Governor Shin Youngjae: "We Will Enhance the Brand Value of Hongcheon Glutinous Corn and Revitalize the Local Economy"

Hongcheon County Launches 30th Hongcheon Glutinous Corn Festival
A New Leap Forward for Hongcheon’s Signature Summer Event
Awards Presented for Corn King and Corn Liquor Brewing Contest
"Writing a New Future for Hongcheon’s Signature Summer Festival"

The 'Hongcheon Glutinous Corn Festival,' with a 30-year history, has opened in grand fashion, signaling a new leap forward as one of Korea's representative summer agricultural festivals.

Shin Youngjae, Hongcheon County Governor, is holding the opening ceremony of the "30th Hongcheon Chal Corn Festival" on the 17th at Tori Forest in Hongcheon Urban Forest Park. Courtesy of Hongcheon County

Hongcheon County, Gangwon Province (Governor Shin Youngjae), held the opening ceremony of the '30th Hongcheon Glutinous Corn Festival' on the 17th at Torisup Forest in Hongcheon Urban Forest Park, kicking off the three-day festival. This year’s festival, held under the slogan “30 Years of History, Writing a New Future for Hongcheon Glutinous Corn,” will continue until the 19th.

The opening ceremony was attended by local farmers, residents, and tourists, who gathered to celebrate the festival’s 30th anniversary. The event featured a pre-ceremony performance, the national pledge, introduction of guests, commendations for contributors to the festival’s development, the coronation of the Corn King, awards for the Corn Liquor Brewing Contest, and the official opening performance, all of which contributed to the lively festival atmosphere.

Shin Youngjae, Governor of Hongcheon County, expressed his gratitude by presenting certificates of commendation to Shim Youngju, President of Hongcheon Agricultural Cooperative; Kim Heecheol, President of Hwacheon Agricultural Cooperative; Kwon Cheoljung, President of Seohongcheon Agricultural Cooperative; and Huh Namyoung, President of Yeongguimi Agricultural Cooperative, for their contributions to the development of the festival and the competitiveness of Hongcheon glutinous corn.

The title of ‘Corn King’ for outstanding production of high-quality glutinous corn was awarded to Park Youngho of Yeongguimi-myeon, Lee Yongil of Hwacheon-myeon, Kim Hyeongdong of Duchon-myeon, and Ryu Jaeik of Nam-myeon, who each received honors for their achievements.

At the 'Corn Liquor Brewing Contest,' which showcased the potential of traditional liquors and processed products made from Hongcheon glutinous corn, Choi Woo-hyuk won the Grand Prize, and Han Sanghun won the Gold Prize. Silver and Bronze Prizes were also awarded, highlighting the potential to expand the added value of local agricultural products.

Governor Shin stated, “The Hongcheon Glutinous Corn Festival is Hongcheon’s representative summer festival, created together by farmers, residents, and tourists over the past 30 years. I deeply appreciate the dedication of the agricultural cooperatives and farmers who have supported the festival’s growth.”

Shin Youngjae, Hongcheon County Governor (center), is presenting a certificate of commendation at the opening ceremony of the 30th Hongcheon Glutinous Corn Festival held at Tori Forest in Hongcheon Urban Forest Park on the 17th. Provided by Hongcheon County

He continued, “We will strengthen the production base and actively support product development to further enhance the quality and brand value of Hongcheon glutinous corn. We will do our best to ensure that the festival not only increases farmers’ income but also revitalizes the local economy.”

After the opening ceremony, various participatory programs such as performances by local clubs and guest singers, a corn eating contest, and a corn tower building competition took place. The festival grounds also hosted sales booths for Hongcheon glutinous corn and other local agricultural specialties, corn seed and product exhibition halls, hands-on experience booths, photo zones, and a water park, all of which captivated visitors.

Now in its 30th year, the Hongcheon Glutinous Corn Festival is recognized as more than just an agricultural sales event. It is evaluated as a leading regional brand festival that promotes the excellence of Hongcheon glutinous corn nationwide while connecting agriculture and tourism.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.