Yeongyang County in North Gyeongsang announced on May 5 that the 21st Yeongyang Mountain Greens Festival, set for May 7–10 at the Yeongyang Cultural Center and across Yeongyang-eup, will be expanded into a participatory celebration focused on hands-on activities and live performances.
This year, organizers are dialing up interactive content so visitors can join in rather than just look. Timed workshops and performances will run throughout the day, keeping the on-site energy lively and inviting.
A headline event is a giant "Mountain Greens Bibimbap" cook-up. With thousands expected to pitch in, it’s poised to become the festival’s signature moment. There’s also a mountain-greens experience zone and family-friendly recreation programs, designed so everyone—from kids to grandparents—can get involved.
Nature programming gets a boost, too. Around Ilwolsan Mountain, guided foraging sessions will let participants harvest mountain greens, learn about their ecology and culinary uses, and enjoy hands-on outdoor learning. Pre-trip safety briefings and guided transport are provided to keep the experience smooth and safe.
The performance lineup is equally varied—local artists, choirs, saxophone players and genre-specific stages will keep the vibe buzzing. An opening-night celebration kicks things off, followed by evening highlights like the "Mountain Greens Music Festa" and the "Starlight Concert," offering cultural programming from day into night.
Events that blend literature and the arts add another layer. In nearby Jusil Village, the Jo Ji-hoon Arts Festival runs May 8–9 with poetry readings, talks, a writing contest and performances. Festivalgoers can enjoy food, hands-on activities and literary programming all in one place.
With a stronger focus on family-friendly, hands-on content, organizers hope the festival will become a true multi-generational celebration. Linking the festival to other cultural events is also part of a strategy to encourage longer stays and boost tourism.
A Yeongyang County official said, "We've integrated cultural programming into the Mountain Greens Festival so visitors will linger and enjoy themselves. We'll continue refining the festival to make it a signature spring event."
