Osan's Doksan Fortress Blossoms with 1,500 Years of History Preserved

The 17th Osan Doksan Fortress Cultural Festival, themed "History Walked Through Time, Osan Time Stroll," is being held at Osan's Dolmen Park from the 24th through the 25th.

As preliminary events, the "Doksan Fortress Historical Street Play," which portrays the fortress's history of victory, and the "Victory Parade," in which citizens participated directly, drew considerable attention from residents.

The Doksan Fortress Historical Street Play dramatized the legendary tale of the Siege of Wasajil, in which General Gwon Yul reportedly defeated Japanese invaders during the Imjin War by pouring white rice onto his horse to make it appear as though he were washing the animal with water.

The Victory Parade took place as citizen participants and the Oemigkeollip Nongak Preservation Society performed alongside vibrant traditional percussion music, with families—parents and children—parading about 230 meters from the Rose Trellis to the main stage, waving victory flags in high spirits.

At the opening ceremony, Mayor Jo Yong-ho of Osan expressed in his remarks, "We are holding the Doksan Fortress Cultural Festival for the first time in two years, and I am grateful for the attention from Osan citizens and everyone here. Let us cherish the 1,500-year history of Doksan Fortress that we have preserved. Let us value this place, which embodies the compassion for the people spirit of General Gwon Yul and King Jeongjo."

Jung Jin-heung, chairman of the Osan Cultural Center, also stated in his remarks, "Doksan Fortress is a proud and precious historical record of Osan, embodying the noble spirit of our ancestors who protected the nation at times of crisis. I hope this cultural festival will serve as an opportunity to connect neighbors with neighbors and to foster civic pride and love for our hometown."

The opening ceremony featured a celebratory performance by Seorado Band, known as the "founder of Joseon Pop," which blends traditional music elements with pop. This was followed by a congratulatory performance by the popular coed group Coyote.

On the 25th, Osan will showcase "Geumam Turtle Play," a signature local folk game of the region, to citizens. This folk tradition involves weaving millet stalks into the shape of a turtle during Chuseok, with three to four people entering inside to create the appearance of a turtle moving about, originally performed to wish residents good health and longevity and to pray for the village's peace.

Additionally, experience booths for military clothing try-ons and a "Make Your Own Victory Flag" activity will continue to offer diverse history-themed experiences for visitors.