Jeonbuk Gochang-gun Holds Opening Ceremony of the 26th Gochang Haepung Chili Pepper Festival

[Gochang=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Jaegil] The 26th Gochang Haepung Chili Pepper Festival, rich with experiential activities, has opened successfully.

According to Gochang-gun, Jeonbuk, on the 27th, the opening ceremony of the 26th Gochang Haepung Chili Pepper Festival was held at 5 p.m. on a special stage at the Haeri-myeon Gymnasium Plaza.

Starting with a pre-ceremony Nanta performance, there was a kimchi-making event called "Kimchi of Love" using Haepung chili peppers, and a bibimbap feast for 500 people was prepared to promote harmony among residents, where tourists participating in the event shared bibimbap together.

Held under the theme "Pure Haepung Chili Pepper, Experience Its True Taste and True Light," this event takes place over two days from the 27th to the 28th at the Haeri-myeon Gymnasium Plaza area. It features chili peppers grown in the pure Gochang Biosphere Reserve and the Ramsar-designated clean Gochang Gaetbal, nurtured by the sea breeze blowing from these areas.

In particular, visitors can directly see and purchase Haepung chili peppers harvested with sweat during this unusually hot summer.

Additionally, various interactive activities using Haepung chili peppers are planned to provide enjoyment, including making chili pepper-shaped keychains with bead art that children can easily follow, filling up Haepung chili peppers, stacking chili peppers high, guessing the weight of chili peppers, and making Haepung chili pepper pancakes.

For entertainment, the first day features a pungmul troupe parade, and an instant karaoke corner called "I Am Also a Singer," where tourists can participate, has been prepared.

Also, WBS Original Sound Broadcasting's "Joeunhyung's Gayo World" will be held, featuring famous singers such as Jung Sura, Kang Hyeyeon, Kang Jin, and Kim Seonghwan, creating a lively festival that everyone can enjoy.

County Governor Shim Deokseop said, "We will make the Haepung Chili Pepper Festival a place for harmony between producers and consumers, widely promote our local agricultural and specialty products, and contribute to revitalizing the local economy."

Gochang=Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Jaegil bless4ya@asiae.co.kr