Gwangalli Eobang Festival (광안리어방축제)

The Gwangalli Eobang Festival, held on the famous Gwangalli Beach, known for its fireworks and drone shows, aims to showcase Gwangalli‘s rich history beyond its popularity as a tourist destination. The festival is a manifestation of the history and cultural value of Jwasuyeong Eobang Nori (Fishing Village Festival of the Left Naval Headquarters), a national intangible cultural heritage of Korea. The festival provides attractions and activities of a fishing village that retains its tradition and elements of modernity. A street parade reenacts the procession of Gyeongsang Jwasusa, commander of the Busan naval forces during the Joseon Dynasty. Visitors can check out the musical Eobang, which is the main event of the festival, as well as more than 20 exhibitions and activities in the folk village. The village has recreated the old naval barracks and fishing villages, and actors dressed as jwasusa, sugun (navy soldier), and jumo (barmaid) go around the village to entertain visitors. ◎ EobangFollowing the establishment of Gyeongsang Jwasuyeong (naval forces) in the Suyeong regions during the Joseon Dynasty, the affiliation “Eobang” was formed between the naval forces and local fishermen. “Eobang” holds a similar meaning to the fishery cooperatives of today.