Spring Festivals Across Jeollabuk-do Bustle with Crowds

100,000 Attend Seodong Festival, 87,000 Visit ImsilN Pet Star

On the first weekend of May, the sounds of celebration rang out across Jeollabuk-do. More than just impressive visitor numbers, these festivals became communities where local stories, culture, and the warmth of people were shared.

The 2026 Iksan Seodong Festival was held from the 1st to the 3rd at Jungang Sports Park and Sinheung Park under the theme "Breath of Baekje, A Thousand Years of Love." Photo by Iksan City Hall

From May 1st to 3rd, the Seodong Festival, held at Iksan Central Sports Park and Sinheung Park, was filled with the energy of around 100,000 citizens and tourists. According to the official visitor count announced by Iksan City on May 4, this marks an all-time high. While the numbers themselves are impressive, the stories behind them are even more noteworthy.

This year, for the first time, the Seodong Festival moved into the heart of the city. By relocating from the traditional Seodong Park to Central Sports Park and Sinheung Park, the organizers did more than just expand the space—they declared their intent to bring the festival a step closer to everyday life for local residents.

The poignant love story of King Mu of Baekje and Princess Seonhwa from 1,400 years ago was revived through spectacular parades, laser shows, and the laughter of bustling marketplaces.

On the opening day, the 'Great Thumb Parade' filled the streets with excitement and energy, while as night deepened, scenic lighting transformed the parks into a dreamlike world of lights. The contrasting atmospheres of day and night welcomed visitors with different charms, and people eagerly returned to experience both faces of the festival.

What made this year’s festival even more meaningful was the presence of the 'Citizen Planning Group.' Instead of experts designing the programs, Iksan citizens directly participated in the planning and took the lead, breathing new life into the ancient story of Seodong through their own hands.

At the same time, another heartwarming festival was held in Imsil. The 41st Uigyeon Culture Festival, held together with the 2026 ImsilN Pet Star event, attracted about 87,000 visitors. This is a 6% increase from the previous year and the highest turnout since the two events were linked.

At the Osu Uigyeon Tourist Site, around 1,000 hydrangea potted plants were placed throughout, transforming the area into a picturesque photography hotspot. The peaceful expressions of people strolling among the waves of violet hydrangeas with their pets reflected the tranquility of spring.

The festival also featured the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) Agility Competition and the Korean Kennel Federation (KKF) Grooming Contest, adding a professional touch. A relay talk show with trainer Kang Hyungwook, veterinarian Seol Chaehyun, and professor Lee Woongjong drew enthusiastic responses from pet owners. Visitors from all over the country arrived in Imsil via the pet-friendly 'Daengdaeng Train,' their eyes sparkling with excitement and anticipation. During the festival, local businesses—including the regional cheese cluster, traditional restaurants, and specialty product vendors—recorded sales of 209 million won.

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