Yeoju Ogoknaru Festival Draws 440,000 Visitors

[Anchor]

The Yeoju Ogoknaru Festival is one of Gyeonggi Province's representative festivals. A total of 440,000 visitors attended the three-day festival held last week to enjoy a variety of events.

Reporter Yu Yeong-su has the story.

[Reporter]

This is a modern reinterpretation of the historical custom of presenting Yeoju's agricultural products to the king at the Ipo Narutter dock on the Han River.

Large puppets modeled after King Sejong and Queen Wongyeong lead a colorful street parade alongside a traditional band joined by Yeoju citizens.

[Lee Yong-du and Lee Hye-ran / Geumsa-myeon, Yeoju]: "We feel an immense sense of pride. Just participating here is a source of pride. And it feels great just living in this neighborhood."

A variety of food and hands-on programs drew crowds of visitors, including "Cauldron Yeoju Rice Bibimbap," which served newly harvested Yeoju rice cooked in a giant cauldron, and the "Sweet Potato Guinness," where Yeoju sweet potatoes were roasted in an oversized roasting drum and shared with attendees.

[Lee Gyeong-ok and Kim Myeong-sun / Icheon, Gyeonggi Province]: "We plan to eat bibimbap, buy and taste things like glutinous rice cakes here and there, and take a walk across the suspension bridge."

This year's festival notably placed major attractions during the evening hours after sunset.

"Nakhwanori," a traditional firework display with sparks scattering against the backdrop of the Namhan River, unfolded spectacularly alongside various night performances.

[Lee Chung-woo / Mayor of Yeoju]: "We have created new contents to present a festival tailored to current trends. Next year and the year after, we will discover even more wonderful contents to welcome the public."

The city of Yeoju announced that a total of 440,000 people visited the festival grounds over the three days.

(Video by: In Pil-seong)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.