Golden Euneo Returns, Yeongdeok ON Again
Osipcheon Hosts First Regional Festival After North Gyeongsang Wildfire
The signature summer festival of Yeongdeok County in North Gyeongsang Province, the "2025 Yeongdeok Hwanggeum Euneo Festival," will take place from August 2 to August 4 at the Osipcheon riverside area in Yeongdeok-eup.
This year’s festival, held under the theme "Golden Euneo Returns, Yeongdeok ON Again," will be the first large-scale regional festival since the wildfire in North Gyeongsang Province, and is expected to hold special significance for both local residents and tourists.
The Yeongdeok golden euneo is a representative local specialty that was once presented to the king. Osipcheon, the river where the euneo inhabit, has become a popular fishing destination not only for people from across the country but also for anglers from Japan every year.
The fish is especially known for the distinct golden pattern behind its gills and a strong watermelon scent. Euneo raised in the clear and clean waters of Osipcheon are loved for their mild flavor without any fishy smell.
Through this year’s festival, Yeongdeok County aims to revive the local atmosphere that has been subdued by the wildfire, and to deliver messages of comfort and encouragement to affected residents by preparing a variety of performances and hands-on programs. In particular, stages featuring trot singers popular among locals will be held in a concert format in collaboration with cable broadcasters, creating an opportunity for community unity.
The most popular program, the "Golden Euneo Net Fishing Experience," will be held eight times during the festival. A separate venue will be set up for children to easily catch euneo and create special summer memories, with seven sessions offered free of charge.
There will also be a variety of water play areas for families. Various play equipment such as water seesaws, water slides, and air bouncers will be installed, along with a dedicated water slide for preschool children, creating a space where all generations can enjoy together.
As this year’s heat is expected to be intense, large shade canopies, fans, fog sprayers, and ice storage areas will be set up throughout the festival site to ensure that visitors can enjoy the festivities comfortably and safely despite the scorching weather.
County Governor Kim Kwangyeol said, "I hope this Golden Euneo Festival will provide comfort to residents affected by the wildfire and serve as an opportunity to revitalize the local economy," adding, "I invite many people to visit Yeongdeok and fully enjoy the true taste of euneo and the passion of summer."
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