By Margareth Theresia
Photos = Park Dae Jin

The reenactment of the Joseon Tongsinsa procession is held on July 26 at the outdoor plaza of the convention center BEXCO in Busan's Haeundae-gu District. The Joseon Tongsinsa was a mission of the Joseon Dynasty dispatched intermittently to Japan centuries ago. The street parade recreated the journey of the envoys, who symbolized cultural exchange and peace diplomacy with Japan during the Joseon era.

The procession highlighted the value of the Tongsinsa records, which are on the list of UNESCO Memory of the World, and Busan's historical and cultural identity as the host city of this year's committee session.

"Night Tour of Busan Wartime Capital National Heritage" on July 25 is held at Yeongdodaegyo Bridge in Jung-gu District. Residents saw a video about their city's 1,023 days as the country's temporary capital during the 1950-53 Korean War, followed by an evening demonstration of the bridge's opening.

With construction launched in 1932, the bridge is the country's first that connects an island to the mainland, linking the districts of Jung-gu and Yeongdo-gu. It stands as a leading symbol of Busan, which was the "refugee capital" during the conflict, as well as the site of reunions and farewells.

A mother on July 25 takes a photo of her daughter dressed in 1950s-style Western clothing at Yurari Square in Jung-gu District during the night tour. Photo zones were arranged at the venue to reenact scenes of daily life in the 1950s.

A performance of "Miryang Arirang: Look at Me" is held on July 24 at the outdoor plaza of BEXCO in Haeundae-gu District. The show combines the Miryang version of the iconic folk song "Arirang" with contemporary rhythms and choreography, while incorporating the unique traditional dance movements of Miryang, Gyeongsangnam-do Province.

Through the perspectives and dance movements of children, the musical drama "Look at Me" conveys a message of communication and harmony between generations embedded in Miryang's traditional folk games.

A veterinarian on July 24 feeds a rescued Eurasian eagle owl chick at the wildlife treatment center of the Nakdong River Estuary Eco Center in Saha-gu District. The facility quietly ensure a healthy ecosystem through professional treatment and rehabilitation for injured wild animals before returning them to nature.

Two women on the Lower Nakdong River Migratory Bird Habitat Eco Tour on July 24 release back into the wild a bird that was nursed back to health at the eco center in Saha-gu District. The treatment center brings animals back to nature after the latter recover through treatment and rehabilitation. Wildlife that cannot be returned due to disability or other conditions receive lifelong care at an alternative waterfowl habitat.

margareth@korea.kr