By Charles Audouin
Video = World Heritage Festival Jeju's official YouTube channel

Concerts, exhibitions and interactive programs will raise public awareness of the value and significance of the country's cultural assets designated UNESCO World Heritage.

The Korea Heritage Service (KHS) and Korea Heritage Agency on Sept. 19 announced their joint hosting of the World Heritage Festival.

Marking its fifth edition this year, the festival from Sept. 23 through next month will be held in the following places in this order: Goryeong-gun County, Gyeongsangbuk-do Province (Jisandong Ancient Tombs); Buyeo-gun County and Gongju both in Chungcheongnam-do Province and Iksan, Jeollabuk-do Province (Baekje Historic Areas); Suncheon, Jeollanam-do Province (Seonamsa Temple and Suncheon Getbol); and Jeju Island (Jeju Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes).

From Sept. 23 to Oct. 6, an outdoor mystery game, night tours and storytelling events will promote the history of the ancient tombs in Goryeong-gun.

In addition, a performance from Sept. 20-24 at the Daeseong-dong Tumuli (Burial Mounds) in Gimhae, Gyeongsangnam-do Province, will feature audience participation to commemorate the first anniversary of the site's designation as UNESCO World Heritage.

Jisandong Ancient Tombs of Goryeong-gun County, Gyeongsangnam-do Province (World Heritage Management Center for the Gaya Tumuli)

Buyeo-gun County, Gongju and Iksan, all home to Baekje Historic Areas, from Sept. 27 to Oct. 17 will offer a day trip to a World Heritage site plus interactive programs like children's performances and exhibitions to promote the history and culture of the ancient Baekje Kingdom (18 B.C.-A.D. 660).

Next month, Seonamsa will host temple food and meditation programs and Suncheon Getbol (Tidal Flat) eco tours.

Jeju Island from Oct. 11-22 will feature its distinct natural heritage through an expedition in which visitors explore the formation of the Geomunoreum Volcanic Cone, as well as night exploration of Hallasan Mountain and Seongsan Ilchulbong Sunrise Peak.

The Hallasan expedition is slated for Oct. 12 and that of the peak from Oct. 11-13 and Oct. 18-20.

Jeongnimsa Temple Site in Buyeo-gun County, Chungcheongnam-do Province (Baekje Historic Areas of World Heritage Festival)

The Royal Palaces and Tombs Center of the KHS on Oct. 11 will hold the opening ceremony for this year's Korea Heritage Joseon Royal Tombs Festival at Hongneung and Yureung Royal Tombs in Namyangju, Gyeonggi-do Province.

From Oct. 12-20, the province will host performances, tours, interactive programs and exhibitions, starting at East Nine Royal Tombs in Guri and later at the royal tombs of Gwangneung and Sareung in Namyangju and those of Yeongneung in Yeoju.

caudouin@korea.kr