Gyeongsang Governor Lee Cheol-woo, South Jeolla-Gwangju Special Integrated City Mayor Min Hyeong-bae, representatives from both regional assemblies, and figures from the arts and culture sector.

The opening program began with a joint performance by artists from both regions, followed by the presentation of hometown love fund donations, a mutual-harmony performance featuring the Sacred Bell of King Seongdeok, and a children's choir concert.

A performance themed "Resonance, One Sound" drew particular attention for its message of harmony and shared development between the Yeongnam and Honam regions.

At APEC Memorial Park, the festival featured an art exchange exhibition by painters from both regions, a joint market showcasing local agricultural and marine products, a harmony concert, and hands-on experience programs.

The joint market supported the promotion and wider distribution of premium local produce from both regions, while the art exchange exhibition highlighted the cultural diversity of each area.

"The Yeongnam and Honam regions are important partners that have together driven Korea's historical, cultural and industrial development," Governor Lee said. "I hope this event marks a new turning point for mutual cooperation."

Mayor Min said the city would build on the momentum of the festival — the first held since the integration of South Jeolla Province and Gwangju — to expand practical cooperation between the two regions across culture, the economy and other fields.