Gwangsan District in Gwangju Pushes Ahead with Water Festival, Sparking Controversy
Festival Held Downtown Under Pretext of Revitalizing Local Alley Businesses
"Highly Inappropriate" "Must Stop Immediately"... Flood of Criticism
As of July 23, 2025, there is growing public criticism over Gwangsan District in Gwangju pushing ahead with a water-themed festival, even though 19 people have died and 9 remain missing nationwide due to torrential rains that began on July 16. In particular, there is a strong backlash against the decision to hold the festival in Gwangsan District, which is one of the hardest-hit areas, with critics calling it "highly inappropriate" and "an incomprehensible decision."
Since July 16, torrential rains have caused a provisional total of 28 deaths and missing persons nationwide. In Gwangju, 2 people have died or gone missing, and there have been 1,311 reported cases of property damage, with the estimated losses amounting to approximately 36.1 billion won. Gwangsan District suffered damages worth 13 billion won, making it the second most affected area after Buk District, which recorded 14 billion won in damages. Buk District, adjacent to Gwangsan District, has requested the government to declare it a special disaster area, and recovery efforts are still underway throughout Gwangju and the entire Jeonnam region.
Amid these circumstances, Gwangsan District is planning to hold a water activity event in the city center for two days starting July 22, under the pretext of "revitalizing local alley businesses," which has further fueled public criticism. Oh Juseop, Secretary General of the Gwangju Citizens' Coalition for Economic Justice, told Yonhap News on July 23, "It seems highly inappropriate to hold a water festival when the entire nation is mourning due to widespread flood damage," adding, "It is even more difficult to understand why a local government that has suffered such significant damage would make such a decision." He went on to say, "This is not a time when citizens can enjoy a festival, and even if they do, public perception will be negative," warning that "it will bring nationwide embarrassment."
Cha Seungse, head of the Roh Moo-hyun Citizens' School, also expressed his anger on Facebook, questioning, "Is it normal to push ahead with a water festival when all efforts should be focused on recovery?" He added, "I am at a loss for words that they are requesting a special disaster area designation due to heavy rain damage while insisting on holding the festival." He further commented, "Even if the festival is scheduled, canceling or postponing it will not destroy the local economy or cause chaos," and suggested, "It can be postponed until flood recovery is sufficiently completed." Regarding Gwangsan District's explanation that the event is for revitalizing local alley businesses, he emphasized, "The small business owners I know consider their neighbors' pain as their own and are thinking about how they can help," adding, "I am confident that no one would want a water festival to go ahead in such a severe flood situation."
Kim Sunmi, Environment Committee Chair of the Progressive Party's Gwangju Chapter, pointed out, "Farmers are still struggling and unable to clear out devastated greenhouses," adding, "Given the circumstances, they are holding a water festival. I wonder if they even considered postponing it." Pastor Jang Heonkwon, a civic activist, also commented, "People are suffering and going through difficult times because of the monstrous floods," and criticized, "I cannot understand Gwangsan District's decision to hold a water festival at a time like this."
Critical posts targeting Gwangsan District Office are also appearing on various online communities and social networking services (SNS). Comments include, "How can they hold a festival when recovery efforts are still underway?" "Just seeing water is traumatic right now, so how can there be a water activity event?" "This is administration that goes against public sentiment," and "Trying to save the local economy will only further damage the region's image." As the controversy grows, Gwangsan District plans to hold a meeting with the local merchants' association near the festival site this afternoon to gather opinions.
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