Dongnae Fortress History Festival

Beginning with the first Chungryeol Festival in 1995, the Dongnae Fortress History Festival—which has been held for 32 years—is a history-education-focused experiential festival that represents Dongnae-gu, Busan Metropolitan City. Having been selected as one of South Korea’s leading “2026–2027 Culture and Tourism Festivals,” the 32nd Dongnae Fortress History Festival invites visitors to experience the vivid emotions of 1592. The festival kicks off in spectacular fashion with the “Dongnae Magistrate’s Procession,” a grand parade featuring hundreds of participants. In particular, the “Dongnae Fortress Battle Reenactment Live-Action Musical,” staged at the actual historical site where battles of the Imjin War took place, is set to maximize the stirring emotion of the desperate resistance through a sophisticated performance fused with media art. Additionally, the “Dongnae Three-Strand Tug-of-War,” where everyone comes together to pull a massive rope, fosters a spirit of unity, and visitors can enjoy a variety of trendy, hands-on activities, such as an outdoor escape room and the “Byeolmidang” character candy-making experience. At the “Dongnae Market,” where visitors can grab some ancient coins and step into a Joseon-era marketplace, you can fully immerse yourself in the daily life of the fortress town’s residents. The Dongnae Fortress History Festival, where history and the future come together, features a rich and diverse lineup of programs that are sure to create the most special memories this fall.

1. Featured Programs (3) - Dongnae Magistrate’s Procession Parade, Dongnae Three-Strand Tug-of-War, Musical Reenactment of the Battle of Dongnae Fortress 2. Themed Programs (2) - Encountering Dongnae in 1592 (Gateway Experience), Enjoying Dongnae in 1592 (Dongnae Market Experience) 3. Cultural and Performance Programs (19) - Opening Ceremony, Dongnae Fortress Song Festival, Traditional Tightrope Walking, North Gate Busking, Hanbok Fashion Show, Open-Air Play Reenacting the Dongnae Magistrate’s Office, Jeon Gi-su Storytelling Busking, Jeon Woo-chi Magic Busking, Children’s English Musical, Traditional Cultural Performances, Fortress Residents’ Craft Fair, Fortress Residents’ Sports Activities, Everyday Culture and Arts Festival, Opera “Chunhyang Comes to Dongnae,” North Gate Media Art, Broadway in Dongnae II, Art Exhibition by Children with Developmental Disabilities “Donggeuri,” Moonlit Ghost Stories Horror Experience, Dongnae Fortress Residents’ Pungryu Concert 4. Participation and Hands-On Programs (24) - Themed Pavilion Experiences with Children’s History Guides, Jang Young-sil Science Experiences, Joseon Hip-Hop Dance Battle, Hanbok Disco Party, Fortress Arcade, Dongnae One-Step Night Walk & Moonlight Picnic, Dongnae Fortress Walking Tour, Dongnae Magistrate’s Helmet & Armor Try-On, Disability Awareness Zone, Fortress Children’s Playground, Outdoor Escape Room, Dongnae Pajeon Tavern, Dongnae Hyeominseowon, Eco-Friendly Cotton Candy Making, Simple Tumbler Workshop, Dongnae Fortress General Store, Fortress Decoration Graffiti Experience Zone, Moonlit Ghost Stories: Four Pillars of Destiny Tarot Experience, Byeolmidang, Dongnae Fortress: Mastery of Both Civil and Military Arts, Dongnae Trading Caravan, Zero Single-Use Items Snack Market, Dongnae Specialties Information Booth, Festival Commemorative Stamps & Slow Mailbox 5. Side Events(9) - Memorial Ritual for the 434th Anniversary of the Imjin War, Dongnae Grand Sale Festival, Wishing Lanterns, Residents’ Council Program Exhibition and Presentation, Dongnae Fortress Food Market, Innovation Community Center Experiences, Digital Joseon Playground, Myeongnyun 1st Street Night Festival, Oktoberfest