[Report] "A Small Miracle on the Sea of Wando"... 10 Years of the Jangbogo Ujang Festival

A Festival of Ecology, Locality, and Sharing
Special Experiences for Children, A Place for Intergenerational Connection
Binggeure Ensemble's Harmonica Performance Delivers Moving Melodies
"Environmentally Conscious Consumption, an Even Greater Joy"

On August 23, more than 500 people gathered on a small island in Wando, South Jeolla Province, to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Jangbogo Ujang Market.

At 5:30 p.m. that day, the lively voice of a visitor echoed through the market venue. "Look, there’s perfume here. I’m going to make my own perfume!" she said, beaming at her friend while holding an eco-friendly tote bag that could be purchased for just 1,000 won. Her friend replied, "I’m going to buy tteokbokki and seafood pancake first. They look delicious."

Audience members watching the beach performance held together with Wando Jangbogo Market are enjoying the show. Photo by Lee Jungyeong

The 'Jangbogo Ujang 10th Anniversary Event' transformed the market into more than just a marketplace; it became a special festival created by both local residents and consumers. Throughout the venue, a variety of foods, experiences, and performances welcomed the attendees.

Members were busy preparing two hours before the event began. Despite the hot weather, preparations were in full swing. Setting up booths, carrying goods, and arranging the night market felt like a grand family celebration. "Gelato ice cream is ready here," "We need more ice for the drinks!" Delicious foods gradually appeared at the market-seafood pancake, tteokbokki, sausage skewers, and cheese chicken breast, all tempting visitors with their aromas.

One guest took a big bite of seafood pancake and exclaimed, "The seafood from Wando is so fresh and delicious!" Nearby, a friend chewing on dried filefish added, "This is perfect as a snack with drinks!" In particular, abalone-a Wando specialty-was served in various forms such as ramen and tempura, catching people’s attention. Fruits and drinks like passion fruit were also popular items, helping to quench thirst in the summer heat.

Parents and children visiting Jangbogo Market are purchasing various foods such as seafood pancake. Photo by Lee Jungkyung

On one side of the market, unique hands-on activities were taking place. Booths for making mosquito repellent, perfume, and nail nutrition products attracted lines of children and parents eager to participate. One parent said, "It’s wonderful to do these activities with my child. We’re making perfume and creating memories." The child proudly carried the perfume bottle they had made, cherishing the special memory of the day.

Elsewhere at the venue, the 'Binggeure Ensemble,' a group of local residents, began a harmonica performance. On this hot summer day, the audience was captivated by the cool, refreshing sound, and when the performance ended, they responded with enthusiastic applause. One tourist remarked, "It was a top-notch performance. I’m so glad I could see such a wonderful show in Wando. I could really feel the dedication and passion of the local residents."

As the event drew to a close, attendees packed their purchases into eco-friendly tote bags, looking satisfied. One consumer commented, "Everything sold here seems to be made with the environment in mind, which makes it feel even more special." This sentiment perfectly captured the identity of Jangbogo Ujang Market.

Wando Jangbogo Market showcased not only products from Wando but also specialty products from the Jeonnam region, including Gangjin. Photo by Lee Jungkyung

The Jangbogo Ujang Market has become more than just a place to buy and sell goods; it is a space where local residents and consumers share and practice values together. Launched in 2015 by about 20 local residents, the market has grown over the past 10 years to a membership of around 90, becoming a national model. Now held on the fourth Saturday of every month, the market has established itself as an important festival that embodies the values of ecology, locality, and sharing.

Kim Youngshin, the market manager, said, "Our market is not just a place to sell products, but a place where local residents and consumers grow together through environmentally conscious and rational consumption." He added, "We want more people to experience and practice the values of ecology, locality, and sharing here, and to see this place become a healthy community."

The spirit behind the name 'Jangbogo Ujang'-which means 'Let’s shop and smile'-was fully realized at this event. It was a festival where local residents laughed, shared, and grew together, and the 10-year journey of this market marked a new beginning. The small miracle created by 500 people is sure to continue.

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