Gyeryong Military Culture Festival

The Gyeryong Military Culture Festival is a multifaceted defense-themed cultural event held in the Gyeryong City area, where the headquarters of the Army, Navy, and Air Force are located. First held in 2007, this year marks its 16th edition. For five days, from Thursday, October 1, 2026, to Monday, October 5, the festival will kick off with opening performances by top-tier artists such as So Hyang and Forestella, followed by military band and honor guard performances, as well as special performances by the Army Performance Team, taking place across the main stage, auxiliary stages, and the entire runway area. In particular, the festival’s dynamism will be enhanced by the largest-ever road parade and a massive city parade featuring over 700 participants. Additionally, a variety of military cultural activities will be available for visitors to participate in firsthand, including military equipment and shooting experiences, an extreme survival challenge, a comprehensive military camp experience, and VR and AR experiences. In addition, the festival will showcase Gyeryong’s unique defense culture through a diverse range of programs suitable for all ages—including a special history lecture by Professor Shin Byung-ju, a 20-meter-wide special LED video theater featuring video content, and a children’s theme park.

1. Opening Ceremony - Main performance featuring citizen participation (So Hyang), opening performance, celebratory performance (Forestella), fireworks show, etc. 2. Main Stage - Military band and honor guard performances, Army performance team, guest performances (Son Tae-jin, Gil Ryewon, Dynamic Duo, etc.), etc. 3. Auxiliary Stage - Citizen Participation and Special Performances (Hidden Singer impersonator performances, military band and honor guard performances, etc.) 4. Hands-On Programs - Special Experience Pavilion: Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps Promotion Zones (equipment and shooting experiences, etc.), Extreme Experience Zone(Children’s Survival Challenge) - Special Video Theater: 20-meter giant LED screen screening “Lee Seong-gye’s Dream, The Legend of Sindoan” and special history lectures (Lecturer: Shin Byung-ju, known for “You Quiz” and historical commentary on “The Man Who Lives with the King”) - Military Camp Experience Area: Comprehensive Military Camp Experience Course (shooting range, rappelling, high-altitude rope tower, survival games, etc.) - Military Experience Hall: State-of-the-art treadmill games and VR (AR) experiences, children’s theme park (bouncy castles, snack collage activities, balloon and magic shows), etc. 5. Side Events - City parade, Imagination Festival, Gyeryong Sky Sound Trail hike, health walk event, etc. 6. Runway - Guerrilla events (chaotic street performances, bubble shows, retro youth stage, etc.)