A Local Brand Festival Connecting Generations, Businesses, and Tourism
Building an Urban Cultural Platform Based on K-Ramen IP
Gumi City in North Gyeongsang Province is introducing an urban gourmet festival with the keyword "Original."
From November 7 to 9, Gumi City will host the "2025 Gumi Ramen Festival" around Gumi Station, expanding South Korea's ramen culture into a tourism content within the city.
This year's festival centers on "Ramen Street 475," designed with the concept of "The Longest Ramen Restaurant in the World."
Participatory programs targeting younger generations will be offered, including the "K-Pop Demon Hunters Noodle Slurping Contest," the "Golden Challenge," and the "Random Play Dance," all inspired by the K-Pop IP "K-Pop Demon Hunters" universe. At the signature space "Godland," 120,000 limited edition Shin Ramyun K-Pop Demon Hunters packs will be sold.
The food and beverage operations have also evolved. A QR order system will reduce waiting times, and differentiated menu items such as 25 creative dishes using freshly fried ramen and the "Half-and-Half Ramen" for two people will be available.
The main dining area, "Hooroorook Lounge," is arranged into six concepts-Family, Relax, Alley Night Market, and more-offering a new gourmet experience called a "Ramen Picnic."
In the rear plaza of Gumi Station, a children's activity area and a cup ramen lounge will be set up. On the same days, "Gumi Ramen Promotion Center (GUMI RAMYUN STATION 475)" will open on the first floor of Gumi Station's Young Square and operate until the end of the year. Gen Z-friendly content such as Ramen MBTI, Life Four-Cut Photo Booth, and receipt events will be featured, along with emotional performances and a silent DJ party.
The festival will expand into the old downtown and tourist attractions. The "Geumosan Kids Festival" will take place at the Geumosan grass plaza, and ramen photo discount and ramen menu sales events will be held in commercial districts such as Geumridan-gil, Munhwa-ro, and Jinpyeong Food Specialty Street.
Local restaurants and small business owners will participate in the festival, emphasizing the "Gumi-style Urban Festival" strategy that grows together with the local economy.
The Gumi Ramen Festival is regarded as a project that goes beyond a simple food event to build the city's brand assets.
Linked to the local food campaign based on "freshly fried ramen," which Gumi City has been expanding since last year, the plan is to establish a sustainable urban cultural ecosystem centered on "Gumi Ramen Station 475" even after the festival ends.
Gumi Mayor Kim Jangho said, "We have created an urban festival where generations and cultures come together through ramen, a familiar theme," adding, "We will develop it into a Gumi-style tourism model that citizens can enjoy and that revitalizes local businesses."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
