[Report] "Immersed in the Taste of Haenam" Visiting the 2025 Haenam Minam Festival

A Bountiful Autumn Festival Filled with People and Warmth
Kimchi-Making Performance by 250 People, Youth Flea Market...
A Grand Gathering of Southern Culinary Delights
Calls for Better On-Site Management and Improvements in Safety and Convenience

On the first weekend of November, as autumn neared its end, the lawn square at Duryunsan Provincial Park in Samsan-myeon, Haenam-gun, South Jeolla Province, was already bustling with crowds. From early afternoon, the festival grounds were filled with citizens and tourists gathering in groups, creating a lively atmosphere.

This was the scene on the opening day of the '2025 Haenam Minam Festival,' which began on October 31. The voices of merchants shouting "This is the taste of Haenam," the rising steam from large pots, and the savory aromas all blended together, as if the 'bountiful table' of the southern region had been recreated in its entirety.

The site of the '2025 Haenam Minam Festival' was packed with visitors eager to experience the flavors of Haenam. Photo by Lee Jungkyung

The 'Parade of Abundance' from 14 Towns and Villages... Haenam's Culinary Delights on Full Display

At 5 p.m., the 'Specialty Showcase Parade' began. Residents from 14 towns and villages in Haenam marched through the square, proudly displaying agricultural and marine products they had cultivated themselves.

"Our village's napa cabbage is the best!" When residents from Munnae-myeon and Hwawon-myeon waved their green cabbages, the audience responded with applause. The delegation from Sani-myeon lifted golden sweet potatoes, while other towns and villages presented Haenam’s signature foods such as abalone, rice, pork, and beef in a grand procession.

After the parade, trot singers Son Taejin and Kim Suchan took to the stage, keeping the excitement alive. With shouts of "Haenam, everyone!" the audience responded with cheers and applause.

Kimchi Made by 250 People... 515 Villages United as One

At the kimchi-making experience area, a long white cloth for kimjang (kimchi-making) was spread out. Over 250 participants-including Haenam County Mayor Myung Hyun-kwan, National Assemblyman Park Jie-won, County Council Chairman Lee Seongok, as well as foreigners, multicultural families, and tourists-gathered together to make kimchi.

"This cabbage symbolizes the 515 villages of Haenam," said the organizers, and the participants nodded in agreement. When a tourist asked, "Is this the right way to do it?" a local grandmother from Haenam smiled and took their hands to guide them. In just 30 minutes, 250 heads of kimchi were completed. The atmosphere was further enlivened as Miss Korea winners from Jeolla and Gwangju joined in for commemorative photos.

The entrance to the festival, lavishly decorated with various types of chrysanthemums and flowers, captured the attention of tourists. Photo by Lee Jungkyung

Enjoy 'Haenam Table' for 20,000 Won... The Essence of the Southern Region on One Table

Debuting this year, the 'Haenam Table' featured a set meal with Haenam’s eight signature dishes and a fresh sashimi set. The table was neatly set with dishes such as grilled barley-dried fish from Dohwaji, young barley tea rice, seaweed pancakes, glasswort, and mung bean jelly salad. The price was 20,000 won. The sashimi set from Yurak Sushi House (19,000 won) was also popular, offering fresh raw fish, marinated crab, and bossam (boiled pork).

"Jeolla Province food is definitely different," exclaimed a young couple visiting with their child. In one section of the main hall, 'Haenam-style meal kits' caught visitors' attention. These were products developed directly by local restaurants, such as 'Original Jangsu Chicken,' 'Daedong Premium Korean Beef,' and 'Gondre Mandre.'

"How much does it cost?" asked a visitor in her 30s. Smiling, a staff member replied, "During the festival, there’s a 20% discount for one item, and 30% off for two or more." Hearing this, the woman filled her basket, saying, "I have to experience the taste of Haenam at home too."

In front of the 'Minam Food Hall' and the 200-seat 'Jujeonburi Hall', it was bustling with people eager to experience the cuisine of Haenam. Photo by Lee Jungkyung

Even 1,200 Seats Were Not Enough at Minam Food Hall

By sunset, the 1,000-seat 'Minam Food Hall' and the 200-seat 'Jujeonburi Hall' were already full. In front of the Daedong Premium Korean Beef booth, a long line formed with people eager to buy yukhoe (beef tartare) and raw beef, while the aroma of abalone tempura from Myeongrang Hwaro filled the air.

"The squid is too spicy!" exclaimed a child after tasting squid stir-fry, prompting laughter from the parents. In Jujeonburi Hall, nostalgic gimbap from Hwasan-myeon, lotus leaf lunch boxes from the Local Food Resource Research Association, and ginseng lattes from Sani-myeon were all popular. Young people holding 'Haenam Beer' strolled through the festival, enjoying the relaxed atmosphere.

'Emotional Market' Created by Young People

In the emotional flea market area, young merchants in their 20s and 30s sold handmade coffee, caricatures, and crafts. "I returned to Haenam to start a business. With festivals like this, it’s worth sticking it out," said one young merchant.

At the Haenam Seaweed Pavilion, local specialty seaweed was on display, while at the cooperative booth, sweet potato products and craft beer attracted visitors’ attention. In the air bounce area for children, laughter never ceased.

Criticism Over Inadequate Management... "Meticulous Attention Needed for Safety and Convenience"

Despite the festival’s excitement, there were some shortcomings in site management. A large dog tied near the entrance parking lot startled visitors, but there was a lack of staff guidance and safety signs.

Additionally, some air bounce equipment deflated and stopped working, and the overgrown weeds around the pond were left unattended, raising concerns about poor management. Long lines formed in front of popular booths, but there were no queue markers or ticketing systems to maintain order, causing inconvenience for visitors.

As this is a festival enjoyed by both residents and tourists, adding more attentive management would further enhance its quality.

A large dog tied near the entrance parking lot kept barking incessantly, startling passing visitors, and there was a lack of staff guidance and safety signs. Photo by Lee Jungkyung

A Place Where Haenam's Past and Future Meet

At 7:30 p.m., the festival grounds were still crowded. Next to merchants selling traditional food, a young person brewed coffee, and foreign tourists sat side by side with Haenam residents, enjoying the autumn of the southern region. It was not just a food festival, but a place where Haenam’s past and future coexisted. "Will you come again next year?" "Of course. Where else could you find this taste?"

With a bit more careful attention, the Haenam Minam Festival could become not just a local event, but a 'gourmet festival' awaited by people across the country. The taste of Haenam is just beginning.