Iksan City to Host 'Citizen Harmony Festival' Throughout October

Celebrating the 30th Anniversary of the Iri City and Iksan County Merger

Iksan City in North Jeolla Province will host the '2025 Citizen Harmony Festival' throughout next month to mark the 30th anniversary of the merger between Iri City and Iksan County.

According to the city on September 24, this festival will feature a total of 33 detailed programs across five main areas, including administration, culture, and economy. The event is expected to become a platform for unity and participation, with every citizen taking center stage.

Citizen Harmony Grand Festival Poster. Provided by Iksan City

The festival will kick off with the 'Citizen's Day Commemoration Ceremony' on a special stage at Yeongdeung Citizen Park on October 3. On this day, the city plans to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the merger by selecting and awarding six citizens who have contributed to the community's development with the 'Citizen Grand Prize.'

Following the ceremony, a KBS nationwide tour concert will officially launch the Citizen Harmony Festival. Top-tier Korean singers are scheduled to perform, offering citizens the opportunity to enjoy high-quality cultural experiences.

In addition, a variety of performances and events-including the Citizen Harmony Song Festival, Global Flea Market, International Dog Show, Gemstone Grand Festival, and the Chrysanthemum Festival with Ten Million Blooms-will take place throughout the city during the festival period.

Various discount events will also be held to promote local consumption during the festival. The local currency 'Iksan Dairooum' will increase its recharge limit from 600,000 won to 1 million won for the month of October, and the incentive rate will be raised to 13%.

Iksan Mall will offer a 20% discount coupon event, while local food direct stores will provide discounts of 20% to 30%. Nonghyup Hanaro Mart and Western Life Hotel will also participate in their own discount promotions. The city expects these discount events to help revive consumer sentiment after the holiday season and inject new vitality into neighborhood businesses and the local economy.

This year's festival will also include measures to improve access to public services. For two weeks in October, nine city-operated public parking lots will be open free of charge. Swimming pools at major indoor sports facilities, such as the National Life Center and the Culture and Sports Center, will be open to the public for free every Sunday on their usual closing days. The Gemstone Museum will offer free admission on October 3, Citizen's Day.

Additionally, a '1+1 event' at the Gemstone Museum's outdoor playground will allow visitors to ride the extreme slide tower for free when they purchase a ride on the roll glider, which is expected to be especially popular among families.

The city has also prepared a variety of citizen participation events to commemorate the 30th anniversary. The '30th Anniversary Quiz Event,' held through Iksan City's official social media channels, will present a new question every day throughout October, with small commemorative gifts awarded to those who answer correctly.

A special exhibition of private records marking the 30th anniversary of the merger and a special exhibition celebrating the 10th anniversary of World Heritage inscription will be held at City Hall and around the Baekje Royal Palace, respectively. Star lecturer Kim Mikyung is also scheduled to give a public lecture for citizens on the topic of 'Family Love Communication Skills.'

The city stated that this festival will accelerate its transformation into a "city where people want to stay." In particular, the 30th anniversary festival, which brings together administration, culture, and economy, is expected to become a new driving force for the region through citizen participation and shared experiences.

Kim Younghee, Director of Planning and Safety at Iksan City, said, "This festival is an event where Iksan citizens are the main protagonists, and we have prepared a variety of content and benefits throughout the month. We will do our utmost to ensure that all citizens can feel proud to live in Iksan."