Gangneung to Resume Signature Festivals, Bringing New Vitality to the Local Economy

Synergy Expected as Both Festivals Held Simultaneously from October 30 to November 2
Coffee Festival at Gangneung Coffee Street, Noodle Festival at Wolhwa Street

The 'Gangneung Coffee Festival' and 'Noodle Festival,' which are signature autumn events in Gangneung and had been tentatively canceled due to a severe drought, will now be held simultaneously for four days from October 30 to November 2.

Exterior view of Gangneung City Hall.

On September 25, Gangneung City held a meeting attended by 17 participants, including the president of the Gangneung City Prosperity Association, the president of the Gangneung Small Business Association, and heads of coffee-related associations, where the final decision to resume the festivals was made.

Given the outdoor nature of both festivals and the difficulty of further postponement, the city set the festival start date for October 30, despite the tight schedule.

Previously, on September 12, Gangneung City had abruptly canceled the Gangneung Coffee Festival and Noodle Festival-which require significant water usage-as a way to share the burden of the worsening drought, after the water level at Obong Reservoir dropped to 11%.

During the meeting, participants agreed that resuming the festivals would help revitalize the local economy and attract tourists, and that the events should be prepared as a gesture of gratitude for nationwide support, showcasing Gangneung's recovery and return to normal life after overcoming disaster.

In particular, they shared the view that, as a lesson from the drought, restrictions should be placed on the use of tap water and disposable products at the festival venues, and that tourists should be warmly welcomed to enhance the region's image.

Despite the long Chuseok holiday and the short preparation period, Gangneung City plans to mobilize all administrative resources to deliver the best possible festival. As autumn deepens, Gangneung Coffee Street will be filled with the aroma of coffee and the scent of the sea, and Wolhwa Street will be alive with delicious noodle stories. This festival is expected to be more than just a joyful event; it will serve as a meaningful occasion to convey a message of unity and hope from citizens who have overcome disaster.

Gangneung Mayor Kim Hongkyu said, "I would like to thank the citizens of Gangneung, as well as those working in the local restaurant, tourism, and event industries, for overcoming the difficult drought together. I hope that many tourists will visit Gangneung through the festival, bringing new vitality to the local economy."

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