A fall festival combining performances and ecological experiences will take place in Gangjin Bay, where golden reeds, wetlands, and sunsets create a picturesque backdrop.
Gangjin County announced on October 12 that the 11th 'Dancing Reeds Festival' will be held from October 24 to November 1 at the Gangjin Bay Ecological Park.
This year's festival features over 70 programs centered around the ecological resources of Gangjin Bay, including reeds and wetlands, combining performances, experiences, exhibitions, and food. The festival aims to move beyond spectator events, allowing visitors to walk, create, and engage directly with the activities.
The opening ceremony will begin on October 24 in the main stage area with pre-show performances by local arts groups and invited performers, followed by a congratulatory stage featuring singer Kim Yong-bin.
On October 25, the 'Gangjin Reed Music Concert' will take place, showcasing various performances, including a traditional music group and the original musical 'Project Soon.' Singer Song Ga-in will also perform that day, along with a 'Healing Talk Concert' hosted by Kim Je-dong at the ecological park.
Family-friendly performances will continue, with a 'Robocar Poli Sing-Along Show' for children scheduled for October 31.
The 'Star of the Reed Forest' competition, where participants showcase their singing and dancing skills, will hold preliminary rounds on October 25, culminating in the finals on November 1, featuring a performance by singer Lee Hyun.
Programs allowing visitors to experience the ecological environment of Gangjin Bay will also be available.
The 'Gangjin Bay Reed Forest Ecological Exploration Team' will operate daily during the festival, guided by natural ecology interpreters who will lead participants through the reed forest while explaining the wetlands and various species.
On October 25 and 31, a unique program called 'Reed Gazing' will invite participants to spend the most peaceful time observing the reeds, with prizes awarded to top participants.
The 'Gangjin Bay Multi-Color Stamp Tour' will encourage visitors to collect stamps from various festival locations, creating a complete reed forest scene that they can take home as a souvenir.
Family spaces have been expanded for visitors with children. The 'Gangjin Bay Kids Zone' will offer experiences such as making conch shell flutes and water games, while the 'Gangjin Bay Play Park Zone' will feature various sports activities, including golf, table tennis, basketball, and curling.
An 'AI Family Song Creation' program will allow families to create songs based on shared memories, which they can take home.
To promote ecological awareness, a resource recycling program called 'Trash Exchange' will allow participants to exchange collected trash for souvenirs, while eco-friendly crafting experiences will include making acrylic toothpaste keychains, clay earth soaps, and recycled bottle cap clickers.
The festival will also feature local food and specialty products, including a traditional food hall, a direct sales market for agricultural products, a Gangjin Sunset Market, celadon sales and auctions, and a wild tea tasting event. Chrysanthemum exhibitions and picnic mat rental areas will be available for visitors to relax around the reed forest.
Participants in the 'Gangjin Friends Collect and Tap!' program will receive 5,000 won worth of mileage for completing NFC authentication at eight hidden character locations throughout the festival. New members of the related program 'Gangjin Product ON Citizens' can receive up to 10,000 won in mileage benefits.
To commemorate the 11th festival, an event called '11th Anniversary Event, Catch the 11 Seconds!' will also be held.
Gangjin County Mayor Gangjin-won stated, “This year’s reed festival has prepared a variety of programs for families to enjoy and relax together against the backdrop of Gangjin Bay’s beautiful reeds, wetlands, and migratory birds.” He added, “As the golden reeds reach their peak this autumn, I hope families, friends, and couples will visit Gangjin Bay to heal in nature and create special memories.”
Meanwhile, Gangjin Bay Ecological Park offers a space to closely experience the reed forest and wetland ecosystem. This year, Gangjin County plans to operate the festival as a stay-type autumn festival, combining performances with ecological exploration, environmental and resource recycling experiences, and family participation programs.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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