Cheonan Expands Operation of 'Bread Pilgrimage BangBang Day'

Nine More Bakeries Join, 100 More Teams Added to Bread Pilgrimage Group

On May 27, the city of Cheonan, Chungnam Province, announced that it will expand the operation of the '2025 Bread Pilgrimage BangBang Day,' which is scheduled to take place from June 14 to 15.

Lee Myungyeol, head of the city's Agricultural Environment Bureau, held a press conference in the briefing room on the same day and explained, "This year, we have expanded the number of participating bakeries and programs so that citizens can enjoy an even richer experience."

This year's event will feature a total of 77 bakeries, an increase of nine compared to last year's 68. The signature program, the 'Bread Pilgrimage Group,' has also been expanded from 300 teams (900 people) last year to 400 teams (1,200 people) this year.

The pilgrimage group consists of 200 teams from within the city and 200 teams from outside the city. Their mission is to visit two bakeries and one location among either a traditional market or one of Cheonan's eight scenic spots, and to post proof of their visit on social media.

Experience programs have also been enhanced. In the city hall lobby, activities such as ▲Cheonan walnut cookie baking and ▲cupcake decorating will be held. In addition, a new 'bread playground' booth will be operated, where people of all ages can participate.

The complimentary gifts given with bread purchases will consist of locally produced milk and glutinous brown rice.

In addition to the Bread Pilgrimage Group, a new 'mobile stamp tour' has been introduced for the general public. By visiting bakeries and collecting stamps, participants can enter a drawing to win a small gift certificate.

In particular, the city has completed inspections of 1,456 food hygiene establishments ahead of major festivals such as BangBang Day, the K-Culture Expo, and the Provincial Sports Festival. The bakery that was involved in last month's cement dust bread controversy has received administrative sanctions.

Director Lee Myungyeol stated, "We will spread the differentiated image that Cheonan bread is healthy bread by using local agricultural products," and added, "We will actively promote and develop the branding of Cheonan as a city of bread, where local agricultural and livestock products, culture, and tourism all come together."