Every year more than 2 million people come to one of the most ancient cities of South Korea, Changwon, to participate in the biggest spring festival of the country - the Jinhae Gunhangje Festival. Initially, this grand cultural event was a Memorial Day for Navy Admiral Yi Sunsin, who was in the Navy during the Joseon dynasty. The legendary naval commander is revered by locals as a hero and national savior. Numerous celebrations are held in his honor throughout Korea.
Today, the large-scale spectacular event, which is held during the flowering period of fragrant cherry trees, is a significant event among not only Koreans but also all the foreigners who come to Korea to enjoy that fairy-tale atmosphere of a celebration. During these days, several colorful events take place on the city streets and squares all at once. Among the events is the parade march in honor of the victory of the great admiral and his army in the Imjin War of the 16th century and the stunning costumed procession of the military band and the honor guard. Thanks to these two events, the participants and the viewers may get acquainted with the rich history of Korea during the Joseon dynasty. Moreover, they have an opportunity to see the military uniform of various types of troops: from airborne troops to marines.
That fantastic festival is celebrated not only on the ground but also in the air: professional pilots organize a unique «Black Eagles» air show. Eight military aircraft reach for the sky under the applause of the audience and perform dangerous aerial stunts impressing people with their skill and courage. In the evening, a different performance starts: city buildings, bridges, and various constructions, which are decorated with modern lighting, are illuminated with thousands of lights. At that time, amazing laser shows start on the central sites of the city. The unique festival in Changwon ends up with a gorgeous traditional firework, the lights of which can be seen far from the vicinity of the city.