150 Billion KRW Local Consumption Effect... 48% Non-Local Visitors Driving Success
52% Female Visitors, 19% in Their 30s, 18.6% in Their 50s
The 2024 Gumi Ramen Festival, which concluded on the 3rd, successfully wrapped up, achieving the dual goals of revitalizing the local economy and enhancing the city's brand image.
During the festival, 171,000 people visited, with 48% of them being outsiders, demonstrating the festival's nationwide recognition.
According to big data analysis, local consumption worth 1.5 billion KRW (at Yeokjeon-ro and Geumridan-gil over three days) was generated, and the use of public transportation (city buses and trains) increased by more than 40% compared to the previous week. This is attributed to the excellent accessibility between Gumi Station and the festival site. The total sales of the 18 ramen booths amounted to approximately 250 million KRW, and about 100 foreign tourists visited, showcasing the festival's global potential.
The festival's success also led to Gumi City ranking first in the November Korea City Brand Reputation survey.
Among festival visitors, 52% were women, and by age group, those in their 30s (19%) and 50s (18.6%) accounted for the highest proportions. By location, visitors in their 30s were prominent at Yeokjeon-ro (19%), those in their 20s at Geumridan-gil (23.7%), and those in their 30s at the Geumosan Lawn Square (23.4%).
This appears to be because the characteristics of each location and program composition, such as the ‘Catch Tini Pink Geumosan Concert’ held at Geumosan Lawn Square and ‘Slow Book Life’ at Geumridan-gil, matched the interests of different age groups.
This year’s festival emphasized sustainability by adopting an eco-friendly operation method. The ramen restaurant used 67,000 reusable containers, achieving a 99% recovery rate, which reduced carbon emissions by about 6 tons. This is equivalent to planting 2,570 trees.
Safety management was thoroughly conducted through cooperation with the police station and the traffic volunteer corps. In particular, the ‘Tall Policeman’ who controlled the crowd using a three-step ladder received high praise from visitors.
The festival’s achievements were shared at a results report meeting held on the 27th in the large conference room on the 3rd floor of City Hall. About 40 people attended, including members of the Romantic Culture Festival Committee, the festival planning team, volunteers, the KT big data team, and agency officials. The meeting presented the festival operation results and big data analysis, and donations of 3.2 million KRW collected by ramen restaurant chefs and a 2 million KRW scholarship fund from Isu Steel Plate King Donkatsu were contributed to the local community.
Cheese Donkatsu Rabokki (Isu Steel Plate King Donkatsu) was selected as the bestseller, and Bratwurst Jjajang Ramen (Yoon Chef’s Meat House) was chosen as the best menu. Hanwoo Gopchang Suji Ramen (Kkot Dwaeji Restaurant) and Sambo Seafood Ramen (Gimhae Bonga Back Meat & Makchang) were also selected as excellent menus and received plaques.
Mayor Kim Jang-ho said, “The Ramen Festival has become more than just a local festival; it has served as an opportunity to promote Gumi nationwide and revitalize the local economy. We will continue to create a sustainable festival with citizens to further enhance Gumi’s competitiveness.”
The 2024 Gumi Ramen Festival was held from November 1 to 3 and was selected as an excellent designated festival by Gyeongbuk Province for 2024-2025.
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