G-Festa Gwangju Showcased the Charm of 'Yehyang and Mihyang'

‘Taste and Style’ City Shines... Rich Tourism Festival
Kang Ki-jung: “Synergistic Vitality Linking Attractions and People”

Scenes from the "Gwangju Memories Chungjang Festival" held under the theme "Chungjang Bright Light (光)" from the 2nd to the 6th in the Geumnam-ro and Chungjang-ro areas of Gwangju.
[Photo provided by Gwangju City]

The '2024 G-Festa Gwangju,' which filled the autumn of Bitgoeul with excitement, fun, and culinary delights, concluded its grand 29-day journey.

According to Gwangju City on the 28th, the 'G-Festa Gwangju,' which integrated 17 festivals, events, and MICE hosted by 12 organizations until the 26th, was introduced for the first time this year. This event was promoted to showcase the charm of Gwangju, an Asian cultural hub city, an art travel city, and a city of taste, to extend tourists' stay time and revitalize the local economy. In particular, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism recognized it as an excellent case of a regional festival integrated brand, gaining nationwide recognition.

Season 1, Joyful, which offered fun and emotion through Gwangju's unique art, was held over 19 days from September 25 to October 13, consisting of 11 events. First, visitors to the '15th Gwangju Biennale' (September 7?December 1), one of the world's three major biennales celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, enjoyed a stay-type tourism environment by exploring the event venues during the 'G-Festa Gwangju' period and fully experiencing Gwangju's charm. The region's largest beer festival, 'Beer Fest,' was held from September 25 to 29 at the outdoor plaza of the Kim Dae-jung Convention Center, sharing the stage with the 'Gwangju Sound Park Festival' to offer various entertainment options to attendees.

At the cultural content exhibition 'Gwangju ACE Fair,' over 36,000 visitors attended, resulting in export consultation achievements worth $36.5 million. The 'Gwangju Nostalgic Chungjang Festival' (October 2?6), held around Geumnam-ro and Chungjang-ro under the theme 'Chungjang Bright (光),' featured the Busking World Cup and the National Asia Culture Center's Asia Culture Week consecutively, showcasing the characteristics of an urban festival.

Season 2, 'Tasty Gwangju,' was held for 10 days from October 17 to 26, focusing on taste. The 'Gwangju Food Expo' (October 17?20) hosted 300 companies operating 450 booths, displaying various food-related products, achieving consultation amounts of 10.4 billion KRW and contracts worth 3.2 billion KRW, more than double last year. The 'Gwangju Kimchi Festival' (October 18?20) offered a variety of programs such as the Thousand People's Table, Star Chef Food Show, Kimchi Contest, and Hello Concert, providing both sights and entertainment.

The 'Gwangju Songjeong Namdo Taste Festival' on October 19 and the 'Dongmyeong Coffee Walk' on October 26 further illuminated Gwangju's culinary scene. The accommodation discount promotion (September 26?October 31), conducted to promote Gwangju's culture, art, and gastronomy and attract tourists, was fully booked daily on a first-come, first-served basis, demonstrating the popularity of G-Festa Gwangju.

Mayor Kang Gi-jung emphasized, "The 'G-Festa Gwangju,' introduced for the first time this year with the themes of art and gastronomy, successfully concluded with the participation of many people. We connected and integrated festivals, attractions, and people to enhance synergy. Going forward, through festival city branding that embodies Gwangju's unique assets and values, we will create a fun and vibrant 'Kkuljam City' Gwangju."