Gwangju City Heats Up Festival Excitement with 'Kimchi Festival Pop-up Store'

October 17-19 at Gwangju Shinsegae Department Store
Hands-on Experience Events

Gwangju City operated a "Kimchi Festival Pop-up Store" on the first floor of Gwangju Shinsegae Department Store on the 17th. Provided by Gwangju City

Gwangju City is operating a unique "Gwangju Kimchi Festival Pop-up Store" to boost public interest and participation ahead of the 32nd Gwangju Kimchi Festival, which opens on October 31. This pop-up store will be available from October 17 to 19 on the first floor of Gwangju Shinsegae Department Store.

The pop-up store is designed with the concept of the "Every Corner Truck," recreating the general store truck featured in the popular drama "Our Blues." The main program, "Every Corner Kimchi Thief Tracking Operation," is an immersive mission where citizens access a mobile app, search for hidden clues in posters, and track down the thief who stole kimchi. Participants who complete the mission are appointed as members of the "Every Corner Squad" and are given a special task to protect the Gwangju Kimchi Festival.

Prior to the festival, the city is strengthening promotional efforts to attract external tourists. On October 18 and 19, Gwangju City will participate in the "Gwangju & Jeonnam! Traveling Autumn Festival" event held in Gwanghwamun, Seoul, to promote the festival. In addition, from October 24 to 30, a pop-up store will also be operated at Gwangju Lotte Department Store to maintain ongoing interest among citizens and visitors.

Bae Gwisuk, Director of Agricultural and Animal Policy, stated, "We expect that hands-on content utilizing kimchi will encourage voluntary participation from citizens and increase interest and visits to the festival. We hope people will experience the charm of the Gwangju Kimchi Festival in advance through the pop-up store," urging active participation.

Meanwhile, the 32nd Gwangju Kimchi Festival, themed "Universe's Best Kimchi Party," will be held for three days from October 31 to November 2 in the area around Gwangju City Hall.