2026 Gimcheon Grape Festival wraps up with 100,000 visitors

The 2026 Gimcheon Grape Festival, the signature agricultural products festival of Gimcheon in North Gyeongsang Province, wrapped up to strong attendance.

About 100,000 residents and tourists visited the festival, held Aug. 14-16 at the Gimcheon General Sports Town complex, city officials said Tuesday.

This year's festival grounds featured cooling zones and water play areas where visitors could rest, along with food and beverage spaces scattered throughout the venue so attendees could eat, relax and enjoy the festival at their own pace.

Outdoor walkways were lined with a grape-vine tunnel with misting water, shade structures and large tents to help visitors beat the summer heat.

This year's event expanded beyond grapes to showcase plums and peaches as well, bringing together Gimcheon's signature summer fruits in one place.

"This year's grape festival was an attempt to transform the event into one where residents and tourists could stay cool and comfortable during the hot summer," Gimcheon Mayor Bae Nak-ho said. "We will continue working to open up new markets for Gimcheon grapes."