"Over 20 Years of Tradition: 'Yeongsanpo Hong-eo Festival' Lacks Attractions and Activities"

Lack of Parking Facilities... No Preparedness for Heavy Rain

Most Food Booths... No Killer Program

"Naju City Must Take Direct Charge and Make Big Changes," Critics Say

The Naju Yeongsanpo Hong-eo Festival resumed after three years due to the impact of COVID-19, but visitors who came to the festival with high expectations unanimously expressed that there was a lack of attractions and entertainment, and that even the preparations were not properly done.

Criticism has arisen that the festival needs to be reborn, citing issues such as overcharging, unfriendliness, tasteless food, and chaotic parking problems.

The 19th Yeongsanpo Hong-eo Festival was held for three days from the 5th to the 7th at the Yeongsanpo Hong-eo Street area. Naju City provided a subsidy of 170 million won for this festival.

The previous Hong-eo Festival was held at the riverside park, but this time, hoping for a festival harmonized with the Hong-eo merchants, the venue was moved to Hong-eo Street.

However, visitors frowned even before entering the festival site. There were insufficient facilities to guide visitors to the exact parking lots near the festival, causing many to wander around and eventually turn back. Using the Yeongsangang Riverside Park parking lot was inconvenient due to the distance.

Although heavy rain was forecasted before the opening day, no tents or shelters were installed in the audience seats to protect from the rain, resulting in the opening ceremony proceeding with empty seats?a farcical situation.

There was a severe lack of things to enjoy and see. More than two-thirds of the booths were food stalls, and even among these, some night market vendors received complaints that the food prices were high compared to the taste and quality. The only notable attractions were a general goods market unrelated to the festival and the 'Pumba Show' held far from the main stage.

As for entertainment, except for the Hong-eo kite flying, there were only common festival attractions such as mini Viking rides, balloon popping, and shooting prize games, so there was no killer program unique to the Yeongsanpo Hong-eo Festival.

Visitors who expected discount events or differentiated services linked to the festival themed around Hong-eo, a traditional food with a 600-year history, said they could not feel the festival atmosphere due to prices being no different from usual.

Given this situation, voices are emerging that the 20th festival next year should be newly organized with Naju City taking the lead in hosting the Yeongsanpo Hong-eo Festival.

One citizen said, "It was good to see the mayor and the city council chairman preparing and sharing Hong-eo themselves, but there was nothing more to see or enjoy," adding, "For a festival that attracts outsiders rather than just their own group, Naju City should not just support financially but actively organize to create a distinctive festival."

A festival organizing committee official said, "The preparation period was only three months, and with the heavy rain, it is true that there were shortcomings," and added, "We will improve and create a festival that satisfies everyone at the 20th festival next year."

Naju = Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Kim Yukbong yjm3070@asiae.co.kr

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