Gangneung City Focuses on Overcoming Drought... Cancels Major Fall Festivals

Full Cancellation of Gangneung Noodle Festival and Gangneung Coffee Festival
Prioritizing the Sharing of Citizens' Hardships
A Promise to Return Next Year with an Even Better Festival

Gangneung City in Gangwon Province announced on September 12 that, in light of the severe drought that has recently caused significant damage to its residents, it has decided to fully cancel both the 4th Gangneung Noodle Festival and the 17th Gangneung Coffee Festival, which were scheduled to be held in October.

Exterior view of Gangneung City Hall.

The Gangneung Noodle Festival, marking its fourth year, is a culinary event where visitors can enjoy Gangneung's signature noodle dishes such as Jang Kalguksu, Makguksu, Jjamppong, and Ongsimi Kalguksu all in one place. The festival was originally planned to be held on Wolhwa Street for four days from October 16 to 19, but has now been canceled.

The 17th Gangneung Coffee Festival, recognized as a leading cultural tourism event in South Korea, has also been canceled this year. Under the slogan "Byul-e Byul Gangneung Coffee," the festival was set to feature 22 programs across three categories from October 23 to 26, but it will not take place.

The decision to cancel these festivals was made because, as all residents are suffering from severe damage and hardship due to the drought, hosting large-scale events that attract many tourists from outside the city was deemed inappropriate at this time.

Gangneung City stated that, rather than pushing ahead with the festivals, it is more important to focus all administrative resources on overcoming the drought damage and to overcome this crisis together with its citizens.

An official from Gangneung City said, "We sincerely apologize to the many citizens and tourists who have been waiting for these festivals for a long time," adding, "As this decision prioritizes the safety of our citizens and the sharing of their hardships, we ask for your understanding."

The official continued, "We will use this year's disappointment as a stepping stone to prepare an even richer and more fulfilling festival next year, and will do our utmost to present the best possible event."