Sales in Nearby Commercial Districts Up 19.7%
A-Grade Rating and 80 Million Won Secured
The Gwangsan Music ON Festival in Gwangju has continued its box-office success for three consecutive years. The 3rd festival attracted 95,000 visitors over two days, and sales in nearby commercial districts increased by 19.7% compared to the previous week. Gwangsan-gu stated that the festival generated an economic impact of more than 2 billion won.
According to Gwangsan-gu on February 25, more than 70,000 people attended the first festival in 2023, followed by over 70,000 visitors again for the 2nd edition, and 95,000 people visited the 3rd festival held last year over two days.
On the second day of the 3rd Gwangsan Music ON Festival, the Black Eagles are performing a spectacular air show. Provided by Gwangsan District.
The economic impact followed as well. The district office analyzed commercial district big data and sales data from Shinhan Card, and found that during the 3rd festival, the average daily sales in commercial areas near the venue increased by 19.7% compared to the previous week, and that the two-day event generated an economic effect of more than 2 billion won.
Park Woncheol, head of the Eoryong-dong Merchants Association, said, "The inflow effect into local businesses was significant, as shown by the 91% recovery rate of the Seoun District Vitality Coupons distributed during the event," adding, "I hope the festival will serve as an opportunity to continuously energize the local commercial districts."
The "music festival in nature" concept, which uses Hwangryongchinsu Park adjacent to the Hwangryong River Jangnok Wetland as its stage, was also highlighted as a key feature. A picnic zone and mat zone were created, and citizen-participation programs such as a street piano, street karaoke, and a starlight cinema were operated.
Citizens enjoying a performance on picnic mats spread on the lawn of Hwangryong Chinsu Park in Gwangsan-gu, Gwangju, on the afternoon of September 21 last year. Photo by Song Bohyun
The Gwangsan Music ON Festival received an A grade in last year's evaluation of district-level festivals in Gwangju, securing 80 million won in support funds. Gwangsan-gu added that it was subsequently selected as a Festival Tourism City at the "17th Korea Creative Management 2025," and received the Grand Prize in the overall category at the "6th Gwangju Maeil Newspaper Tourism Awards" and a Special Award at the "Korea Festival Contents Awards."
An official from Gwangsan-gu said, "The Gwangsan Music ON Festival has grown into a symbolic festival that imprints Gwangsan-gu as a young and dynamic city," adding, "We will develop it into a sustainable music festival created together with citizens."
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