Wanju Iseo Hwangto Hyangeo Festival Opens on Oct. 17

A wide range of events through October 18, from bare-handed hyangeo catching to a singing contest

A festival where visitors can catch hyangeo with their bare hands and enjoy local specialties and performances will be held in Iseo-myeon, Wanju County.

According to Wanju County on October 15, the Wanju Hyangeo Fishery Cooperative Corporation and the Korea Hyangeo Aquaculture Association will hold the 8th Iseo Hwangto Hyangeo Festival for two days, from October 17 to 18, on the lawn and surrounding grounds at the headquarters of the Korea Electrical Safety Corporation.

Poster for the 8th Iseo Hwangto Hyang-eo Festival. Provided by Wanju County Office.

The festival was organized to promote the excellence of Wanju hyangeo and boost consumption, helping local aquaculture farms secure sales channels and increase their income. Its signature hands-on program is "Catch the Golden Hyangeo!" in which participants catch live hyangeo with their bare hands. The event will be held four times in total during the festival. A half don of gold will be awarded as a prize to the first-place winner to encourage visitors to take part.

The venue will host promotions and sales of agricultural and specialty products from Iseo-myeon, cultural performances by local residents, a lunchbox concert, and balloon and bubble performances. There will also be a fish exhibition, a goldfish-catching activity, and an inflatable play area for children and families.

On October 18, the final day of the festival, the finals of the "Local Residents' Singing Contest with the Korea Electrical Safety Corporation" will be held, hosted by broadcaster Jo Yeong-gu. Singers Bicycle Riding Scenery and Glass Box will take the stage and add to the festive atmosphere.

Wanju County Governor Yoo Hee-tae said, "I hope this festival will widely promote the flavor and excellence of Wanju hyangeo and encourage more consumers to seek it out." He added, "We will continue to provide support to boost hyangeo consumption, increase fishermen's incomes, and revitalize the local economy."

Hyangeo is one of the representative species farmed in inland waters. Jeonbuk State accounts for about 80% of the nation's hyangeo production, while Iseo-myeon in Wanju County is a major production area responsible for about 70% of Jeonbuk's output.

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