The city of Pohang, nestled on South Korea’s east coast, has always prided itself on its vibrant community spirit. That sense of togetherness was on full display this past week as residents, local leaders, and activists came together for a series of cultural and civic events marking both the Chuseok holiday and a renewed focus on Korean unification.
On October 3, 2025, the ninth annual "Three-Generation Family Harmony Culture Festival" unfolded at the scenic Yeongildae Beach Pavilion Square. According to inews24, this festival, now a beloved tradition, is designed as a “Happy Pohang” family empathy project. Organized by the Gyeongbuk Social Culture Research Institute and the Gyeongbuk Buddhist Journalists Association, the event seeks to strengthen the bonds between grandparents, parents, and grandchildren—a mission that feels especially urgent in an era of low birth rates and increasingly nuclear families.
The festival drew a broad spectrum of local dignitaries. Among those in attendance were Venerable Cheolsan, Chief Administrator of the Jogye Order, Venerable Deokhwa, President of the Pohang Buddhist Temple Association, Pohang Deputy Mayor Jang Sang-gil, Pohang City Council Chairman Kim Il-man, Gyeongbuk Provincial Assemblyman Park Yong-seon, and National Assembly members Lee Sang-hwi and Kim Jung-jae. Their presence underscored the event’s importance to the city’s social fabric.
Festival-goers were treated to a smorgasbord of traditional foods—colorful bibimbap, sweet fish-shaped pastries, and nostalgic dalgona candy. Interactive booths offered hands-on experiences like bracelet making, traditional rice treats, and even custom mug painting. Local Buddhist temples played a key role, providing both cultural activities and community outreach. Notably, the Buddhist Students’ Association from Uiduk University’s Nursing Department offered free health checks for blood pressure and diabetes, blending wellness with festivity.
As dusk settled, the “Big 5 Family Music Concert” took the stage, featuring performers Shin Sung-tae, Seo Ji-o, Kim Chang-ju, Choi Seong, and Lee Si-hyun. Their performances added a touch of autumn romance to the evening, drawing families together under the open sky. Venerable Deokhwa took a moment to remind attendees, “Everything exists because of connections,” referencing the Buddhist principle of dependent origination. Jo In-ho, head of the Gyeongbuk Social Culture Research Institute, emphasized the festival’s deeper mission: “In an era where the value of family is shaken by low birth rates and nuclear families, I hope this is a time to reflect on the importance of family.”
But the Chuseok celebrations in Pohang didn’t end there. Just days later, on October 6, the Pohang Cultural Center, led by President Park Seung-dae, hosted a traditional culture experience event at Yeongildae Square. As reported by PoliNews, the event ran from noon to 5:00 PM and aimed to help residents rediscover the meaning of Korea’s biggest holiday while fostering intergenerational and neighborly bonds. Activities ranged from face painting and calligraphy to writing family mottos and trying out folk games like yutnori, tuho, and jegichagi. There were even side events like writing Chuseok-themed three-line poems and hanging wish notes, ensuring family visitors had plenty to enjoy.
The afternoon’s highlight was a series of folk performances, including traditional drumming, a wind-and-percussion parade, and a medley of folk songs. Park Seung-dae summed up the event’s spirit, saying, “Chuseok is a precious holiday when family and neighbors gather to celebrate abundance and sharing. I hope this event becomes a time for all local residents to share warmth, and I ask for the citizens’ active participation and interest.”
While families celebrated tradition and community, another group in Pohang was focused on a different kind of unity. On October 3, the third round of the Gaokao public exam began in the Gyeongbuk area, kicking off a three-day event at Pohang City Hall’s auditorium. According to inews24, the event was orchestrated by the Gyeongbuk Social Welfare Research Institute and the Gyeongbuk Unification Council, with about 30 participants engaging in nine sessions that included meals, snacks, and much-needed breaks. Unification activists from the Pohang region led discussions and training on inter-Korean relations, underscoring the city’s ongoing commitment to peaceful reconciliation.
The event also featured a "Big Gaokao Music Festival" with performances by Shin Sung-tae, Seo Ji-o, Kim Chang-ju, Choi Seong, and Lee Si-hyun—familiar faces from the family festival, bridging the two gatherings with music and shared purpose. The Pohang Unification Activists Association described the atmosphere as “friendly and harmonious,” reflecting the collaborative spirit that ran through the week’s events.
Jo In-ho, representing the Gyeongbuk Social Welfare Research Institute, explained the broader aim: “The exam was conducted to open the way for peaceful unification and to promote the unification spirit.” This sentiment was echoed at another major event on October 6, when the Pohang Unification Activists Association held its final comprehensive unification exam at the Yeongil Auditorium. Designed for local residents and unification enthusiasts, the event included a test on North-South relations, group discussions, and activities meant to deepen understanding of the unification issue. The association highlighted that this year’s exam was especially significant because it involved the participation of all local residents, aiming to foster a stronger sense of community around the goal of peaceful unification.
The week’s events in Pohang were more than just a celebration of tradition—they were a living demonstration of how cultural heritage and civic engagement can go hand in hand. From the laughter of children playing folk games to the thoughtful discussions on Korea’s future, the city managed to weave together the threads of family, community, and national identity. The festivals and exams may have ended, but the spirit of unity and reflection they inspired is sure to linger.
In a time when both family bonds and national unity face new challenges, Pohang’s residents showed that coming together—whether for music, games, or dialogue—remains at the heart of Korean society.
