Discover the 10th CECO DAY Hanjanhaseco: A Summer Night Festival in Changwon, South Korea

Written By: Poulomi Sinha

Poulomi Sinha

I am a passionate travel writer and digital content creator dedicated to bringing the past vividly to life for modern explorers. I specialize in cultural tourism and historical storytelling, creating engaging, well-researched content that blends education with compelling narratives. My deep fascination with history and heritage preservation has led me to actively participate in heritage workshops, where I have gained hands-on experience in architectural conservation and community-led cultural initiatives. As a writer for a prominent online travel magazine, I transform destinations into immersive stories, uncovering the hidden histories behind ancient landmarks and heritage sites while inspiring readers to explore their rich cultural significance.

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July 9, 2026 09:17 GMT+5:30

Image generated with Ai

This July, the Changwon Convention Centre (CECO) is going all out to crank up the volume on the lively energy of South Gyeongsang Province with a new immersive experience for locals and travellers. July 10-12, 2026, CECO’s expansive outdoor plaza will be transformed into a vibrant, multi-cultural hub. Officially named the 10th CECO DAY Hanjanhaseco, the festival is meaningful to the region’s cultural calendar as it celebrates the first Gyeongnam Tourism Day on July 11 and is the highlight of the Gyeongnam Tourism Week, which runs from July 5 to July 18.

A New Vision for a Classic Landmark

While the CECO DAY programme has successfully reached its 10th anniversary, this year’s iteration represents a departure from tradition. For the first time, the convention centre’s outdoor space is being reimagined as a sophisticated, open-air summer night market. The plaza, usually a transit point or a backdrop for conferences, is being opened to the public as an inclusive, citizen-participation space. By integrating tourism, local culture, and a commitment to eco-friendly practices, the organizers are seeking to foster a deeper connection between the facility and the community.

From Daylight Refreshment to Evening Ambiance

The festival has been thoughtfully designed to shift with the changing rhythm of the summer day. During the sun-drenched morning and afternoon hours—specifically from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.—the outdoor plaza is being utilized as a shaded retreat. Large, protective canopies are being deployed across the centre of the plaza, offering visitors a reprieve from the heat while they enjoy a selection of iced coffees and chilled beverages.

As the sun begins to set, the venue undergoes a complete transformation. Atmospheric lighting is being introduced to drape the plaza in a warm, festive glow, effectively shifting the mood from a relaxed daytime rest area to a lively, vibrant night market. The transition is being punctuated by live entertainment, with busking performances scheduled for Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. These performances are being curated to enhance the sensory experience, providing a rhythmic backdrop to the summer evening air.

Culinary Delights and Sunset Sips

The festival’s food and beverage offerings are being structured to perfectly complement the changing atmosphere. Once the clock strikes 5 p.m., the daytime coffee service is being replaced by a sophisticated evening menu. Visitors are invited to partake in the “night market” experience by enjoying draft beer, which is being served alongside a variety of pub-style snacks, including golden chicken tenders, crisp french fries, and various dried delicacies. This pairing of refreshing drinks and savoury bites is being positioned as the ideal way for residents and tourists to unwind after a day of exploring the region.

Sustainability at the Forefront

In alignment with modern environmental standards, sustainability is being woven into the core of the festival’s operations. A deliberate effort is being made to reduce waste through a tiered incentive programme. Visitors are being actively encouraged to bring their own personal tumblers to the event. Furthermore, for those who arrive without one, specialized “Hanjanhaseco” reusable cups are being made available for purchase on a first-come, first-served basis. To reward this commitment to eco-friendly behaviour, a discount of 1,000 won is being applied to every glass of draft beer purchased by those using these sustainable vessels. This initiative is being viewed as a vital step in promoting responsible tourism practices throughout Gyeongnam Province.

Revitalizing the Local Tourism Ecosystem

The broader objective behind this three-day celebration is the revitalization of the local tourism landscape. By utilizing the CECO plaza as a venue for cultural engagement, the Gyeongnam Tourism Organization is aiming to drive foot traffic into the heart of Changwon. It is being emphasized that the project serves as a cornerstone for injecting new vitality into the local economy and ensuring that regional landmarks are viewed as living, breathing components of the city’s social fabric.

By bridging the gap between professional convention infrastructure and public leisure space, the organizers hope to establish a successful model for future events. The success of this inaugural night market is expected to pave the way for a more dynamic and accessible tourism strategy in South Gyeongsang Province, proving that even the most formal of spaces can be adapted to foster community joy and celebration during the height of the summer season.