The city of Gimhae will host the '2026 Gimhae Youth Festival FEEL SO GOODS' from September 12 to 19, showcasing the innovative ideas and talents of local youth. This festival, held during Youth Week, will feature a local goods competition along with various cultural events for residents.
A total budget of 1.05 billion won has been allocated for the event, combining funds from the Gyeongnam Province's 'Youth 365 Hot Place Creation Project' and the youth festival budget.
On September 19, the main event will coincide with the '2026 Gimhae Local Goods Competition,' which has attracted 156 teams. The city will conduct evaluations on September 10 and 11 to select five teams, with the final results to be announced on September 14 on the Gimhae Bio Industry Promotion Agency's website.
A prize pool of 10 million won has been set aside for the competition. Plans for actual sales following the competition have yet to be finalized.
Gimhae City is considering supporting winners who wish to sell their products by facilitating their entry into tourist souvenir shops, with the offline store 'Gakgum Art Market' currently under discussion as a potential venue.
In addition to the major events on September 12 and 19, programs utilizing the Youth Center will continue throughout the festival. The 'Stamp Challenge' will run from September 1 to 19, encouraging participants to complete missions at various locations. Other activities include a photo exhibition by local youth artists titled 'Film Log,' a youth workshop sharing entrepreneurship experiences called 'Road to Gyeongju,' tarot psychological counseling, mock interviews, generative AI training, and craft experiences.
On September 12, the Changui Market in Mugye-dong will host 'Mugye-ro, World-ro Blue Marble,' featuring participation from both local and foreign youth. Events will include an e-sports (LOL) tournament, preliminary rounds for a busking competition, and a potluck party sharing global cuisine.
The main event, 'Goods Festa,' will take place on September 19 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Surungwon and Bongridangil. During the Youth Day ceremony at 2 p.m., 14 individuals will be recognized for their contributions to youth policy development, and awards for the local goods competition will also be presented.
The event will feature over 40 booths, including youth goods experiences and sales, as well as promotions from related organizations. A local goods showcase, brand pop-up stores, goods repair shops, food truck zones, and photo zones will also be available. Among the award-winning products, items reinterpreting Gaya culture and Gimhae's historical and tourism resources will be unveiled.
Following the ceremony, a talk concert by illustrator Yumma, the finals of the local and foreign youth busking competition, and performances by local youth artists and university clubs will take place. A congratulatory performance by singer Kyung Seo-yeji is also scheduled.
Gimhae Mayor Jeong Yeong-du expressed hope that the festival, filled with the ideas and talents of youth, will foster communication and empathy between young people and citizens. He emphasized the city's commitment to creating an environment where youth can explore possibilities and settle in the region.
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.