Donghae Mureungje

The 39th Donghae Mureung Festival is Donghae City's representative traditional culture festival, to be held for four days from September 17 to 20, 2026, at the Donghae Wellbeing Leisure Sports Town and the Donghae Culture and Arts Center. The theme of this year's festival is "United Citizens, Donghae City Leaping Forward," aiming to expand citizen participation, revitalize the local economy, and create a cultural tourism festival where tradition and modernity harmonize. The festival consists of ceremonial events, performance events, folk culture and arts events, experiential and promotional events, and special events. Major programs include the Mountain God Ritual and the Harvest Festival, as well as the opening celebratory performance, the Intergenerational Harvest Concert, the Donghae Song Festival, the Donghae Youth Dance Festival, and performances by local professional artists and the Municipal Choir. In addition, the festival will showcase a variety of attractions that bridge generations and tradition through performances by the Navy Band and Honor Guard, a special forces martial arts demonstration by the 1st Mountain Brigade, and folk performances such as Mangsang Nongak and Bukpyeong Wonim Dapgyonori. The experiential programs include various promotional booths featuring traditional folk games, craft workshops, and health checkups, as well as a dedicated children's experience center offering programs such as traditional games, marine safety, and sports that families can enjoy together. A new initiative called "A Bite of Donghae Taste," where visitors can sample and vote for signature dishes from local restaurants, will be introduced, and efforts to revitalize local commercial districts will be made in conjunction with the Donghae Sale Festa. Additionally, the venue will feature local food stalls and a traditional market, and a traditional lantern light tunnel will be created to enhance the traditional festival atmosphere and nighttime attractions. The 39th Donghae Mureung Festival is scheduled to be held as Donghae City's representative cultural tourism festival, expanding programs for citizens and tourists to participate in and enjoy together, while offering a chance to experience the region's traditional culture, food, and arts all in one place.