From the International Smartphone Film Festival
to the Samgang Ferry and Archery Festivals,
Yecheon Becomes a "Destination City" for Visitors
In the autumn months of September and October, when the season is in full bloom, Yecheon in North Gyeongsang Province becomes the center stage for festivals. From an international film festival that draws filmmakers from around the world to local festivals blending traditional culture and agricultural products, the entire region of Yecheon is filled with vibrant festival energy.
◆ Smartphone Films Meet the International Stage
The Yecheon International Smartphone Film Festival, the only international smartphone film festival in Korea, marks its 7th edition this year and will be held from September 26 to 28 at the Provincial Government New Town.
Out of 1,156 entries from 77 countries, 42 films have been selected as finalists. The opening film, "Almaty," is a joint production by Korea and the Koryo Theater of Kazakhstan. At the opening ceremony, actors Lee Jooseung and Li Natalia will greet the audience, further elevating the festival's international stature.
The festival will feature a pre-event (YF Fringe), red carpet, screenings of finalist films, and a closing ceremony, along with prize draws for the latest smartphones and home appliances to encourage audience participation.
◆ Samgang Joomak Ferry Festival: Where Memories and Excitement Come Together
During the Chuseok holiday (October 4-6), the Samgang Cultural Complex will host the Samgang Joomak Ferry Festival for tourists. Programs blending tradition and modernity-such as a merchant stamp tour, children's performances, Samgang busking, and the Traveler's Bus-are expected to be especially popular among family visitors.
◆ The Grand Finale of Autumn: Archery and Agricultural Products
From October 31 to November 2, the Yecheon Hwal Festival & Agricultural Products Festival will take place. Highlights include archery history and hands-on experiences, an archery playground for children, and spectacular performances. Simultaneously, the agricultural products festival will feature the Apple World Cup, Yecheon Green Onion Fest, and exhibitions and sales of outstanding local agricultural and specialty products.
◆ Enhanced Visitor Participation Events
Yecheon County will offer mobile gift certificates and tourism souvenirs to visitors who check in at the Samgang Joomak Ferry Festival and the Hwal Festival & Agricultural Products Festival venues. Various prizes will also be given out through social media photo certification events.
Kim Hakdong, the governor of Yecheon County, stated, "Autumn in Yecheon is a season where international film festivals, tradition, food, and hands-on experiences come together," emphasizing his commitment to making Yecheon a destination city that visitors return to and stay in.
Yecheon's autumn festivals are evolving beyond simple local events to become complex cultural platforms that integrate international film festivals with tradition and agricultural products. In line with regional strategies to transform Yecheon into a destination for extended stays, the city is shifting from a "place to pass through" to a "city to stay in." Residents interviewed at the scene expressed their anticipation, saying, "We expect even more visitors from outside the region this year."
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