Festival lighting becomes a permanent nighttime landmark, enhancing traditional ambiance and local tourism appeal.
Danyang-gun has decided to continue operating and maintaining the “Samjogo lantern” night lighting, featuring Samjogo, a three-legged crow from Korean mythology symbolizing the sun and prosperity, which was installed during the Ondal Cultural Festival, even after the event concluded, creating a nighttime streetscape that reflects traditional aesthetics. The decision follows strong positive feedback from residents and repeated requests to keep the lights in operation.
Rather than remaining a temporary festival display, the lanterns are being repositioned as a permanent feature of everyday urban scenery. Based on feedback from the site, an operational system has been introduced that balances long-term sustainability with maintenance efficiency, moving away from one-time decorative installations.
During the festival, the Samjogo lanterns were illuminated from sunset until sunrise the following day. For permanent operation, facility upgrades were implemented, including the installation of automated streetlight timers, to improve energy efficiency and streamline maintenance. As a result, the lanterns now turn on automatically at sunset and remain lit until 10 p.m. each night.
The gentle glow of the Samjogo lanterns continues beyond the festival, extending its lingering atmosphere while establishing a new nighttime landmark for Danyang. The warm, colorful lights create a calm and inviting mood throughout the streets, offering residents and visitors a memorable nighttime experience distinct from daytime scenery.
Residents and visitors have responded positively, saying the area feels more vibrant and that nighttime walking feels safer. In addition to improving pedestrian safety and evening comfort, the lighting demonstrates strong potential as a nighttime tourism asset that visually expresses the region’s cultural identity and traditions.
Danyang-gun plans to maintain a pleasant and safe nighttime environment through regular inspections and systematic management. The county is also reviewing phased lighting concepts that introduce seasonal and thematic variations over time.
Source: Danyang-gun Office
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