[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Yukbong] Naju City, Jeollanam-do (Mayor Kang In-gyu) announced on the 5th that it has decided to completely cancel the festival events scheduled for the second half of this year, including the 6th Korea Mahan Culture Festival, to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Accordingly, the Yeongsanpo Skatefish Festival and the Millennium Naju Mok-eupseong Cultural Festival, which had been postponed from the first half to the second half of this year (September to October), were also canceled.
The city made this decision prioritizing the health and safety of the public, considering the recent domestic spread of COVID-19 has not subsided, including cluster infections at Itaewon clubs and Coupang logistics centers.
Although festivals have a positive impact on the local economy, large-scale mass infections are a concern due to close contact among many people gathered at such events.
The festival budget will also be saved, which is expected to help alleviate the city's financial burden related to various COVID-19 support payments.
Mayor Kang In-gyu said, “It is regrettable to cancel the region’s representative festivals, but this unavoidable decision was made prioritizing the health and safety of the public amid the COVID-19 spread situation. Currently, we are focusing on COVID-19 prevention and economic support, and we will prepare to improve and develop programs for better festivals next year.”
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
