Gumi City to Boost Year-End Economy with Grand Festival and Local Business Collaboration

Countdown with 600 Drones and 5,000 Fireworks
December 31 at Dongnak Park Plaza
A Participatory Festival Blending Performances, Experiences, and Food
2026 Gumi City New Hope Countdown

Gumi City in North Gyeongsang Province will host the '2026 Gumi City New Hope Countdown' event at the Dongnak Park Plaza on December 31, starting at 6:00 p.m., to bid farewell to the year 2025 (Eulsayeon) and to wish for peace and progress in the new year of 2026 (Byeongo). The main event will begin at 11:30 p.m.

This year's event has been designed as a participatory festival, moving away from the traditional, ceremony-centered format, and making citizens the main protagonists.

The festivities will kick off with a boom-up event featuring citizen participation activities and YouTuber content (such as nail-driving battles), followed by a countdown to the new year accompanied by performances from popular artists Daybreak and Lightsum.

The grand finale will feature a drone light show with 600 drones illuminating the night sky and a fireworks display with more than 5,000 rounds, offering a moving spectacle to ease the regrets of the past year.

'2026 Gumi City New Hope Countdown' Event Poster / Provided by Gumi City Hall

The event space has been significantly expanded compared to the previous year. The 'Emotional Food Zone' will feature food trucks, photo zones, and a 'Romantic Road,' while the 'Delicacy Skewer Zone' will allow visitors to enjoy self-grilled skewers.

In the 'Free Zone,' visitors can enjoy free fish cakes, hot tea, and hand warmers, ensuring a comfortable viewing experience despite the cold weather.

The city plans to disperse the flow of visitors by area to reduce crowd density and ensure thorough safety management.

Efforts have also been made to strengthen connections with the local economy. The Delicacy Skewer Zone (Self-Grilled Skewer Zone) will be operated in collaboration with the Jinpyeong Food Culture Specialty Street Merchants Association and local food truck businesses, making it a festival that coexists with the local commercial district.

The event is expected to boost the local economy at the end of the year by attracting visitors and increasing consumption.

Gumi Mayor Kim Jangho said, "I am grateful for the support citizens have given to city administration throughout the year," adding, "I hope this will be a time to share the excitement of the year-end and New Year holidays with family, loved ones, and friends, and to nurture new hope for the coming year."