Marine Cultural Tourism Gwangalli Eobang Festival: Cultural Inheritance and Efficiency Enhancement from a Humanistic Perspective

Abstract

This study first examines the establishment of Gyeongsang-jwasuyeong, currently Suyeong-dong, Busan, where the Gwangalli Eobang Festival is held, and the activities of the Gyeongsang Left Navy to analyze how the region’s history and cultural characteristics are faithfully reflected in the programs of the Gwangalli Eobang (Fishing Village) Festival. Next, it explores the inheritance of naval and fishing folk culture from a humanistic perspective based on the characteristics and past Gwangalli Eobang Festivals and the five major programs. Lastly, the study proposes methods to enhance the efficiency of the Gwangalli Eobang Festival as a marine cultural tourism event. The Gwangalli Eobang Festival aims to preserve and develop the unique traditional culture and noble spirit that embody the cooperation of Korean ancestors. It focuses on the fishing cooperatives called “Eobang (Fishing Villages)” formed by the naval forces and fishermen during the Joseon Dynasty. This study examines the five major programs of the Gwangalli Eobang Festival, which are based on the traditional naval and fishing folk culture. Furthermore, this study analyzes the characteristics and issues of the Gwangalli Eobang Festival in line with the literature “Comprehensive Assessment on Cultural Tourism Festivals” published by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism from 2010, when the Gwangalli Eobang Festival was first selected by the ministry to be surveyed, to the present. The assessment concentrated on three aspects: satisfaction, program, and operation. The visitor satisfaction surveys reveal the festival is still at the national average level, and many areas in the program and operation sections need improvement. Lastly, the study identifies improvements based on the suggestions of the previous literature, “Comprehensive Assessment of Cultural Tourism Festivals.” Considering the findings, the study analyzes the 21st Gwangalli Eobang Festival in 2023, including its characteristics and challenges. The study proposes 10 measures to enhance the efficiency of the festival in the future.