Regional food and fruit festivals draw large crowds in South Korea

South Korea is hosting major regional festivals in Cheongsong and Gimcheon, drawing significant visitor numbers despite varying weather conditions.

The 20th Cheongsong Apple Festival is scheduled to take place from October 4 to 8 in Cheongsong-eup. The event features a mix of online and offline programs, including apple-themed games, parades, and an airshow by the Republic of Korea Air Force Black Eagles. An online component of the festival has already attracted over 2.5 million visitors. Local accommodations are reportedly fully booked for the event period.

Meanwhile, the 3rd Gimcheon Gimbap Festival recently concluded in Gimcheon, attracting an estimated 160,000 visitors over three days. The festival showcased approximately 60 varieties of gimbap. To manage the large crowds, organizers implemented improved transportation via shuttle buses and a QR code-based ordering system. Despite rainy weather and some challenges with ingredient availability and dining space, visitors noted improvements in accessibility compared to previous years.