Yangyang County Revives 'Osaek Springs Hot Springs Festival' After 17 Years... To Be Held on the 16th

Yangyang County Draws Attention with "Osaek Springs Hot Springs Festival" After 17 Years

Wild Vegetable Bibimbap with Foraged Greens from 1,000-Meter-High Mount Jeombong

Free Hot Springs Experience and Resident Performances Offer Abundant Entertainment

The area around Osaek Yaksu Spring, a famous landmark in Yangyang County, Gangwon Province, is expected to come alive once again with the excitement of a festival after a long period of silence. The Osaek 2-ri Village Association and Osaek Merchants’ Prosperity Association announced on May 8 that they will hold the "2026 Osaek Springs Hot Springs Festival" at the Osaek parking lot starting at 10 a.m. on May 16.

2026 Osaek Mineral Spring Hot Springs Festival Promotional Poster. Provided by Yangyang County

This festival was first held in 2009 and took place twice before being suspended. Now, after a hiatus of 17 years, it is being revived thanks to Yangyang County’s selection for the "Beautiful Village Creation" project this year. As the festival is being brought back after such a long break, village residents and local merchants are joining forces and making enthusiastic preparations.

The highlight of the festival is undoubtedly the "Wild Vegetable Bibimbap Experience," where visitors can savor the natural flavors of Osaek. Village residents will use five types of fresh wild mountain vegetables, handpicked from deep within Mount Jeombong at elevations above 1,000 meters, as the main ingredients, offering guests a healthy and rich taste unique to the Osaek region.

In addition, a special benefit will be provided for experiencing the nationally renowned Osaek Hot Springs firsthand. On the day of the festival, visitors who spend at least 20,000 won on food or local specialties at the event site will receive one hot spring experience voucher, and those who spend at least 40,000 won will receive two vouchers, allowing guests to enjoy both the festival and relaxation at the same time.

Osaek Hot Springs, in particular, are known for their high content of rare metal ions such as copper and zinc as well as minerals, which are said to raise core body temperature, strengthen immunity, and provide excellent natural skin moisturizing effects. This is expected to offer visitors a healthy and restful experience. The enjoyment of the festival is further enhanced by a "prize giveaway event" where generous gifts will be awarded.

There will also be a wide variety of attractions. Moving away from lineups focused on flashy outside guest singers, this year’s performances will feature Yangyang Cultural Center club members showcasing samulnori (traditional percussion ensemble), harmonica, saxophone performances, and other acts, creating a warm and familiar atmosphere where village residents demonstrate the skills they have honed as hobbies. As a resident-driven event, it is expected to serve as a truly authentic venue for local unity.

This event is organized by the Osaek 2-ri Village Association and the Osaek Merchants’ Prosperity Association, with support from Yangyang County, Bando Construction Co., Ltd., Osaek Greenyard Hotel, and Seoraksan National Park. It carries significant meaning as it demonstrates the collaboration of the public sector, private sector, and local businesses to boost the regional economy and enhance the value of the local tourism brand.

Jang Hyeongchun, head of Osaek 2-ri, said, "As this festival is being held again after 17 long years, the pride and expectations of our village residents are very high," adding, "We hope many people will visit this festival, where the fresh air of Mount Jeombong, healthy local food, and warm hot springs come together, and fully enjoy the charms of Osaek."

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