Hoengseong Korean Beef Festival to Open on Seomgang on the 7th, Becoming a Festival That Keeps the Lights On at Night

【Financial News Hoengseong—Kim Gi-seop】The Hoengseong Korean Beef Festival, which attracted more than 320,000 visitors last year—well above its target—is seeking to transform itself this year into a festival that encourages visitors to stay overnight, with activities continuing late into the night.
The Hoengseong Culture and Tourism Foundation said on the 5th that the 22nd Hoengseong Korean Beef Festival will be held around the Seomgang riverside area in Hoengseong County for five days from the 7th to the 11th. This year's festival carries the theme 'Hoengseong, the City of Shining Flavor' and the slogan 'Taste, Stay, Shine.' The 21st festival last year drew 326,617 visitors, exceeding its initial target of 300,000.
The foundation has extended operating hours and significantly expanded nighttime programs so that visitors can stay in the area and enjoy the festival, rather than simply making a day trip to the festival grounds. A large-scale multimedia fireworks show will light up the sky over Seomgang on the 7th and 10th, while the 'Seomgang Starlight Lantern Festa' and 'Hoengseong Night 1988' will fill the festival's nighttime hours.
The program consists of 17 offerings across three categories: food, culture and the arts, and hands-on experiences.


The signature 'Hoengseong Hanwoo Guiteo' program will feature three livestock organizations—the Hoengseong Livestock Cooperative, the National Agricultural Cooperative Federation (NACF), and the Korean Beef Cooperative—allowing visitors to choose and grill Korean beef themselves. This year, the festival will sell various cuts as well as by-products, expanding the options for sampling Korean beef. Regional foods and agricultural specialties will be available at the 'Hoengseong Matmadang Food Zone' and the 'Hoengseong Local Farm Market.'
Performances will continue every day throughout the festival. Lee Chan-won, Na Sang-do, Heo Min-young, Park Seo Jin and Na Tae-joo will appear at the 'Woo-ah-han Music Festa.' The '7080 Retro Carnival' and 'Time-Slip Retro Street,' which revive the 1970s and 1980s, will offer performances and activities that parents and children can enjoy together.
The festival will also feature more spaces aimed at children and families. The 'Kids Dream Busking' performances, 'Memories Playground Kids Park' and experience booths will offer programs in which children can participate directly. Across from Seomgang, the 'Uhwa (Cow Flower) Garden,' decorated with seasonal flowers and sculptures, will provide a place for walks and relaxation. At the Kooksoondang Juhyangro Experience Center, visitors can make makgeolli and experience traditional liquor culture.
The festival also includes measures to encourage visitors to explore beyond the festival grounds. The foundation plans to provide information and linked programs for major local attractions, including Hoengseong Luge, Byeongjibang Camping Site, Hoengseong Lake Trail, Anheung Jjinppang Village and the Hoengseong Korean Beef Experience Center. The aim is to turn festival visits into longer stays and increased spending throughout Hoengseong. A 'Happy Hanwoo Welcome Center' at the festival grounds will provide tourism information as well as safety and convenience services. The foundation also plans to broaden participation by local merchants, farmers and businesses to invigorate the regional economy.
Kim Dae-jung, president of the Hoengseong Culture and Tourism Foundation, said, "We expanded the range of products to include cuts by part and by-products, making the process of choosing Korean beef more enjoyable. We also carefully prepared the night of Seomgang, illuminated by fireworks and lanterns. We will run the festival seamlessly so that visitors' journeys continue to the luge, lake trail and jjinppang village after they leave the festival grounds, creating a trip that includes an overnight stay in Hoengseong."



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