Mapo-gu, Seoul, will host the 19th Mapo Naru Shrimp Salt Festival at Peace Park in World Cup Park from the 16th to the 18th of this month, bringing together high-quality salted shrimp from all across the country.
The Mapo Naru Shrimp Salt Festival is Mapo-gu's signature event that revives the historical significance of Mapo Naru, where salted shrimp and various goods from around the country gathered during the Joseon Dynasty, drawing crowds of citizens every year looking to buy salted shrimp ahead of the kimjang (kimchi-making) season.
In particular, visitors can purchase salted shrimp from various regions across the country at a 10% to 15% discount for the kimjang season.
Mapo-gu stated that under the slogan "Come taste the salted shrimp! Mapo-gu has prepared it!", the festival will be organized as a hub of cultural exchange connecting history with tradition, and people with communities.
The festival kicks off on the 16th at 10:30 AM with a traditional "Satto (Magistrate) Procession" welcoming the salted shrimp, marching from the Mapo-gu Office Square to Peace Park in World Cup Park.
Following the procession featuring about 200 participants, including Mayor Yoo Dong-gyun dressed as a traditional magistrate, a Hwangpo sailboat carrying the salted shrimp will dock, followed by an opening ceremony to welcome it.
Pansori artist Park Ae-ri will perform a blessing pansori, and a madangnori (traditional theatrical play) themed around appraising top-quality salted shrimp is scheduled to take place.
An LED Hwangpo sailboat will be set afloat on Nanji Pond, alongside a special exhibition titled "Mapo Naru Memory Tunnel" capturing the changes in Mapo.
The number of sales booths has increased by 4 from last year to a total of 12, where visitors can choose from various types of salted shrimp—such as yukjeot, ojeot, and chujeot—sourced from nationwide locations including Ganggyeong and Gwangcheon.
A special local specialty market featuring 14 booths will also be operated by Mapo-gu's sister cities and local agricultural cooperatives, including Gochang, Sinan, Yecheon, Namhae, Cheongyang, and Ongjin, while a food market will offer dishes utilizing shrimp.
Various programs utilizing shrimp will also be held.
On the 16th, a "Kimjang with Foreigners" event will be held, followed on the 17th by "Rolling a 19m Shrimp Gimbap with Big Mama" featuring culinary researcher Hyejeong, and on the 18th by a bossam feast featuring pork and kimchi that pair well with salted shrimp.
Hands-on experiences such as catching shrimp, making salted shrimp, and salted shrimp auctions will be operated throughout the entire festival period.
A variety of performances are also lined up.
During the opening ceremony on the 16th titled "Mapo Leaps Forward Again, Singing Together," live performances will be staged by Jung Dong-ha, Hong Kyung-min Band, Ali, and Maya. Afterward, a TBS special public broadcast titled "Autumn Love Concert: Rest" will take place at the waterside stage, featuring appearances by Jeong Su-ra, Hyun Sook, Mok Bi, Hyun Dang, and Ilmin.
The closing performance on the 18th will feature Park Hyun-bin, Hong Jin-young, Kim Yong-pil, Jeon Mi-kyung, Park Woo-chul, and Seo Ga-bi on stage, with fireworks and a laser show decorating the grand finale of the festival.
Mayor Yoo Dong-gyun said, "As we have prepared our best with excellent salted shrimp and a wide array of foods, sights, and activities to enjoy, we hope many people will visit and make the festival shine."
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