Geoje Expands Okpo Naval Battle Festival to Commemorate Admiral Yi Sun-sin’s Historic Victory

GEOJE, May 31 (Korea Bizwire) – The city of Geoje is elevating its signature Okpo Naval Battle Festival, commemorating Admiral Yi Sun-sin’s inaugural triumph against Japanese invaders in 1592, with an expanded scale and diverse array of programs, officials announced on May 30. 

The 62nd edition of the festival will take place from June 14 to 16 at Okpo Waterfront Park and its surrounding areas.

As a cultural arts event rooted in regional heritage, the festival honors the historical significance of the Okpo Naval Battle, Yi’s first victory in the Imjin War.

This year, the city has allocated a record budget of 610 million won, an increase of 140 million won from last year, to host the largest-ever edition of the event. 

Festivities will commence on June 14 at 5:30 p.m. with a pre-show performance, an opening ceremony, and the themed opening act titled “Advance,” followed by an inaugural fireworks display.

For the first time in Geoje, a 1,600-ton Coast Guard vessel from Tongyeong will conduct a water cannon demonstration during the opening fireworks show. 

On June 15, the festival will feature the highly anticipated return of the Black Eagles air show, which garnered considerable acclaim last year.

Additionally, new attractions will debut, including the “Dancing Okpo” street performance, an experiential Admiral Yi victory zone, the Okpo Lights Street, and fringe performances.

In the afternoon, the musical “Okpo Naval Battle” and a reenactment of the sea battle with fireworks will take place offshore.

Supported by the Gyeongsangnam-do Regional Performing Arts Festival, the fireworks sea battle reenactment will involve around 18 fishing vessels, promising an even more spectacular display than previous years. 

On the final day, June 16, festivities will include sidewalk chalk art, kite flying, and a victory parade procession.

Concurrently, the Tongyeong Coast Guard vessel will be open for public tours at the Hanwha Ocean Science and Technology Institute’s dock in Jangmok-myeon. 

Capping off the festival will be a fireworks show, sponsored by Hanwha Ocean, celebrating Admiral Yi’s triumph with the largest-ever fireworks spectacle in Geoje.

Prior to the main event, from June 1 to 12, various historical and cultural experience programs will be offered in Geoje at the Okpo Naval Battle Memorial Park and the Cultural Arts Center. 

To facilitate transportation during the festival, the city will operate five shuttle bus routes.

Additionally, outdoor parking at Hanwha Ocean’s Ocean Plaza, the Okpo Middle School playground, and the Okpo International Market public parking lot will be made available free of charge.

The lobby of Hanwha Ocean’s Happiness Hall and its outdoor performance venue will also be open free of charge, providing respite from the summer heat for festival attendees. 

“This year’s Okpo Naval Battle Festival is being prepared on an unprecedented scale, not only by the city of Geoje but also through the active cooperation of multiple organizations and groups,” said Geoje mayor Park Jong-woo.

“We hope the citizens, who are the true stars of this festival, will visit in large numbers and fully enjoy this abundant celebration.”

Image credit: Geoje city / photonews@koreabizwire.com