The 43rd Korea Theater Festival

Welcome to the 43rd Korea Theater Festival in Incheon!

Hello! I am Yoo Jeongbok, Mayor of Incheon Metropolitan City 

and Chairperson of the 43rd Korea Theater Festival in Incheon. 

I sincerely welcome and thank all of you for joining us at the opening ceremony. 

We extend our deepest gratitude to Honorary Chairperson Jeon Mu-song, 

Organizing Committee Chairperson Son Jeong-woo, 

and Executive Committee Chairperson Kim Jong-jin, 

as well as those who have worked tirelessly for this festival 

and will continue their efforts through the very end of the event.

A festival of hope that will usher in a new era for South Korean theater

We sincerely hope that the 43rd Korea Theater Festival in Incheon 

will become a beacon of hope, 

paving the way for the future of South Korean theater. 

As the festival’s chairperson, I pledge to do my utmost to fulfill my role.

Incheon—the birthplace of South Korea’s modern history

This place, Incheon, is truly special. 

It is the very place that reshaped South Korea’s history. 

With the opening of Jemulpo Port in 1883, it was the site 

that ushered in Korea’s modernization 

and marked the starting point of the country’s modern culture. 

Today, Incheon opens its coastal waters to the world 

with its bold “Sangsang Platform,” embracing dreams for a new future.

It is in this very city that many “firsts” in South Korea’s history began, 

shaping the nation we know today. 

Incheon is also a city with a rich cultural heritage. 

It is commonly believed that performances 

at Wongaksa and Hyopyulsa in the early 20th century, 

during the 1900s, mark the beginning of Korean performing arts. 

However, it is important to know that it had already begun in Incheon. 

Hyopyulsa began in Incheon 130 years ago, in 1895. 

The performance venue from that time remains today 

as the Ae Kwan Theater, a living testament to Incheon’s cultural heritage.

Incheon, a Cultural Prosperity City (文化盛市) and a Cultural Strong City (文化强市)

With such immense potential in culture and arts, 

Incheon strives to become Korea’s cultural gateway. 

Our goal is to build Incheon into a vibrant city 

of culture (文化盛市) and a stronghold of culture (文化强市). 

My dream—and my mission—is to create a happy Incheon 

where culture and art are part of everyday life, citizens thrive, 

and the people of South Korea feel a collective happiness through the spirit of Incheon. 

I will continue to create this new chapter in history.

Looking Ahead to a Successful Theater Festival

The 43rd Korea Theater Festival is 

an integral part of this historical creation. 

I hope everyone present here today, 

Incheon’s citizens and the people of South Korea, 

will take part and lend their support 

to ensure this festival is a grand success. Congratulations!