Gangjin Celadon Festival Draws Record 270,000 Visitors... Achieves Both Hands-On Experiences and Sales Growth

Visitor Numbers Surge by 54%

Local Specialty Sales Exceed 500 Million Won

The 54th Gangjin Celadon Festival, hosted by Gangjin-gun in South Jeolla Province, attracted more than 270,000 visitors, marking the highest attendance in its history.

According to Gangjin-gun on March 3, approximately 267,000 people visited during the festival period, an increase of more than 54% compared to the previous year’s 170,000 visitors. From the opening, large crowds gathered, and families and group tourists flocked to the festival, especially on weekends and in line with performance schedules.

On the 2nd, visitors are watching a performance at the closing ceremony of the 54th Gangjin Celadon Festival held at the Goryeo Celadon Museum in Daegu-myeon, Gangjin-gun, Jeollanam-do. Provided by Gangjin-gun

This year’s festival highlighted the “fusion of celadon and art,” strengthening hands-on programs. In addition to traditional pottery experiences such as wheel-throwing, celadon coiling, and carving, the festival offered activities like foil art and suncatcher making. There were also play, art, and air bounce kids’ zones, a children’s singalong show, a bonfire camp, and a foot bath experience.

Celadon exhibitions and sales were also held. Local master potters and private kiln companies participated, offering hands-on experiences and sales events. Celadon sales totaled 383 million won, exceeding last year’s 366 million won. Sales of local agricultural and specialty products surpassed 500 million won, a significant increase from last year’s 100 million won.

The festival’s performance program included a trot concert, an open music concert, and a closing concert. On February 28, more than 130 chartered buses visited, but thanks to a pre-event safety meeting, dispersed movement flows, and strengthened traffic management, the event concluded without major incidents.

Accommodation facilities were fully booked throughout the festival, and restaurants and cafes were crowded with visitors. Gangjin-gun stated that this year’s festival demonstrated the possibility of transitioning to a festival focused on hands-on experiences and longer stays.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.