Savoring Hadong: A Culinary Journey at the Hadong Star Flavor Festival

Embark on a gastronomic adventure at the Hadong Star Flavor Festival, a celebration of the region’s unique and delectable cuisine.

Date: October 4th – 6th, 2024

Location: Gwangpyeong-ri, Hadong-eup, Hadong-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do

Admission: Free

Contact: 055-880-6582

Website: www.hadong.go.kr

The Hadong Star Flavor Festival is a vibrant showcase of the region’s culinary heritage, designed to tantalize the taste buds of food enthusiasts and introduce them to the unique flavors of Hadong.

Festival Highlights:

1. Official Events and Performances:

Immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere with a diverse range of entertainment options:

• Opening Ceremony: Witness the grand opening of the festival.
• Food Show: Experience captivating culinary demonstrations and presentations.
• Indie Band Performance: Enjoy live music from talented indie bands.
• Night Dance Party with DJ: Dance the night away under the stars.
• Elementary/Middle/High School Dance Competition: Cheer on young dancers as they showcase their skills.
• Plaza Zumba Dance: Join in a fun and energetic Zumba session.
• Local (Arts) Busking: Discover local talent through street performances.
• Movie Screening: Relax and enjoy a movie under the open sky.

2. Food Booths:

Indulge in a culinary journey through a variety of food zones:

• Meal Zone: Savor hearty and delicious meals featuring local specialties.
• Dessert Zone: Treat yourself to sweet delights and traditional desserts.
• Beverage Zone: Quench your thirst with refreshing beverages.

3. Events and Experiences:

Engage in interactive and fun activities for all ages:

• Colorful Playground: Unleash your creativity with clay and food drawing experiences.
• Delicious Events: Get a caricature drawn, participate in seller games, and embark on a scavenger hunt for "ㅎ" character dolls.
• Goods Receiving Event: Take home souvenirs and gifts.

4. Exhibition and Sales:

Explore a variety of local products and learn about Hadong’s rich heritage:

• Flea Market: Discover unique treasures and handmade crafts.
• Agricultural Products Exhibition Hall: Explore the region’s fresh produce and agricultural products.
• Hadong Goods Promotion Hall: Find high-quality local goods and souvenirs.
• Hadong Hot Place Promotion Hall: Learn about popular tourist destinations in Hadong.
• Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems Promotion Hall: Discover Hadong’s contribution to global agricultural heritage.

Come and experience the vibrant culinary scene of Hadong at the Star Flavor Festival!

Dream Fish Lantern Festival Illuminates Uicheon Stream in Gangbuk

Date: October 8th – October 20th, 2024

Location: Uicheon Stream, Beon-dong, Gangbuk-gu, Seoul

Admission: Free

Contact: 02-944-8458

Experience the magic of the "Gangbuk Dreaming Fish" festival, a captivating celebration of environment and hope held along the scenic Uicheon Stream in Gangbuk. This unique event showcases a mesmerizing display of dream seed lanterns crafted in the shape of fish by local residents, illuminating the autumn nights with a vibrant spectacle of light and color.

Highlights:

• Installation Art: Immerse yourself in the evocative installation art created by renowned artist Pyo Gu-cheol, adding an artistic dimension to the festival’s enchanting ambiance.
• Dream Seed Lanterns: Admire the intricate and beautifully lit dream seed lanterns, each one a testament to the creativity and community spirit of Gangbuk’s residents.
• Lighting Ceremony: Witness the grand lighting ceremony on October 8th at Beonchang Bridge, marking the official start of the festival with a captivating pre-ceremony performance, speeches by dignitaries, and a dazzling congratulatory performance.

Lighting Ceremony Schedule (October 8th):

• 6:30 PM – 7:00 PM: Pre-ceremony performance
• 7:00 PM – 7:30 PM: Introduction of guests, congratulatory speech by the head of the district, lighting ceremony
• 7:30 PM – 8:00 PM: Congratulatory performance

Explore Beyond the Lights:

In addition to the mesmerizing lantern displays, the festival offers a variety of engaging events and activities for visitors of all ages. Explore the charming stalls lining the stream, savor delicious local delicacies, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of this unique cultural celebration.

Getting There:

Uicheon Stream is easily accessible by public transportation.

Stay Connected:

While the official website and Instagram page are not yet available, stay tuned for updates on the festival’s program and activities.

Festival Poster

Embrace the spirit of hope and environmental consciousness at the Dream Fish Lantern Festival, a truly unforgettable experience in the heart of Gangbuk.

Naju Yeongsan River Festival: A Celebration of Culture and Heritage

Date: October 9th – 13th, 2024

The Naju Yeongsan River Festival is an immersive cultural and artistic event showcasing the rich history, vibrant culture, ecological beauty, and diverse tourism resources of Naju, a city nestled along the picturesque Yeongsan River. This year’s festival promises an unforgettable journey through Naju’s past, present, and future, with innovative programs designed to captivate and entertain visitors of all ages.

Highlights of the Festival:

Spectacular Opening Ceremony:

• "A New Story of the Yeongsangang River, Restarting Now": The festival kicks off with a grand opening ceremony, setting the stage for a week of festivities.
• "Breath of Mahan, Bloom with the Light of Yeongsangang": This captivating themed performance weaves together the historical legacy of the Mahan confederacy with the radiant spirit of the Yeongsan River.
• Fireworks Drone Show & Water Fireworks Show: Prepare to be mesmerized by dazzling displays of pyrotechnics illuminating the night sky above the Yeongsan River.
• Opening Celebration Performance: Enjoy a vibrant performance celebrating the commencement of the festival.

Explore the Yeongsan River:

• Yeongsangang Floating Bridge (Pontoon Bridge) Crossing: Stroll across the pedestrian bridge spanning the Yeongsan River, immersing yourself in the autumnal beauty of cosmos flowers and swaying reeds.

Diverse Program Lineup:

The Naju Yeongsan River Festival is a truly integrated event, incorporating six distinct festivals into its program. Enjoy a wide array of activities, including:

• Naju Agricultural Festa: Experience the bounty of the region’s agricultural heritage.
• Jeonnam Content Fair: Explore the latest innovations in content creation and technology.
• Yeongsangang Garden Mongmong Park Festival with Gwangju MBC: Delight in the beauty of Mongmong Park and enjoy special events hosted by Gwangju MBC.
• Our Family Cooking King Contest: Witness culinary talents compete for the title of cooking champion.
• 2024 MBN National Naju Marathon: Challenge yourself in this renowned marathon event.

Engaging Activities and Performances:

• Yeongsangang Music Festival: Groove to the rhythm of live music performances.
• Gifts from Yeongsangang: Participate in exciting events and win special prizes.
• Yeongsangang RC Boat Competition: Watch thrilling remote-controlled boat races.
• Yeongsangang National Dance Competition: Witness the grace and artistry of talented dancers.
• Naju Natural Dyeing Fashion Show: Admire the beauty of traditional Korean dyeing techniques showcased in a stunning fashion show.
• Yeongsangang Traveling Culture Salon: Engage in cultural discussions and workshops.
• Donggang Bongchu Deul No Rae (folk song): Enjoy traditional Korean folk song performances.
• Eup, Myeon, Dong Singing Contest: Cheer on local singers as they showcase their vocal talents.
• Naju City Boys and Girls Choir Performance & Village Choir Performance: Be enchanted by the harmonious voices of local choirs.
• Sing-Along Show (Robocar Poli, Shinbi’s House): Join in a fun sing-along with popular children’s characters.
• Former Public Institution Club Concert: Enjoy musical performances by local bands and groups.
• Naju City Traditional Music Orchestra "Madangguk Naju Three Colors Heritage Play" & "Naju Pungryu Yeoljeon": Experience the rich sounds of traditional Korean music.
• Naju City Choir "Musical Les Miserables": Witness a captivating performance of excerpts from the renowned musical.
• Random Play Dance: Join in the fun and dance to a mix of popular K-pop songs.
• Kidzania: Let your children explore a miniature city designed for interactive learning and fun.
• WalkGo! Pick Up Go! Protect the Yeongsangang River! (Plogging): Participate in a plogging event, combining exercise with environmental consciousness.
• Yeongsangang Ssireum (Korean Wrestling) Competition: Witness the strength and skill of traditional Korean wrestling.
• Exhibition, Experience, Promotion Booths (19 types): Explore a variety of booths showcasing local products, crafts, and services.

Food and Shopping:

• Yeongsangang Cafeteria & Food Trucks: Indulge in delicious food and beverages from various vendors.
• Flea Market: Discover unique treasures and souvenirs at the flea market.

Capture Memories:

• Natural Dyeing Exhibition: Learn about the art of natural dyeing and admire beautiful textile creations.
• Photo Zones (8 types): Capture memorable photos at various themed photo zones throughout the festival grounds.

Festival Details:

Location: Yeongsan-dong, Naju-si, Jeollanam-do

Admission: Free

Contact: +82-61-339-8594

Website: https://www.naju.go.kr/tour/festival/river

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/najucity/p/C_3x7OgT1gL/?img_index=1

Poster:

Come and experience the vibrant spirit of Naju at the Yeongsan River Festival!

Are you an expat or traveler in South Korea looking to shop on Coupang, but unsure how to use your foreign credit card? Don’t worry! We’ve got you covered with this easy-to-follow guide.

Coupang, South Korea’s largest e-commerce platform, does accept some foreign-issued credit cards. However, the process might not be immediately obvious if you’re new to the site. Let’s walk through the steps to make your shopping experience smooth and hassle-free.

Important Disclaimer: It is not possible to save a foreign credit card as the permanent default payment method in your Coupang account. You must choose the foreign card option each time you place an order, not in your account settings.

Step 1: Navigate to the Payment Section

Once you’ve filled your cart and you’re ready to check out, head to the payment section of your Coupang order. Look for “결제수단” (Payment Method) in the options.

Step 2: Select Credit Card as Your Payment Method

From the list of payment options, choose “신용/체크카드” (Credit/Debit Card).

Step 3: Choose Your Foreign Card Type

Here’s where it gets tricky if you don’t know what to look for. Scroll down the list of card options until you reach the very bottom. There, you’ll find “해외발급 신용카드(Overseas Card)”. This is the option you need to select to use your foreign-issued credit card.

Step 4: Enter Your Card Details

Once you’ve selected the overseas card option, enter your card information:

• Card number
• Expiration date
• CVV code

Double-check your details to avoid transaction issues.

Step 5: Complete the Transaction

Follow any additional prompts to verify your payment and complete your purchase. You might be redirected to your card issuer’s verification page, depending on your bank’s security measures.

Pro Tip: While Coupang does accept foreign credit cards, it’s always a good idea to have an alternative payment method available. Sometimes, you might encounter limitations or issues with foreign cards, so having a backup plan can save you from checkout frustrations.

Remember, the key to using your foreign credit card on Coupang is finding that “해외발급 신용카드(Overseas Card)” option. Once you know where it is, you’ll be able to shop with ease!

Happy shopping on Coupang, and enjoy your time in Korea!