Total Sales Reach 827 Million Won
From December 25 to 28, Imsil County in North Jeolla Province attracted approximately 323,000 tourists from across the country to the '2025 Imsil Santa Festival' held at the Imsil Cheese Theme Park area.
Imsil County attracted approximately 323,000 tourists nationwide to the '2025 Imsil Santa Festival' held from the 25th to the 28th at the Imsil Cheese Theme Park area. Provided by Imsil County
According to the county on December 29, this figure surpasses last year's Santa Festival attendance of around 318,000 visitors over five days. Considering that this year's festival was held for one day less, the result is even more encouraging.
Total sales from Imsil N Cheese, large restaurants, the sledding hill, food trucks, and vendor booths reached a provisional sum of 827 million won, maintaining a similar level to last year.
This year’s Santa Festival immediately drew crowds upon opening, operating as a winter festival that blended the spirit of Christmas and the year-end season.
In particular, the festival once again affirmed its status as Imsil’s signature winter event, as families, children, young adults, and middle-aged visitors from all over the country attended in balanced numbers across various age groups.
Christmas decorations and winter-themed ornaments were installed throughout the main event areas and visitor pathways at Imsil Cheese Theme Park, enhancing the festive atmosphere. The large Christmas tree and Rudolph sculpture in front of Cheese Castle, along with the poinsettia photo zone, became popular attractions where visitors lined up to take commemorative photos.
Key programs such as the Santa Parade and Santa Costume Contest were held at the special stage and fountain plaza, further fueling the festive excitement. Notably, this year’s festival introduced a singer’s celebratory performance for the first time, strengthening the entertainment content.
The opening ceremony featured a performance by Lee Boram, a former member of SeeYa, whose sweet vocals received an enthusiastic response from the audience. On December 27, performances by the girl group Lightsum and singer Jjai attracted the attention of younger visitors and families, drawing large crowds to the special stage.
Experience programs for children and families were available throughout the festival. Both large and small sledding hills allowed visitors of all ages to participate, while at the nearby smelt fishing experience zone, children could catch smelt and enjoy freshly fried fish on site, fully experiencing the joys of a winter festival.
Additionally, a variety of interactive programs such as cheese curling, floating ball snowball fights, family tree making, cheesecake making, and chocolate fondue experiences extended the time families spent at the festival. Gift-giving events held throughout the venue also increased visitor satisfaction.
The food offerings further enhanced the festival’s appeal. Food zones set up in key areas served a variety of dishes, including winter soups, snacks, and convenient meals. Cheese bungeoppang and cheese hot dogs made with Imsil cheese were especially popular, and a 20% discount sale on dairy products such as Imsil N Cheese during the festival period also drew significant interest from tourists.
County Governor Shim Min stated, “The newly introduced singer performances, along with the overall entertainment, activities, and food, garnered significant attention. Building on the success of this year’s Santa Festival, we will further develop Imsil’s unique winter tourism content to establish it as Korea’s leading winter festival.”
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