Gwangyang Maehwa Festival to Step Up Constant Crackdowns and Strict Measures Against Illegal Street Vendors

Controversy Over Stones Mixed with Chestnuts at Some Street Stalls
Cases of Inconvenience Spread on Social Media... Comprehensive Crackdown Underway

On March 18, the city of Gwangyang, South Jeolla Province, announced that it is verifying the facts regarding incidents of inconvenience caused by some illegal street vendors during the 25th Gwangyang Maehwa Festival, which have spread through social networking services (SNS). The city also stated that it is continuously strengthening crackdowns on illegal and unfair commercial activities around the festival site.

Recently, controversy arose after a tourist visiting the festival posted online a video showing that roasted chestnuts purchased at the venue contained stones, along with a complaint of not receiving the correct change. It was found that the vendor in question was operating illegally outside the officially permitted zone.

Exterior view of Gwangyang City Hall.

The city has recognized the seriousness of this incident and has immediately strengthened guidance and crackdowns both inside and outside the festival venue to prevent similar cases from recurring.

To eradicate illegal activities around the festival site, Gwangyang has been conducting proactive joint crackdowns since February 19, ahead of the festival's opening. Currently, a total of 53 personnel are deployed across five sectors—construction, roads, farmland, forestry, and food—to maintain ongoing enforcement.

In particular, the city operates a real-time response system by conducting routine patrols and inspections to manage the site at all times, and immediately organizing joint crackdowns when violations are confirmed. In cases where violations are not corrected despite the first and second warnings, the city is taking strong measures such as filing complaints and imposing administrative penalties.

Gwangyang is further strengthening on-site management and guidance to prevent negative perceptions of the festival as a whole due to a few illegal street vendors. The city is focusing its administrative resources on establishing a sound commercial order and restoring trust.

A Gwangyang city official stated, "As concerns are growing with some cases spreading through SNS, we are taking this matter very seriously. We will thoroughly verify the facts and take necessary measures, and further strengthen on-site inspections and crackdowns during the remaining festival period to minimize inconvenience for tourists."

The official added, "We will concentrate our administrative efforts on establishing a sound commercial order and regaining trust so that all visitors to the festival can enjoy the event with peace of mind."

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