Puffed Rice Bowl Is Innovative?...Unanimous Thumbs Up at the Divisive Gimbap Festival

'2024 Gimcheon Gimbap Festival' Held Last Weekend
100,000 Visitors in a City of 130,000 Residents
Praised for Its Eco-Friendly Aspects

At the '2024 Gimcheon Gimbap Festival' held last weekend in Gimcheon-si, Gyeongbuk, the use of so-called 'Ppeongtwigi plates' instead of disposable containers became a hot topic among netizens.

According to Gimcheon-si, 100,000 people visited the festival held at Samyeongdaesa Park from the 26th to the 27th. The city cited the festival's storytelling and character identity, as well as its friendly themes, as key factors for attracting 100,000 visitors to Gimcheon, which has a population of about 130,000.

In particular, this festival received praise for its eco-friendly aspects. The gimbap containers used at the festival were replaced with Ppeongtwigi instead of disposable containers. After the festival, a large amount of disposable waste is inevitable, but this issue was actively addressed.

[Image source=Gimcheon-si]

Netizens responded with various comments such as "Fun and brilliant idea," "I hope other regional festivals adopt the Ppeongtwigi container idea," "You can feel the deep consideration to reduce waste," "A shining small idea," and "Eating gimbap and then Ppeongtwigi as dessert, with no waste at all." Additionally, tables, chairs, photo zones, display stands, and playground equipment made from corrugated cardboard were also praised for their eco-friendly aspects.

Positive feedback on the Ppeongtwigi containers continued in the 'Let's Praise' section of the Gimcheon-si website. Citizen Lee said, "An eco-friendly Ppeongtwigi container?when a festival covers all the points it should aim for, environmental issues, which tend to be deprioritized, were seriously considered at the Gimcheon Gimbap Festival, which made me happy," adding, "It was the best idea." Another citizen, Woo, said, "One reason this festival formed a good image was the use of reusable containers and Ppeongtwigi plates, which highlighted an eco-friendly image and ethical awareness as a public institution," and added, "I hope such festivals continue."

Notice of Kimbap Festival Ingredient Depletion. [Image source=Gimcheon-si Instagram]

However, some raised concerns about the festival's operation. Tourists who participated in the festival voiced critical opinions on SNS comments, saying, "We had to wait too long for the shuttle bus," and "I went to eat gimbap but couldn't eat anything."

A Gimcheon-si official said, "Since this was the first festival held with a small budget, there were issues with traffic, shortage of gimbap ingredients, and system management," but added, "We place great significance on being able to promote Gimcheon nationwide and introduce its tourism resources, food, and specialties."