'Gijang Eel Festival' Returns After 4 Years!

Published 15 May.2023 14:25(KST)

Updated 07 Aug.2025 11:49(KST)

The 17th Gijang Eel Festival in Gijang-gun, Busan, will be held from the 19th to the 21st at Chilam Port in Ilgwang-eup.

The Gijang Eel Festival has been held annually since 2004, alternating between Chilam Port and Sinam Port, to widely promote the excellence of the local specialty, Gijang eel, and to inherit and develop a healthy traditional food culture.

Held for the first time in four years since 2019, the event features a variety of programs for the whole family to enjoy, including the Chilam National Singing Contest, a marine fireworks show, eel bibimbap making, a trot music show, and an eel OX quiz. Various experiential events such as barehanded eel catching and a children's science class are also prepared.

Promotional poster for the 17th Gijang Eel Festival.

On the 19th, the festival will hold the Dragon God Ceremony and Full Catch Ceremony to pray for safety and a bountiful catch, followed by an opening congratulatory performance by invited singer Eun Ga-eun. On the 20th, eel bibimbap making and the Chilam National Singing Contest (finals) will take place, with trot singer Kang Tae-kwan invited.

On the 21st, popular trot singers Ryu Ji-kwang and Seol Ha-yoon will host a trot music show, and a spectacular marine fireworks show will conclude the festival.

The Chilam Raw Fish Village Prosperity Association will offer a 10% discount on eel sashimi and grilled eel at Chilam’s raw fish restaurants during the festival, providing an opportunity to enjoy high-quality eel at an affordable price.

Park Yong-ju, chairman of the Gijang Eel Festival Promotion Committee, said, “As the Gijang Eel Festival is being held for the first time in four years, we will do our best to make it a joyful and happy memory for all visitors,” and added, “We hope everyone enjoys the warm spring festival with their loved ones and families.”