Jeonnamjin Jangheung Water Festival Selected as Top Representative Festival of Jeollanam-do

Jeonnamjin Jangheung Water Festival. Provided by Jangheung County

The Jeonnamjin Jangheung Water Festival has been selected as the "2026 Jeollanam-do Representative Festival" and recognized as the top festival.

Jeollanam-do selected the representative festival by evaluating 21 festivals submitted by cities and counties, combining on-site assessments with written and presentation reviews by the festival evaluation committee. The committee meeting was held on January 8, and the festivals were comprehensively assessed for their identity and uniqueness, potential to attract tourists, quality of content, economic impact on the region, and sustainability.

The Jeonnamjin Jangheung Water Festival, which was selected as the top festival in this evaluation, will receive 50 million won in provincial funding.

The Jeonnamjin Jangheung Water Festival has operated participatory water play content utilizing the Tamjin River, which flows through the city center. The festival received high marks for its program structure that encourages participation from both tourists and residents, its safety management, and its nighttime stay-type content.

Exchange cases with Thailand's "Songkran Festival" and Italy's "Venice Festival" were also positively evaluated for their potential for global expansion.

Celebrating its 19th edition this year, the Jeonnamjin Jangheung Water Festival will be held for nine days starting July 25. The festival will continue its exchange with Thailand's Songkran Festival, introduce a new water play zone, and enhance and expand its existing programs.

In addition, the festival has been selected for the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism's major Hallyu comprehensive event project, and will feature K-pop performances and content targeting foreign visitors.

Kim Sung, Mayor of Jangheung County, said, "Being selected as the top representative festival of Jeollanam-do is highly significant," adding, "We will develop this festival into Korea's leading summer festival."