A Beach Festival Blending Community, Youth, and Tourism
A Leap Toward a Nationwide Youth Music Festival
Gijang County (Governor Jeong Jongbok) announced on August 18 that the '2025 Gijang Imrang Summer Music Festival,' held at Imrang Beach from August 15 to 16, concluded with approximately 30,000 visitors in attendance.
This festival was established as Gijang's representative summer event by integrating music, hands-on experiences, and tourism programs linked to the beach's tourism resources.
In particular, by strengthening local resident participation, promoting youth culture, and enhancing generational experience programs, the festival has established itself as a 'comprehensive summer festival' that people of all ages can enjoy.
On the first day, the 'Imrang Beach Singing Contest' featured Gijang residents themselves as the main performers, filling the stage. The participants' talent and singing skills were met with enthusiastic cheers from the audience, creating a space for unity and communication among residents. On the second day, the 'Korea Youth Song Festival' brought together passionate performances by young people from across the country, earning a positive response from attendees.
This year, the existing 'University Song Festival' was expanded and reorganized into the 'Youth Song Festival,' lowering the entry barrier so that any young person aged 19 to 34 could participate. Participants from diverse backgrounds-including office workers, creative musicians, and young entrepreneurs-joined, turning the festival into a nationwide platform for musical exchange among youth, beyond just a local event.
The stage performances were also diverse. At the opening concert 'Imrang Illang,' Yang Jieun, Kwak Younggwang, Kim Yuseon, and Tae Nami performed, filling the beach night with emotion. At the closing concert 'Youth Imrang,' Cyburger, Gamtuiz, Aplus, and DJ Mino brought the festival to its peak with their vibrant youthful energy.
The final highlight, the fireworks performance 'Bulsabisang,' lit up the sea in spectacular fashion, captivating the eyes and hearts of the audience.
All around the festival grounds, generationally tailored hands-on programs also proved popular. Activities such as making beach balls and beach bags, a water park, and photo zone experiences attracted families, while the beach walking competition, beach live cafe, food trucks, and local specialty booths drew in many visitors.
Governor Jeong Jongbok stated, "This year's festival was a 'participatory and stay-type beach festival' enjoyed by both local residents and tourists," adding, "We will continue to develop it into a nationally renowned summer festival that showcases the charm of Imrang Beach."
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