Have you ever tried gimbap? It’s one of Korea’s favorite foods — rice, vegetables, and other tasty fillings all rolled up in seaweed. Every year, the city of Gimcheon celebrates this beloved dish with the Gimcheon Gimbap Festival, and it’s honestly one of the most heartwarming food events you can find!

At the festival, visitors can try all kinds of gimbap — from the classic ones with spinach and pickled radish to fun versions with bulgogi, spicy tuna, or even kimchi! There are also cooking shows, performances, and hands-on programs where you can make your own gimbap.

The success of this year’s festival came from everyone in Gimcheon working together — city officials, companies, small business owners, and volunteer groups all joined forces to make it amazing.

Volunteer teams like the Model Drivers’ Association, Saemaul Traffic Volunteers, Marine Corps Veterans, and Firefighting Volunteers helped with traffic, safety, and crowd control, showing great teamwork between citizens and the city.

Local companies such as Daejeong Co., Lotte Wellfood Gimcheon Factory, Gimcheon Nonghyup, and the Jikji Shopping District Association (which even offered a ₩1,000 discount event!) also supported the festival. Public officials were everywhere helping visitors, and the whole event felt full of positive energy.

Local food vendors also played a big part — they sold delicious, generously filled gimbap at fair prices, making everyone smile. Even though the festival only lasts for two days, it really showed why Gimcheon is known as a “friendly and welcoming city.”

Mayor Bae Nak-ho said, “In 2025, Gimcheon was truly sincere about gimbap. I hope the warm hearts of Gimcheon citizens were felt by everyone who came to visit.”

If you love food, friendly people, and good vibes, the Gimcheon Gimbap Festival is definitely worth a visit! 🇰🇷✨