Gijang County in Busan Welcomes the Season of Festivals in Autumn Colors

A Rich Lineup of Festivals
Including the Jeonggwan Ecological Stream Learning and Culture Festival,
Gijang Grilled Pike Eel Festival, and Cheolma Korean Beef Bulgogi Festival

Gijang County in Busan (Governor Jung Jongbok) announced on October 16 that various festivals highlighting the region's unique characteristics will be held throughout Gijang this autumn.

From the 'Jeonggwan Ecological Stream Learning and Culture Festival,' which encompasses nature, education, and culture, to the 'Gijang Grilled Pike Eel Festival,' where visitors can enjoy the taste of fresh pike eel, and the 'Cheolma Korean Beef Bulgogi Festival,' a signature food festival of Busan-Gijang will be transformed into a festival ground filled with nature, culture, food, and experiences from October through early November.

First, the 'Jeonggwan Ecological Stream Learning and Culture Festival' will take place from October 17 to 19 along the Jwagwangcheon Stream in Jeonggwan-eup. Set against the backdrop of the Jwagwangcheon Local Garden, this event features a variety of programs under the distinctive theme of 'learning and culture.' Recently, it was selected as a '2025 Busan City Promising Festival.'

On the opening day, October 17, a variety of experience booths will be available, and invited singers such as Lee Soona and Na Geonpil will perform to kick off the festivities.

On the second day, during the daytime, there will be a drawing contest, writing contest, and street parade. In the evening, the opening ceremony and the youth gathering 'Dalbamdalcho' will feature youth performances and stages by invited singers. On the final day, October 19, a family walking event, children's song festival, and celebratory performances-including appearances by Min Kyunghoon and Yang Jiweon-will bring the festival to an exciting close.

In addition, side events will include a creative science learning experience for families, an English learning experience for Gijang families, the Dalbamdalcho experience booth, and an admissions consulting booth by Jongro Academy, creating a festival that blends nature, education, and culture.

From October 24 to 26, the 19th Gijang Grilled Pike Eel Festival will be held around Chilam Port in Ilgwang-eup. Pike eel is a representative specialty of Gijang County, widely known for its rich nutritional value and health benefits. The Gijang Grilled Pike Eel Festival aims to promote the excellence of pike eel and to preserve fishing village culture and traditional food culture. Starting this year, the festival will be consolidated and operated at Chilam Port.

The event will feature a variety of performances, including an opening celebration, the National Chilam Song Festival, busking and street performances, and a multimedia fireworks show on the water. There will also be hands-on programs for families, such as a bare-handed pike eel catching contest and a marine science ecological experience program for children.

Notably, during the festival, there will be a special 20% discount event on pike eel sashimi and grilled pike eel at booths within the venue, giving visitors the opportunity to enjoy fresh pike eel at a lower price. In conjunction with the pike eel festival, the local flea market 'Wave Market in Mundong' will be held at the nearby Mundong Breakwater from October 25 to 26, offering a variety of attractions and expected to create a synergistic effect in attracting tourists.

Finally, from October 29 to November 2, the 15th Cheolma Korean Beef Bulgogi Festival will be held at Cheolma Urban Agriculture Park in Cheolma-myeon. The Cheolma Korean Beef Bulgogi Festival is held to promote the outstanding taste of Cheolma Korean beef bulgogi and the excellence of agricultural and marine products from the clean Cheolma region, making it one of Busan's representative food festivals.

The festival will kick off with an opening ceremony on October 29, followed by the I-net TV Gayo Love Concert featuring performers such as Seol Undo. On October 30, there will be the 'Korean Beef Love Concert 1' and a citizens' singing contest. On October 31, 'Gori On Day' will be held in collaboration with Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power.

On November 1, the 'Korean Beef Sirloin Singing Contest' and the second Korean Beef Concert will continue the lively festival atmosphere, and on the final day, November 2, the 'Taegun Singing Contest' featuring Park Gun and Na Taejoo, along with the closing ceremony, will bring the festival to a grand finale.

Additionally, there will be interactive events such as making a giant Korean beef yukhoe bibimbap and rodeo games, as well as various hands-on programs for children and teenagers. At the festival's food market and direct agricultural market, visitors can taste and purchase Cheolma's premium Korean beef bulgogi and fresh agricultural products at prices lower than the market rate, making this a festival filled with food, sights, and entertainment.

Governor Jung Jongbok stated, "These festivals, which bring together nature, culture, and local flavors, are making autumn in Gijang even richer. I hope many residents and tourists will visit the festival venues to fully enjoy Gijang's charm, filled with style and flavor, and create happy memories."