Namyangju City Welcomes Over 35,000 Visitors to Gwangneung Forest Festival... See You Again Next Year, Gwangneung Forest

Namyangju City in Gyeonggi Province (Mayor Joo Gwangdeok) announced on September 29 that the "20th Gwangneung Forest Festival," held over two days from the 27th to the 28th in the Gwangneung Forest area of Jinjeop-eup, concluded successfully with over 35,000 visitors.

Namyangju City is holding the "20th Gwangneung Forest Festival" over two days from the 27th to the 28th in the Gwangneung Forest area of Jinjeop-eup. Provided by Namyangju City

Gwangneung Forest, designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve due to its exceptional environmental value, opened its normally restricted forest trails to the public only during the festival, which was met with enthusiastic response from visitors.

The opening ceremony on the first day featured Mayor Joo Gwangdeok, local members of the National Assembly, city council members, other dignitaries, and citizens, officially launching the festival. Participants celebrated the festival’s 20th anniversary by holding placards that read, "Gwangneung Forest Festival, held only once a year, celebrating the 20th anniversary with citizens."

Especially for this 20th anniversary, a commemorative pop-up event was held, featuring a photo exhibition capturing memories of citizens who have participated in the festival over the years, "Kkeunaknack" initial keyring making, a 360-degree rotating photo booth, and a congratulatory message wall coloring activity, all of which received positive feedback.

In addition, under clear autumn skies, the "Gwangneung Forest Village Market" flea market offered a variety of handmade goods, while "Gwangneung Forestage" busking performances took place in and around the forest. Visitors enjoyed relaxing in nature at "Gwangneung Forest Photo Studio" and "Gwangneung Forest Meongshwimeong" set up along the trails, making memories with family and friends, and savoring the unique charm of Gwangneung Forest, which opens to the public only once a year.

Joo Gwangdeok, mayor of Namyangju City, attended the 20th Gwangneung Forest Festival held over two days from the 27th to the 28th in the Gwangneung Forest area of Jinjeop-eup and delivered a greeting. Provided by Namyangju City

Notably, on the second day, many visitors still attended the festival despite rainy weather. Citizens enjoyed the deepened beauty of the forest in the rain, and the "Forest Nap Contest" hosted by Yuhan-Kimberly added a unique touch to the scene.

Mayor Joo Gwangdeok stated, "The Gwangneung Forest Festival has been able to continue for 20 years thanks to the ongoing interest of citizens who love Gwangneung Forest and the support of related organizations. We will strive to establish the Gwangneung Forest Festival as a national forest culture festival beyond Namyangju."

Meanwhile, Gwangneung Forest is recognized as a treasure trove of biodiversity, home to the highest number of species per unit area in Korea. It was designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2010, underscoring its global significance.

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