Okdong Village in Uiryeong, Celebrates 40 Years as a Major Lettuce Producer with Seasonal Lettuce Table Festival

by Joo Sooeun

Published 06 Apr.2026 14:50(KST)

On April 11 at Okdong Village in Gamam-ri, Burim-myeon

Uiryeong County in South Gyeongsang Province announced that the 'Seasonal Lettuce Table Village Festival,' themed around the region's specialty lettuce, will be held on April 11 at Okdong Village in Gamam-ri, Burim-myeon.

This festival is a small-scale village event directly planned by local residents, following Okdong Village's selection as the venue for the '2026 Eoulrim Village Festival.' Through a variety of foods and hands-on experiences utilizing seasonal lettuce, the festival aims to highlight the appeal of local agricultural products and provide a rural tourism experience where residents and visitors can come together.

Lettuce Festival. Provided by Uiryeong County

Okdong Village has been a traditional main production area for lettuce, cultivating it for about 40 years since 1988. The village is well-known for its crisp and fresh-tasting lettuce, thanks to the significant diurnal temperature variation and the dedication of its farmers.

On the day of the event, the festivities will begin with a lettuce bibimbap sharing performance, followed by tastings of seasonal table dishes. Visitors will have the opportunity to sample freshly harvested lettuce on-site and purchase local agricultural products directly.

Lettuce, rich in vitamins A, C, K, and D, as well as iron, minerals, dietary fiber, and folic acid, is a quintessential spring health vegetable that helps support bone and eye health, prevent anemia, promote digestive health, and boost immunity. The festival will also introduce various ways to use lettuce and highlight its nutritional value.

Kim Jongyeop, head of Burim-myeon, stated, "The lettuce grown in Okdong Village is a source of pride for Burim, with a 40-year tradition. If you taste it during this festival, you will understand why it is so highly regarded."

An official from the county commented, "We hope that the village festival will widely promote the appeal of rural areas and contribute to the local economy. We will continue to support a variety of festivals that utilize rural resources in the future."