The Mokpo Port Festival, which once bustled with fishing boats and merchants from across the country, has been revived on the festival stage. The '2026 Mokpo Port Festival' concluded its three-day schedule, showcasing the vibrancy of seafood auctions and the lives of fishermen, along with Mokpo's unique culinary offerings.
The city of Mokpo in South Jeolla Province announced on October 19 that the festival, held from October 16 to 18 at Mokpo Port and Samhakdo, wrapped up with participation from citizens and tourists.
This year's festival centered around 'Traditional Market and Cuisine,' reflecting Mokpo Port's history and lifestyle. It aimed to provide an experience of the port city's identity, moving beyond simple performances and food events.
The highlight program, 'Full Catch at the Market,' recreated the joy of a bountiful catch and the lively atmosphere of the port, offering visitors a glimpse into Mokpo Port's past.
The 'Market Auction Show,' in collaboration with the Mokpo Fisheries Cooperative, featured live auctions of seafood caught that day, allowing attendees to participate and experience the vibrancy of seafood distribution.
The 'RETRO Dock Street,' which recreated the scenery of modern Mokpo Port, also drew attention.
In a space that captured the atmosphere of the old dock, visitors explored the port's lifestyle and enjoyed various seafood dishes through programs like 'Fisherman's Meal,' 'Market Stall,' and 'Guiter.'
Family-oriented programs such as 'Community Gathering: A Day in the Life of a Fisherman' and 'Wishing Glass Buoy' attracted many visitors.
A new program that garnered interest this year was the 'Mokpo Skatefish World Challenge.'
Participants faced the unique challenge of keeping a smile while smelling and tasting fermented skate and China's stinky tofu, introducing Mokpo's representative skate in an unusual way.
The challenge was live-streamed on YouTube, reaching online viewers who could not attend the festival in person.
The festival also aimed to connect with the local economy.
Mokpo City operated the 'Naver Local Growth' program in collaboration with local small businesses and a stamp tour of major tourist sites to encourage festival attendees to support local commerce and tourism.
The festival's layout emphasized the characteristics of a port festival.
It reflected the atmosphere of traditional markets and modern docks in its spatial design, and the opening ceremony was simplified to allow visitors to focus on performances and experiential programs.
Visitor convenience facilities were also provided. A 'Sea View Cafe' was set up for relaxation while overlooking the port, and efforts were made to maintain restroom cleanliness and provide resting areas.
Food booths offered meals at relatively low prices to ease the financial burden on attendees, and an eco-friendly approach was adopted by using reusable containers and a waste collection system to reduce single-use items.
However, this year's festival faced challenges due to adverse weather conditions, including strong winds and rain, highlighting the need for improved safety management and facilities at coastal event sites.
Mokpo City reported that the event concluded without safety incidents, thanks to on-site safety management and participant cooperation.
Nonetheless, the need for facility enhancements against strong winds, protective measures for attendees during rain, and addressing parking inconveniences around the venue remain areas for improvement.
Given the festival's coastal nature, there are calls for more detailed facilities and operational systems to respond to weather changes, as well as effective solutions for recurring parking issues.
The city plans to analyze the successes and shortcomings of this year's festival to inform next year's event.
Park In-ji, head of Mokpo City's Tourism Division, expressed gratitude to citizens and tourists for attending the festival and to everyone who contributed to its safe operation. He stated, 'We will consider marine sports programs utilizing the Samhakdo waterway and yacht marina, and we aim to present an even more enriching festival next year by reflecting on this year's achievements and areas for improvement.'
Meanwhile, Mokpo City showcased festival content that combines traditional market culture, local seafood, and the historical resources of the modern port through this port festival. Plans are underway to enhance the festival's competitiveness by reviewing programs that utilize the port's characteristics, including improvements in weather response facilities and parking convenience, as well as marine sports.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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