Golden reeds swayed in the autumn rain at Gangjin Bay. Tourists, equipped with umbrellas and raincoats, strolled along the trails through the reed fields, enjoying the deepening fall in the southern region.
The 11th Gangjin Reed Festival, a major autumn event in Gangjin County, Jeollanam-do, kicked off on October 24 at the Gangjin Bay Ecological Park and will run until November 1.
This year's festival features 69 programs, including performances, experiences, and exhibitions that utilize the ecological resources of the reed beds, migratory birds, and wetlands of Gangjin Bay. It particularly aims to attract outside tourists and boost local consumption through the county's signature tourism initiative, 'Gangjin Half-Price Travel.'
Despite the rainy weather on the opening day, tourists, residents, and representatives from various organizations gathered to celebrate the festival's launch.
The opening ceremony included a performance wishing for the selection of Gangjin County's basic income pilot project for rural areas, following a pre-show by local arts groups and invited performers.
Attendees expressed hope for sustainable development and income stability for rural residents through the pilot project.
After the opening ceremony, singer Kim Yong-bin performed, energizing the festival atmosphere despite the rain, as tourists and fans responded enthusiastically.
Visitor reactions were positive. A tourist in his 60s from Suwon, visiting with family, said, "I was considering where to go this fall and chose Gangjin, famous for its half-price travel. The rain has made the trip worthwhile."
A woman in her 50s from Incheon, visiting for a two-day trip with friends, shared, "I meet my friend who married in Gangjin every year at the reed festival, and we had a great time again this year."
Sisters who visited the festival after shopping at the Gangjin-eup market noted, "We used our receipts from the market to participate in a leather craft experience. The rain added to the charm of the day."
The festival also offers family-friendly experience programs. Visitors can explore the ecological environment of Gangjin Bay on the 'Gangjin Bay Reed Forest Ecological Exploration' with natural ecology guides, as well as enjoy the 4D video room, mudflat ecological exhibition hall, and toddler mudflat experience room at the Gangjin Bay Ecological Experience and Promotion Center.
The 'Reed Watching' program, which focuses on relaxation while gazing at the reed fields, offers a prize of 200,000 won for the winner. To commemorate the festival's 11th anniversary, a challenge called 'Catch 11 Seconds!' invites participants to stop a stopwatch at exactly 11 seconds.
For children, the 'Gangjin Bay Kids Zone' features activities like making shell flutes, water games, and personalized pins and mirrors. The 'Gangjin Bay Play Park Zone' includes family participation games such as golf hole-in-one, table tennis, basketball, and curling.
At eight locations within the festival grounds, visitors can complete NFC authentication and meet the conditions to join 'Gangjin Pum-Ae ON Citizens' to receive mileage benefits worth up to 10,000 won.
In the latter part of the festival, performances will continue. On October 31, a 'Robocar Poli Sing-Along Show' for children and a stage featuring KCM, Go Yu-jin, and The One will be held.
The final day, November 1, will feature the finals of the tourist participation program 'Star Born in the Reed Forest' and a performance by singer Lee Hyun.
Gangjin County plans to operate a direct sales market for agricultural and specialty products, food stalls, a sunset viewing area, and celadon auctions at the festival site to ensure that tourist spending benefits local farmers and small businesses.
Notably, the Gangjin Half-Price Travel initiative is a key policy aimed at attracting tourists and revitalizing the local economy.
This initiative is funded by 2 billion won from the national budget for the response to local extinction.
The application period for the half-price travel program runs from October 20 to November 30, during which existing business criteria will apply to applicants traveling.
Travel for December will be open for applications later, with plans to implement improvements to alleviate the concentration of spending in specific stores and sectors while expanding local consumption by outside tourists.
Gangjin County Mayor Gang Jin-won stated, "This year's reed festival, enjoyed through the Gangjin Half-Price Travel initiative, is a special event where families, friends, and couples can create lasting memories while enjoying performances and experiences in the beautiful nature of Gangjin Bay. I hope for good news regarding the selection of the basic income pilot project for rural areas to reach Gangjin."
He added, "We will do our best to ensure that both residents and tourists can enjoy the festival safely and comfortably until the last day."
The 11th Gangjin Reed Festival will continue at the Gangjin Bay Ecological Park until November 1. Gangjin County aims to enhance tourist stay time and invigorate the local economy by linking reed forest exploration, ecological experiences, cultural performances, and sales of local agricultural products.
Tourists wishing to participate in the Gangjin Half-Price Travel program should check the application requirements and support criteria before traveling.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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