The 23rd Gwangju Memories of Chungjang Festival—representing the newly integrated Jeonnam-Gwangju Special City—kicked off in brilliant style on the 7th.

True to its name, the festival's specially crafted "Memory Theme Street" instantly overflowed with visitors eager to immerse themselves in the full nostalgia of days gone by as soon as the doors opened.

Under a clear autumn sky, long stretches of vintage storefronts—including "Chungjang Beauty Salon," "Geumnam Super & Stationery," and "Jjang Video Store"—created the uncanny illusion of a time slip just by walking down the street, heightening the festive mood to its peak.

"Feeling Like We've Stepped Back": DJ Music Boxes and Dazzling Lights
The vintage teahouse, meticulously styled in retro fashion, was packed to capacity, with barely an empty seat in sight.

While vintage movie posters and menus on the walls delivered a heavy dose of retro sentiment, a live DJ inside the music box spun requested tracks from visitors, energizing the atmosphere.

Kim Ah-rin (50), who visited the teahouse with colleagues, shared, "It feels like I've traveled back to when I was a teenager, dressing up all grown-up and sitting in a teahouse. Hearing the song I personally requested is so thrilling and wonderful."

Right next door, at the "Star Karaoke & Glowing Night" booth, young adults held flashing glow sticks under dazzling lights, dancing to classic tunes and drawing crowds of captivated onlookers.

Lee Soo-hyun (22) from Chosun University's Department of K-Culture Performance and Planning, who helped run the booth, smiled and said, "We've been spinning 8090 hits to fit the retro theme and enjoying it right alongside the citizens. We figured we had to show ourselves having fun first so visitors would feel comfortable stepping inside, so we're actively encouraging participation while having a blast ourselves."

Every Prop a New Inspiration: Warmth Added Through Charity Donations
Over at "Geumnam Super & Stationery," faded robot toy boxes and vintage soju bottles added a deep sense of warmth and familiarity.

Kim Ji-hoon (31) remarked, "I was drawn right in as if hypnotized when I saw the toys I used to buy at the stationery store and play with at home as a kid. I currently work in design, and every single prop here feels like a fresh source of inspiration. It's fantastic."

The "Chungjang Beauty Salon"—offering vintage haircuts and blowouts for just 5,000 won each, with all proceeds donated to the Dong-gu District Office—was also packed to the brim.

Doris Feuer (47), a tourist from Austria who got her hair styled there, said, "The hairdresser was very professional and made me feel so comfortable. The atmosphere of Korea's past pop culture felt remarkably familiar, making it a truly delightful experience."

[Copyright (c) Global Economic Times. All Rights Reserved.]