Yeoju Ogok Naru Festival attracts record 440,000 visitors

The 26th Yeoju Ogok Naru Festival, held from October 23 to 25 at the Silleuksa Tourist Site, concluded with a record-breaking attendance of approximately 440,000 visitors. This marks a significant increase from the 410,000 visitors recorded last year.

The festival featured a variety of traditional and modern programs, including the ‘Jin-sang Parade’ with large figures of King Sejong the Great and Queen Wongyeong, and the ‘Ssangyong Geo-jul Nori’ traditional tug-of-war. To appeal to younger generations, the event introduced night-time contents such as ‘Naru Nanjang’ and ‘Joseon’s Night,’ a horror-themed escape room experience.

Local agricultural products, specifically Yeoju rice and sweet potatoes, were central to the event. Popular activities included a massive cauldron rice bibimbap tasting and a ‘Sweet Potato Guinness’ record attempt involving a 60-meter roasting station. The festival also served as a significant economic driver, with increased sales of local specialties through direct markets and delivery service booths.