Naju Yeongsangang Festival Opens on October 7... Final Checks on Performances, Experiences, Transportation, and Safety

Progress Report Meeting Held and Departmental Cooperation Confirmed

Shuttle Bus Operation, Up to 1 Million Won "Lucky Consumer Lottery"

Mayor Byung-tae Yoon: "Addressing Every Inconvenience and Risk to the End"

Naju City, Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Special Self-Governing City, has begun final inspections ahead of the opening of the '2026 Naju Yeongsangang Festival' on October 7, covering all areas of the festival, including programs, transportation, visitor convenience, safety management, and connection with the local commercial district.

According to Naju City on September 11, the day before, Mayor Byung-tae Yoon presided over the '2026 Naju Yeongsangang Festival Final Progress Report Meeting' at the city hall main conference room, attended by all department heads and the heads of towns, townships, and neighborhoods.

Naju City held the "2026 Naju Yeongsangang Festival Final Promotion Status Meeting" on the 9th at the city hall's main conference room. Photo by Naju City

The meeting began with an overall report from the Tourism Division and proceeded to review the operation of major programs, visitor convenience facilities, shuttle bus operation, measures to revitalize the local economy, and safety management plans. Items requiring cooperation between departments were also finalized.

This year’s festival will feature an opening performance, "Queen, Janghwa," as well as a natural dyeing fashion show, “Arangsa Abisa,” the Pinkfong and Tinyping sing-along show, a family magic concert, balloon, bubble, and magic shows, and a Transformers performance.

Programs making use of Naju’s history, culture, and gastronomy have also been prepared, including "Yeongsangang Starlight Wishing Boat Launch," the citizen-participating "Naju Magistrate’s Procession Parade," and "Gastronomy Orchestra on the Yeongsangang" held with master chef Yuseong Ahn.

Experiential programs targeting families will be expanded. Through KidZania career experiences, participants can take part in roles at a 119 emergency center, forensic science team, flight attendant training center, dental clinic, police station, beauty salon, and magic school.

In addition, board games, air bounce, RC boat control, electric cars, natural dyeing, gilt-bronze crown making, and extended reality (XR) content will also be available.

For visitor convenience, the festival grounds will have expanded restroom facilities, sun shades, and rest areas, as well as cool rest stations and nursing rooms. Free mat rentals and rental services for wheelchairs and strollers will also be provided.

To reduce traffic congestion, shuttle buses connecting key locations and the festival site will operate as direct services across three designated zones with no intermediate stops, with intervals of about 10 minutes. Traffic guides will be stationed at pick-up and drop-off points and major intersections.

Events aimed at boosting festival spending in the local commercial district will also take place.

From October 1 to 11, Naju City plans to issue 'Lucky Consumer Lottery Tickets' to visitors who spend a certain amount or more at local shops and restaurants. Through a drawing, they will give out Naju Love Gift Certificates worth up to 1 million won.

Safety management will also be reinforced. Visitor movement routes and the entrances and exits at major performance venues and children’s experience facilities will be pre-checked, and safety staff will be deployed in each area. Emergency contact networks will be established with relevant agencies such as police, fire, and medical institutions, and on-site medical support and information dissemination systems will be put in place.

Mayor Byung-tae Yoon stated, "This is the final check to identify and thoroughly address any inconveniences or risks that might arise at the actual festival site," adding, "We are pouring all administrative efforts into preparations up to the opening to breathe new energy into the old downtown and the local business district and to make this a festival that is long remembered by both citizens and tourists."

The '2026 Naju Yeongsangang Festival' will be held over five days from October 7 to 11 at the Yeongsangang Garden area.

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