A festival combining music and camping was held in Jeungdo, Sinan County, showcasing the potential for stay-type tourism in the island region.
Sinan County reported that over 2,000 people participated in the boutique festival 'THE GRATEFUL CAMP 2026 (TGC),' which took place from September 3 to 6 at Jjangttungeo Beach.
Hosted by Berry High, this year's TGC marked its fifth edition. The festival is characterized by its unique approach, allowing visitors to enjoy music performances, camping, and wellness programs in nature, encouraging them to stay in the area for an extended period rather than just attending a concert.
This year's event attracted around 2,000 attendees, including special ticket holders and invited guests. Among them, 748 participants camped at the designated area near Jjangttungeo Beach.
Notably, campers enjoyed performances and experiential programs during the day and stayed overnight at the beach campsite, marking a shift from day-trip tourism to a model that includes both accommodation and experiences.
The program also featured activities beyond music performances, including aerobics classes, yoga sessions, potluck parties, and sports events, allowing participants to engage and interact.
The festival effectively connected Jeungdo's natural environment with its content, incorporating local scenic spots such as the beach, tidal flats, and sunsets into the performances and camping experience, enabling participants to immerse themselves in Jeungdo's nature for a longer duration.
Sinan County believes that enhancing the competitiveness of island tourism requires not only increasing visitor numbers but also extending the duration of their stay. The county plans to expand stay-type tourism by linking natural landscapes with cultural and experiential content.
Kim Tae-sung, the mayor of Sinan County, stated, “This TGC exemplifies a shift from tourists briefly visiting to a model where they stay and experience nature, culture, and community. We aim to increase the duration of tourist stays by connecting Jeungdo's unique natural environment with diverse content, making it a destination people want to return to.”
Meanwhile, TGC operates on a model where participants stay in one location for three nights and four days, experiencing various programs centered around music and camping. Sinan County plans to continue exploring ways to promote stay-type tourism by connecting the island's beaches and tidal flats with accommodation and cultural content.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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