Mungyeong's Vibrant Autumn Spectacle: The 21st Omija Festival

September 19-21 at Dongro Geumcheon Riverside
A Stay-Type Tourism Event and Leap Toward a Global Brand

Autumn in Mungyeong, Gyeongbuk, is painted in vibrant red. As omija, known as "a gift from the gods," reaches its harvest season and fills the rural fields, the 21st Mungyeong Omija Festival will be held for three days from September 19 to 21 at the Geumcheon riverside in Dongro-myeon.

Shin Hyunguk, mayor of Mungyeong City, is delivering a greeting at the 2024 Omija Festival.

Held under the theme "Mungyeong Omija, Embracing Flavor and Health!", this year's festival is designed as a stay-type event that combines the five flavors and health benefits of omija with tourism and cultural content.

◆ Attracting 60,000 Visitors Last Year, Cementing Its Status as a "Star Festival"

The 20th festival, held last year, drew around 60,000 visitors despite inclement weather. A total of 45 tons of omija, worth approximately 680 million won, was sold at the venue, contributing to the revitalization of the local economy. In particular, fresh omija, dried omija, and omija preserves were offered at discounts of up to 20 percent, receiving a positive response from consumers.

The opening performance featured popular singers such as Park Seojin and My Jin, filling the festival grounds with excitement.

◆ Enhanced Experiences, Performances, and Amenities

Building on last year's success, this year's festival has significantly expanded its hands-on programs and amenities. At the Geumcheon riverside, a water zone and a rest zone will help visitors cool off, while relay omija games such as ttakjichigi and gongginori, along with a dalgona giveaway event, have been prepared for added fun.

There are also plenty of family-friendly programs, including the "Omija Juice Drinking Contest," "Omija OX Quiz," and "Challenge 100 Songs Karaoke."

The performance stage will be just as spectacular. On opening day, Park Seojin, Jeon Yujin, and My Jin will perform; on the second day, Park Gun, Young Ki, and Yoon Taehwa will take the stage; and on the closing day, Andu Girl Suryeohwa and Jang Hyejin will bring the festival to a grand finale.

◆ Mungyeong Now Closer Thanks to KTX

This year, with the opening of KTX Mungyeong Station, accessibility from the Seoul metropolitan area has greatly improved, and an increase in tourist inflow is expected. Mungyeong City plans to further develop the festival into a stay-type tourism event in connection with attractions such as Mungyeong Saejae and the Omija Theme Park.

In addition, Mungyeong's city buses are free not only for residents but also for tourists and foreigners, making travel cost-free for everyone.

◆ Mungyeong Omija Expanding into the Global Market

Recently, Mungyeong City held a promotional event in Europe to showcase the excellence and diverse uses of omija, which received high praise. Building on this momentum, the city plans to develop omija into a global agricultural brand rather than just a local specialty, and to expand its entry into the world market in conjunction with K-Food.

◆ "Mungyeong's Autumn is Completed by Omija"

Shin Hyunguk, mayor of Mungyeong City, stated, "Those who visit Dongro this autumn will experience a special time filled with flavor, health, and joy," adding, "The Mungyeong Omija Festival is the best autumn gift that Mungyeong has prepared."

The Mungyeong Omija Festival has become more than just a local event; it now serves as a turning point for revitalizing the local economy and targeting the global market. With accessibility improved by the KTX opening, attention is focused on whether this festival can establish itself as Mungyeong's representative cultural tourism brand.

Gyeongbuk Mungyeong City 2024 Omija Festival Site