[Feature] Savor the True Flavors of Hongeo and Korean Beef in Naju This May... Plus a Variety of Performances and Attractions

22nd Yeongsanpo Hongeo & Korean Beef Festival to Be Held
Opens on May 22 at Yeongsan River Riverside Sports Park
Expanded as an Extended-Stay Festival Featuring Experiences and Relaxation
Programs Include Trot Concerts and Fireworks Displays

"People may know the taste of Naju hongeo (aged skate), but not that of Korean beef from Naju."

This is a common perception the general public has about Naju, a city renowned for its culture and cuisine. However, May presents a great opportunity to dispel such small prejudices. An event awaits where visitors can experience the true flavors of both hongeo and premium Korean beef.

According to Naju City on May 6, in celebration of the '2026 Visit Naju Year', the Yeongsanpo Hongeo & Korean Beef Festival will serve as the grand finale of the city's May festival season. Notably, the city plans to showcase its charm as a destination for extended stays, where gourmet cuisine, performances, and hands-on experiences are seamlessly combined.

600 Years of Tradition: Taste Hongeo and Naju Dul Aechan Korean Beef Here

According to Naju City and the Yeongsanpo Hongeo & Korean Beef Festival Organizing Committee, the 22nd Yeongsanpo Hongeo & Korean Beef Festival will be held over three days from May 22 to 24 at the Yeongsan River Riverside Sports Park area.

Prior to this, the Cheonnyeon Naju Mok Eupsung Cultural Festival will take place around the Naju Fortress area from May 15 to 17, ensuring the city of Naju remains in a festive mood throughout the entire month of May.

This festival is a southern Korean gourmet event centered on the 600-year tradition of "Yeongsanpo Aged Skate" and the region's signature brand, "Naju Dul Aechan Korean Beef," offering visitors an authentic taste of the South.

'Hongeo Samhap' (literally 'three delicacies'), consisting of aged skate sashimi topped with tender boiled pork and fermented aged kimchi.
[Photo by Naju City]

In particular, the festival will expand beyond food-focused events to include performances, experiences, and relaxation as part of an extended-stay tourism offering. There will also be photo zones and walking spaces linked to the poppy flower complex at the Yeongsan River riverside, adding to the seasonal appeal of the tourist destination.

The city has created a 160,000-square-meter expanse of red poppies and interspersed white baby's breath, producing a stunning landscape that is expected to draw many visitors during the festival period.

At the festival venue, a variety of gourmet content will be on offer, including discounted hongeo sales and hongeo street events, a direct sales outlet and grill zone for Naju Dul Aechan Korean Beef.

For families, there will be ongoing programs such as air bounce playgrounds, instant photo booths, giant balloon art, and a magic bubble show—ensuring fun for visitors of all ages.

Parking will be available free of charge at Yeongsan River Riverside Sports Park, nearby lots, and along the roadside.

A Parade of Dazzling Trot Concerts

During the festival, top-tier trot singers are scheduled to perform.

On the opening day, May 22, Ryu Jigwang, Park Seonghyeon, and Lee Eunbi will kick off the festivities, delighting audiences with their performances. On the second day (May 23), Shin Seungtae—who rose to fame through "Hyeonyeok Gawang 2" and "Korea-Japan Top Ten Show"—along with Jin Iryang and Lee Seungwoo, will further elevate the atmosphere of the Hongeo & Korean Beef Festival.

Near the Yeongsangang Riverside Park, the festival site, poppies dressed in red skirts are expected to welcome visitors.
[Photo provided by Naju City]

On the closing day, May 24, "Hyeonyeok Gawang 2" winner Park Seojin, known as the "God of Janggu," will take the stage along with popular singers such as Jang Yeju and Hong Jiho. The festival will conclude in spectacular fashion with a star-studded trot concert and a grand fireworks display illuminating the night sky over the Yeongsan River.

Jang Haengjun, chairperson of the Yeongsanpo Hongeo & Korean Beef Festival Organizing Committee, stated, "In May, Naju becomes a city of festivals where gastronomy and culture blend together. We hope many visitors will experience the unique charms of Naju."

Meanwhile, last year's 21st Yeongsanpo Hongeo & Korean Beef Festival attracted approximately 135,000 visitors over its three-day run.

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