Gyeongju, Republic of Korea – Gyeongju, the ancient capital with a thousand years of Silla history, is set to become a new hub for Hallyu (Korean Wave) culture by hosting the '2025 MyK FESTA in Gyeongju' for two days, from July 7th to 8th, around the Gyeongju Arts Center. This ambitious project, supported by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, was selected for the '2025 Large-scale Hallyu Comprehensive Event Local Government Linkage Open Call Project.' The Gyeongju Cultural Foundation will host the event, showcasing a diverse range of K-content. This festival, unfolding in a special space where history and modernity harmonize, is expected to offer an unforgettable Hallyu experience to both domestic and international visitors.

Everything Hallyu: From K-Pop to K-Beauty, K-Food and Beyond

The '2025 MyK FESTA in Gyeongju' is structured around three core areas: K-Pop, K-Beauty & Fashion, and K-Food & Life. Each section will deeply showcase the diverse charms of Hallyu, aiming to enhance visitor satisfaction by providing opportunities to directly experience and enjoy, rather than just observe.

The main program, 'K-GMF' (K-Gyeongju Music Festa), will feature a total of 8 mini-concerts over two days at the Hwarang Hall of the Gyeongju Arts Center. On the first day, July 7th, EVNNE, Choi Yena, ONEUS, and Heize are scheduled to captivate the audience with their sweet vocals and powerful performances. On the second day, July 8th, Lee Mujin, FTISLAND, Car, the Garden, and Roy Kim will continue the festival's excitement with various musical genres. Each performance will last approximately 50 minutes, and tickets can be booked through Ticketlink. Notably, foreigners and Gyeongju citizens will receive a 50% discount, encouraging more people to enjoy the K-Pop experience.

At the outdoor fountain plaza, 'K-GDF' (K-Gyeongju Dancing Festa) will be held at 2 PM on both days, adding to the festive atmosphere. Amazon Crew and Peace&Quiet from '1MILLION Dance Studio' will showcase high-quality dance performances. Furthermore, renowned dance teams from various countries including the Philippines, Turkey, and Mexico will participate in cover dance performances with the audience, fostering international cultural exchange. These dance teams are expected to offer unique entertainment by presenting not only K-Pop choreography but also fusion performances incorporating traditional dance elements from their respective countries.

On the first evening at 7 PM, the 'K-Wave from G' performance will be held for free at the fountain plaza. A special stage will unfold, harmonizing Korean traditional and contemporary music, with the magnificent performance of the Gyeongju Municipal Arts Troupe Silla Gochwi-dae and collaboration from K-Pop artists Ali and Kim Yeji. This symbolic performance will consolidate Gyeongju's status as the 'root of Hallyu' by merging Gyeongju's historical identity with the modern appeal of Hallyu.

Unique Experiences in K-Beauty & Fashion, K-Food & Lifestyle

Beyond music, this festival offers opportunities to directly experience various Hallyu lifestyles. 'K-Styling Street' is a key program in the beauty and fashion sectors, operating from container booths set up in the fountain plaza. Here, 11 diverse programs are offered for free, including AI-based personal color diagnosis, K-Beauty makeup demonstrations and experiences, yoga/meditation classes, Silla costume experiences, and the making of Patbingsu (red bean shaved ice) from Seokbinggo. Notably, translation services will be available for international visitors, allowing them to experience K-Beauty and fashion without language barriers. Some popular content will be run on a pre-booking basis to encourage efficient participation.

The 'G-Campnic' program, an emotional camping experience utilizing local specialties, is also noteworthy. Representing Gyeongju brands like Cheonnyeon Hanwoo (thousand-year Korean beef) and Gyeongju Beopju (traditional liquor) will participate, offering a unique experience to enjoy Gyeongju's flavors and charm simultaneously. A total of 240 teams can participate over three sessions a day, each lasting three hours, providing an opportunity to savor local specialties while enjoying a camping atmosphere amidst Gyeongju's beautiful nature. Environmentally friendly elements, such as the use of multi-use containers, are also incorporated, aiming for a sustainable festival.

Connecting with the 'APEC Summit' to Solidify Gyeongju's Global Presence

Gyeongju Mayor Joo Nak-young stated, "We will connect this festival with the APEC Gyeongju Summit to provide diverse experiences and promotional opportunities." With the 2025 APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) Summit approaching, Gyeongju plans to use this 'MyK FESTA' as a crucial opportunity to further solidify its status as an international tourist city and to engrain Gyeongju's charm in various countries around the world. This strategy aims to create synergy by integrating Gyeongju's history, culture, and beautiful natural environment with Hallyu, going beyond simply K-Pop performances.

To this end, various food trucks and picnic zones will also be set up at the event venue to provide comfortable resting spaces for visitors. Attendees will be able to enjoy the festival atmosphere by indulging in Gyeongju's unique street food alongside picnics. Applications for experiential content and detailed information can be found on the Gyeongju Cultural Foundation's website and social media channels.

The '2025 MyK FESTA in Gyeongju' is expected to be more than just a Hallyu festival; it will serve as a bridge for Gyeongju, a historical and cultural city representing South Korea, to communicate with the world as a launchpad for K-Culture. All eyes are on Gyeongju, eagerly anticipating the synergy that will emerge when Silla's rich history and brilliant cultural heritage meet contemporary Hallyu content.