From Beer to Performances: Seo-gu Yangdong Tongmaek Festival Kicks Off on the 23rd

April 23-25 at Yangdong Traditional Market
1,000-Won Draft Beer and Market Foods All in One Place

Seo-gu District in Gwangju Metropolitan City announced that the 4th Yangdong Tongmaek Festival will be held over three days from April 23 to 25 at Yangdong Traditional Market and the surrounding area. This festival is designed to reflect on the history and value of Yangdong Traditional Market, which has a 100-year legacy, and to revitalize the local commercial district, which has been experiencing stagnation.

The event is hosted by Seo-gu District and organized by the Yangdong Traditional Market Revitalization Council. It will be held in conjunction with the "2026 First Half Companion Festival," which is organized by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups.

'Tongmaek' combines the word "Tong" (meaning "to connect" or "to communicate" in Korean) with "Maek" (symbolizing the market's long history), conveying the message that people, generations, and culture are connected through the market.

The festival's main attraction is draft beer sold for just 1,000 won, an affordable treat during times of high inflation. Visitors can enjoy cold draft beer for 1,000 won, along with a variety of foods such as whole fried chicken, fried chicken, dried seafood, seasoned skate, and seafood pancakes—dishes prepared and sold directly by market vendors. Main sections within the market will be set up as large outdoor dining spaces, allowing everyone to comfortably enjoy the unique atmosphere of the traditional market.

The festival program includes performances for all generations. Beginning with the opening ceremony at 5 p.m. on April 23, the festival will feature a variety of music genres such as classical, jazz, and electronic dance music (EDM). There will also be citizen-participation events, including surprise auctions, the Yangdong Singing Contest, and Tongmaek Busking, held throughout the festival area.

On April 24, Gwangju Metropolitan Rapid Transit Corporation will hold an event called "Traditional Market Usage Day." Customers who spend more than 10,000 won at Yangdong Traditional Market on that day will receive a complimentary single-use subway pass.

Kim Yongmok, Chair of the Yangdong Traditional Market Revitalization Council, stated, "We have prepared a variety of food, performances, and hands-on programs so that everyone—regardless of age or gender—can enjoy the festival without burden. We hope that by linking it with the Companion Festival, this event will breathe new life into the traditional market and become a festival where both residents and visitors can stay and have a great time."

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