Naju City is rolling out a foodie festival centered on hongeo (fermented skate) and Hanwoo beef to attract visitors in May as part of its 2026 Year to Visit Naju campaign.
On May 6, Naju City and the Yeongsanpo Hongeo & Hanwoo Festival committee announced the 22nd Yeongsanpo Hongeo & Hanwoo Festival will run May 22–24 at the Yeongsan River Riverside Sports Park. Coming right after the Millennium Naju Mok-eupseong Cultural Festival (May 15–17), it keeps the city’s festival momentum going through the month.
The highlights are Yeongsanpo’s 600-year tradition of aged hongeo and the region’s signature Naju Deul-ae-chan Hanwoo beef. On-site deals include 35% off domestic hongeo, 50% off imported hongeo, and 30% off Naju Deul-ae-chan Hanwoo at direct-sale stalls and grilling zones.
Naju City wants the event to be more than a food fair—think a stay-and-play festival with performances, hands-on activities, and chill-out spots. Along the riverside, officials are creating a 160,000 m² (about 39.5 acres) poppy field and a sweep of baby’s breath to serve as photo ops and scenic walking areas.
Programs aimed at families and younger visitors include bounce houses, four-shot photo booths, Random Play Dance, towering balloon art, and a magic bubble show. Local food stalls and a flea market will showcase regional farm specialties and small-business products.
Parking is free at the Yeongsan River Riverside Sports Park, nearby lots, and along the roadside.
About 135,000 people attended last year’s 21st Yeongsanpo Hongeo & Hanwoo Festival over three days. This year, officials are watching to see whether the festival—tied to the Year to Visit Naju—will translate into longer-stay tourism.
