Kimhae Hanwoo Festival: 90,000 Visitors and 1.9 Billion KRW in Sales – A Culinary Triumph!

[Point Economy] Gimhae’s hanwoo festival, led by local brand Cheonha 1pum, attracted nearly 90,000 visitors and brought in about 19 hundred million KRW (about $1,254,000), underscoring its place as the region’s signature food event.

Gimhae City announced on the 31st that the second Gimhae Hanwoo Festival, held from the 26th to the 29th, wrapped up successfully. Nearly 90,000 people attended, and despite a challenging economic climate the event generated roughly 19 hundred million KRW (about $1,254,000) in sales, giving a welcome boost to the local livestock industry.

Run by the Gimhae Livestock Cooperative with backing from Gimhae City, the festival deliberately priced hanwoo over 30% below market value, drawing strong crowds. A variety of local produce stalls and food trucks maintained fair prices, which helped attendees feel less burdened by inflation.

The program lineup also boosted satisfaction. Organizers staged guest singer sets, cultural performances and a multimedia fireworks show, while expanding hands-on booths for infants and toddlers and adding side-stage programming to encourage family participation.

Hands-on events such as “Angry Bull’s Horn” and “Find the Loudest Moo,” along with mini-horse experiences and stargazing sessions, proved popular across generations.

The opening ceremony was held on the 27th and drew about 250 attendees, including key figures such as Kim Myeong-ju, Deputy Governor for Economy of South Gyeongsang Province; Mayor Hong Tae-yong; and National Assemblyman Kim Jeong-ho, as well as representatives from livestock-related agencies and organizations. Song Tae-young, chair of the Gimhae Livestock Cooperative, officially opened the festival.

Jung Dong-jin, head of the city’s Livestock Division, thanked the agencies, organizations, residents and visitors who worked together to ensure the festival concluded without incident. He added that the city will build on this success to showcase the quality of Gimhae hanwoo and further develop the festival into an event both locals and tourists can enjoy.