No Formalities for the Opening, Perfect Operations System
Draws a Record 150,000 Visitors
The 'Gimbap City' of Gimcheon has done it again. The 2025 Gimcheon Gimbap Festival attracted 150,000 visitors, an increase of 50,000 from last year, and has established itself as one of the leading citizen-centered festival models in the country.
Now in its second year, the Gimcheon Gimbap Festival was built on three core principles: "No formalities for the opening," "No price gouging," and "Content-driven operation," creating a festival where real citizens are the main protagonists.
◆ No More Gimbap Shortages, Festival Quality Leveled Up
Gimcheon City completely resolved last year's issues, including gimbap shortages, long waiting lines, cramped venues, and inconvenient shuttle buses.
To achieve this, the city implemented a systematic approach: ▲ expanded the number of gimbap vendors from 8 to 32, a fourfold increase ▲ introduced a "gimbap factory" capable of producing 1,500 rolls per hour ▲ installed kiosks at each booth ▲ provided real-time updates on remaining stock via electronic displays ▲ expanded the venue fivefold ▲ increased the number of shuttle buses by five times.
As a result, both operational efficiency and citizen satisfaction improved, earning the event a reputation as a "perfectly evolved second-year festival."
◆ No Official Opening Ceremony... Abandoning Formalities for the People
This year, Gimcheon City boldly omitted all formalities such as opening ceremonies, VIP introductions, and congratulatory speeches. Instead, in line with the principle that "the visitors are the main characters," the festival was run as a free-spirited, enjoyable, on-site event.
This dramatic change generated significant buzz on social media and online communities, earning praise as "a festival truly for the people" and "an event you can enjoy without worrying about appearances."
◆ Defining Identity with "Only Gimbap" Content
This year's festival was designed around the clear concept of "Only Gimbap," making gimbap itself the star. Musicians symbolically associated with gimbap, such as Jadu, Standing Egg, Norazo, and George, performed as part of a "gimbap-themed lineup" that drew attention.
Unique gimbap varieties from across the country, as well as local Gimcheon gimbap, participated together, achieving a balance of quality, diversity, and reasonable prices-boasting "affordable prices and high satisfaction."
◆ A Healing Festival in the City for Families
The event was held in Gimcheon's landmark Jikji Culture Park and Samyeongdaesa Park. The open spaces and nature-friendly atmosphere made it popular as a picnic-style festival where families could enjoy hands-on experiences together.
In particular, the gimbap-making demonstration factory set up by local company Daejeong Co., Ltd. allowed visitors to watch the gimbap-making process in real time, becoming a "signature attraction" of the Gimcheon Gimbap Festival.
◆ Local Collaboration and Major Company Participation Elevated the Festival
Regional organizations such as Gimcheon Agricultural Cooperative and Korea Expressway Corporation, along with major sponsors like Nongshim, Lotte Chilsung, and Lotte Wellfood, contributed to revitalizing the local economy. A variety of family-friendly programs were also offered, such as the "Gimbap Character Godal-i 1st Birthday Party" and the "Gimbap Air Bounce Experience Zone."
◆ "A Festival Grown on Citizens' Trust"... Mayor Bae Nakho: "Aiming to Become South Korea's Leading Festival"
Visitors praised the event, saying, "It's incomparable to last year," and "It's the highest-level festival ever hosted by a local government."
Gimcheon Mayor Bae Nakho stated, "I spent an entire year reflecting on how to erase the stigma of a gimbap festival without gimbap," and added, "Based on the success of keeping our promise to citizens, we will strive to become South Korea's number one festival."
The Gimcheon Gimbap Festival is more than just a food event. It is a new nationwide festival model born from administrative innovation and citizen-centered thinking. Gimcheon's decision to forgo formalities and put people first ultimately elevated the festival's quality. Now, Gimcheon has established itself not just as the 'City of Gimbap,' but as a model city for citizen-centered festivals.
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