Approximately 190,000 visitors attended the 11th Kangjin Bay Dancing Reed Festival, which showcased the stunning golden reeds and highlighted the beauty of autumn in the southern region of South Korea.
The festival, held at Kangjin Bay Ecological Park from October 24 to November 1, attracted a total of 190,000 tourists, according to the Kangjin County government on November 2.
Despite several rainy days during the festival, families, couples, and group tourists flocked to the event on the opening and closing weekends.
This year's festival featured a combination of ecological experiences, performances, and relaxation programs centered around the natural scenery of Kangjin Bay, allowing visitors to enjoy the autumn atmosphere among the reed fields.
Notably, the walking paths along the reed fields and the ecological exploration programs drew significant interest, providing a space for visitors to experience the ecological value of Kangjin Bay firsthand.
Guided tours through the reed forest, along with visits to the ecological experience center, which includes a mudflat ecology exhibition hall, a 4D video room, and an observation deck, were popular among attendees.
The 'Reed Viewing' program, which allows visitors to relax while enjoying the view of the reed fields, effectively connected the experience of being in nature with the festival's offerings.
Family-friendly activities also received positive feedback, with facilities for children including a kids' zone and a play park featuring crafting, play, and environmental resource recycling programs. Interactive events like 'Kangjin Friends Moa Moa Tap Tap!' and a stamp tour were also organized.
The distribution of experience facilities throughout the festival grounds allowed tourists to move along the reed fields while engaging in various programs.
A couple in their 30s from Mokpo visiting with their children expressed surprise at the abundance of hands-on activities for kids, stating, "There are so many places for the kids to experience and play. We want to return to the kids' zone next year."
Performances also added to the festive atmosphere. The opening celebration featured Kim Yong-bin, followed by a healing talk concert by Kim Je-dong and a performance by Song Ga-in. The final weekend included a sing-along show with Robocar Poli and a concert titled 'Reed Autumn Aroma' featuring KCM, Go Yu-jin, and The One.
The festival concluded on November 1 with the finals of 'Reed Forest Star Birth' and a congratulatory performance by singer Lee Hyun, wrapping up the nine-day event.
This festival also aimed to connect tourists with the local economy. Visitors flocked to local food stalls, direct sales of quality agricultural products, and the Kangjin Sunset Market, while events like the Goblin Market and payback promotions were held to stimulate local commerce.
Kangjin County believes that the influx of 190,000 tourists positively impacted local restaurants, cafes, and accommodations.
However, the extent to which this visitor count translates into increased sales for the local economy will need to be assessed through future evaluations of consumption performance and economic ripple effects.
Kang Jin-won, the mayor of Kangjin County, stated, "This year's reed festival focused on creating an event where families could stay and enjoy, based on the natural environment of Kangjin Bay."
He added, "I would like to thank the tourists, residents, and everyone who contributed to the preparation of the festival. We will continue to develop this festival to increase the local population and provide tangible benefits to the local economy."
Furthermore, Kangjin County plans to enhance the potential for stay-type tourism by combining the ecological resources of Kangjin Bay with family experience content, aiming to extend tourists' stay and spending while considering ecological preservation in future festival operations.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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