Sunchang Fermentation Tourism Foundation Receives Governor’s Commendation…First Ever for a Tourism Foundation

Recognition for Achievements in Tteokbokki Festa and Village Festivals

Jeonbuk Sunchang Fermentation Tourism Foundation announced on the 9th that it received a commendation from Jeonbuk Special Self-Governing Province in recognition of its contribution to revitalizing the region through festival planning and operation. Provided by Sunchang County, Jeonbuk

The Sunchang Fermentation Tourism Foundation has set a new milestone in overcoming the risk of regional extinction by introducing innovative festival models that utilize local resources such as gochujang (Korean red chili paste).

The Sunchang Fermentation Tourism Foundation announced on the 9th that it became the first tourism foundation to receive a commendation from the Governor of Jeonbuk Special Self-Governing Province, in recognition of its contribution to revitalizing the region through innovative festival planning and operation.

This award was highly praised for the foundation’s successful leadership of the ‘Sunchang Korea Tteokbokki Festa’ and village festivals in 11 towns and townships of Sunchang County, which produced tangible results in addressing the risk of regional extinction and attracting new residents.

Last November, the foundation hosted the ‘Sunchang Korea Tteokbokki Festa,’ which featured Sunchang gochujang as a key ingredient and received an enthusiastic response. Held at the Sunchang Fermentation Theme Park and the Traditional Gochujang Folk Village, the festival introduced a resident participation model, where each town and township developed its own unique tteokbokki menu, and local residents directly managed sales and experiential programs.

Jeonbuk Special Self-Governing Province cited the foundation’s modern reinterpretation of the region’s unique fermentation culture to attract tourists, as well as the systematic advancement of village festivals that encouraged voluntary community participation, as key reasons for the award.

In practice, the variety of performances and food content during the festival attracted families and younger visitors, while also boosting the consumption of local agricultural products and increasing sales for small businesses, resulting in significant economic benefits. In addition, the customized village festivals reflecting the history and culture of the 11 towns and townships are being recognized as effective examples of balanced tourism revitalization across the region.

Sun Yoonsook, CEO of the Sunchang Fermentation Tourism Foundation, stated, “This commendation is the result of the foundation’s efforts, as well as the active participation of residents and related organizations in the festivals. Moving forward, we will continue to develop content that combines Sunchang’s unique fermentation and gastronomy, injecting new vitality into the local economy.”