Sumukh Biennale, Gourmet Expo, and LPGA Enrich the Season
Key Drivers for Economy and Tourism, Elevating the Jeonnam Brand
Jeonnam Brand Shines as the Premier Destination for Flavor, Style, and Attractions
Jeollanam-do is set to host a series of major international events this fall, including the Jeonnam International Sumukh Biennale, the Namdo International Gourmet Industry Expo, the International Agriculture Expo, and an LPGA tournament, firmly establishing the appeal of the 'Jeonnam brand' on the global stage. These mega-events are not merely local festivals but are expected to serve as key platforms for international exchange representing South Korea, as well as core drivers for the regional economy and tourism industry.
Visitors are viewing the works at the Jeonnam International Sumukh Biennale. Provided by Jeonnam Province
◇ The Aesthetics of the East Meet the World... 2025 Jeonnam International Sumukh Biennale
The 4th Jeonnam International Sumukh Biennale is currently underway across Haenam, Jindo, and Mokpo until October 31. Since its inception in 2018, it has steadily built an international reputation as the world’s only Sumukh biennale, leading global art discourse by reinterpreting the essence of Eastern painting in a contemporary context.
This year’s theme is "Neighbors of Civilization - Somewhere Over the Yellow Sea." The event features 83 artists from 20 countries, presenting a diverse array of works including paintings, installations, and media art. The exhibitions are held at six venues: Gosanyoonsundo Museum and Ddangkkeut Pilgrimage Literature Museum in Haenam, Sojeon Art Museum and Namdo Traditional Art Museum in Jindo, and Mokpo Culture & Arts Center and Indoor Gymnasium in Mokpo.
A variety of related and hands-on programs are also attracting great interest from visitors. In particular, a highlight of the biennale is the opportunity to view "Portrait of Three Horses," a masterpiece by late Joseon-era painter Yun Duseo. The original will be on display at the Gosanyoonsundo Museum in Haenam until October 12, after which a reproduction will be exhibited.
The 'Master Food Show' event, one of the programs of the Namdo International Gourmet Industry Expo. Provided by Jeonnam Province
◇ Namdo, the Home of Flavor, Leads Global Food Culture... 2025 Namdo International Gourmet Industry Expo
The Namdo International Gourmet Industry Expo, running until October 26 at the Mokpo Culture & Arts Center and surrounding areas, is the first international gourmet-themed expo in Korea to expand Jeonnam’s renowned food culture to the world.
Co-hosted by Jeollanam-do and Mokpo City, this large-scale event features participation from 38 countries. The expo consists of a Theme Pavilion, Gourmet Culture Pavilion, and K-Food Industry Pavilion. The Theme Pavilion introduces fermentation culture, ingredients, and traditional cooking tools through media art and interactive content. The Gourmet Culture Pavilion showcases cooking demonstrations by star chefs from Korea and abroad, as well as signature dishes from various cities and counties in Jeonnam.
The K-Food Industry Pavilion, with 135 booths, brings together food companies and food tech firms from Jeonnam to showcase the future potential of the food industry. Notably, the "Global K-Food Master" competition features chefs from 13 countries presenting creative dishes using Namdo ingredients and traditional sauces, while the "ASEAN Pavilion" offers hands-on experiences of traditional gourmet and spice cultures from 10 Southeast Asian countries.
Additionally, the "Namdo Gourmet Restaurant" presents creative dishes developed by star chefs Jeong Jiseon, Oh Seduk, and Mikhael, and experiential content such as "Liquor Pairing" and the "Namdo Signature Restaurant Gourmet Road" has been enhanced. The "Namdo Signature Restaurant Gourmet Road" features renowned local restaurants from each city and county in Jeonnam, preparing and selling unique regional dishes and reinterpreted traditional menus on-site.
Jeollanam-do plans to leverage this expo to develop Namdo’s culinary excellence beyond tourism, positioning it as a hub for the industrialization of K-Food.
◇ Sharing the Future of Agricultural Innovation with the World... 2025 International Agriculture Expo
The 2025 International Agriculture Expo will be held from October 23 to 29 at the Jeonnam Agricultural Research & Extension Services in Naju, under the theme "Agriculture Changes the World: Agricultural Innovation with AI, Life-Growing K-Agriculture." The event aims to chart the future course of agriculture amid climate crises and food security challenges.
Cutting-edge agricultural technologies such as AI-based smart farms, agricultural robots and drones, and autonomous farming machinery will be showcased. Visitors can experience digital agriculture solutions and automation technologies firsthand. Youth-focused programs have also been strengthened, including the "Youth Startup Market," which connects young farmers and consumers, and the "Investment IR Forum," which links startup companies with investors. Export consultations and B2B meetings will be held with 50 companies from 16 countries. Ticket cashback benefits and discounts linked to local tourist attractions are planned to encourage on-site spending and regional travel by visitors.
◇ A Festival for Global Golf Fans... LPGA BMW Ladies Championship
From October 16 to 19, the LPGA BMW Ladies Championship, featuring the stars of women’s golf from around the world, will take place at Pine Beach Golf Links in Haenam. The tournament brings together the top 70 players in the world rankings and 8 invited players, with total prize money of 2.3 million dollars (approximately 3.2 billion won) and a winner’s prize of 345,000 dollars (about 480 million won). As the only official LPGA tournament held in Korea, it draws the attention of golf fans worldwide.
An estimated 50,000 to 60,000 spectators are expected to attend, invigorating the local economy of the southwestern region of Jeonnam in areas such as accommodation, transportation, food, and tourism. In particular, Pine Beach Golf Links, the tournament venue, boasts a stunning natural landscape harmonizing with the sea, further enhancing Jeonnam’s global appeal.
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