Uiryeong, Gyeongsangnam-do – The 2nd Uiryeong Hong-ui General National Freshwater Fishing Tournament unfolded on April 20th along the scenic Uiryeongcheon Stream as a supplementary event to the 50th Uiryeong Hong-ui General Festival. Approximately 500 enthusiastic anglers from across the nation congregated, lining both sides of a 500-meter stretch of the Uiryeongcheon, from the area in front of the public stadium to the museum. The sight of their fishing rods cast into the tranquil waters, set against the backdrop of the surrounding natural beauty, created a truly magnificent scene. The five-hour tournament commenced at 7:00 AM and concluded at noon.

The grand prize went to Kwon Kyung-hee from Daegu, who impressively landed a 37.5cm crucian carp. He was awarded a trophy, a 1 million KRW Uiryeong Love Gift Certificate, and fishing gear valued at 7 million KRW. Securing second place was Lim Ju-gwan from Busan, who caught a 35.9cm crucian carp, earning him a trophy, a 500,000 KRW Uiryeong Love Gift Certificate, and fishing equipment worth 5 million KRW. Kim Young-geun from Ulsan took third place with a 34.7cm crucian carp, receiving a trophy, a 300,000 KRW Uiryeong Love Gift Certificate, and fishing supplies valued at 3 million KRW. Park Jong-seok from Yangsan, who caught a 34.5cm fish, claimed fourth place and was awarded an Uiryeong Love Gift Certificate and daily necessities. Kim Min-soo from Gimhae Jangyu finished fifth with a 33.7cm catch, also receiving an Uiryeong Love Gift Certificate and daily necessities.

The "Other Species" award was presented to Kim Yang-hee from Geoje for landing a 32.5cm catfish. The Senior Angler award went to a participant born in April 1939, while the Long-Distance Participant award was claimed by an angler who traveled all the way from Cheorwon in Gangwon Province. Both received Uiryeong Love Gift Certificates and daily necessities. The success of the 2nd Hong-ui General National Freshwater Fishing Tournament underscored its growth into a truly national event, attracting participants of all ages and from various regions across the country.

Prior to the awards ceremony, Uiryeong County Mayor Oh Tae-wan presented a plaque of appreciation to Lee Jae-ju, the president of the National Crucian Carp Anglers Association and the head of the tournament organizing committee. The subsequent awards ceremony was graced by the presence of Mayor Oh Tae-wan, Uiryeong County Council Chairman Kim Gyu-chan, Gyeongsangnam-do Provincial Council Member Kwon Won-man, Vice Chairman of the Uiryeong County Council Oh Min-ja, other council members, and leaders of various social organizations, all of whom came to celebrate the event's success.

Even those who were not fortunate enough to catch any fish had the opportunity to win prizes through a raffle, with over 100 participants receiving various goods, ensuring that everyone enjoyed the festive atmosphere. However, some participants voiced their concerns about the uneven distribution of fish, noting that catches were concentrated in the downstream area near the Uibyeong Bridge, while the upstream section yielded no fish. This issue presents a challenge that requires attention and the development of improvement measures for future tournaments.

The hosting of this tournament served as an excellent opportunity to promote Uiryeong County and its pristine natural environment to fishing enthusiasts nationwide. Furthermore, many participants purchased local specialties such as Manggaetteok (arrowroot rice cake) and watermelon after the event, contributing to the local economy.

Uiryeong County Mayor Oh Tae-wan remarked, "Looking back at the first freshwater fishing tournament we held last year, I am convinced it was a very worthwhile endeavor. After the fishing, there was not a single piece of trash left behind. I was truly impressed by the participants' respect for the environment and their ability to enjoy the event together – they were true professional anglers. I believe that General Hong-ui, during his time fishing in the Namgang and Nakdonggang rivers in his hometown, cultivated patience and learned valuable life lessons. In these times when our nation needs strength and perseverance, his spirit of resilience, the very essence of the Uibyeong spirit, resonates deeply."

Additional Information and Expansion:

To further enrich this report, additional details about General Hong-ui, the significance of the Uiryeongcheon stream, the local fishing culture, and the economic impact of the festival and tournament can be included.

General Hong-ui (Gwak Jae-u): Gwak Jae-u (1552-1617), also known as Hong-ui Janggun (Red-Clothed General) due to his soldiers' distinctive red attire, was a prominent military leader who played a crucial role in the Korean resistance against the Japanese invasions of the late 16th century (Imjin War). His strategic brilliance and unwavering determination inspired local militias and significantly hampered the Japanese advance in the Gyeongsang region. The festival and the fishing tournament are held in his honor, celebrating his patriotic spirit and leadership.

Uiryeongcheon Stream: The Uiryeongcheon Stream is a significant waterway in the region, known for its relatively clean waters and diverse fish population, including crucian carp, which is a popular target for freshwater anglers in Korea. The stream meanders through picturesque landscapes, making it an ideal location for recreational activities like fishing.

Local Fishing Culture: Freshwater fishing is a popular pastime in South Korea, with a strong community of anglers who participate in local and national tournaments. Crucian carp fishing, in particular, has a dedicated following due to the challenge and the rewarding experience of catching these elusive fish. Tournaments like the Uiryeong Hong-ui General National Freshwater Fishing Tournament not only provide a competitive platform but also foster camaraderie among fishing enthusiasts and contribute to the local tourism sector.

Economic Impact: The Uiryeong Hong-ui General Festival and its associated events, including the fishing tournament, generate significant economic benefits for the local community. The influx of participants and visitors boosts local businesses, including restaurants, accommodations, and shops selling local products. The purchase of Uiryeong Love Gift Certificates and local specialties like Manggaetteok and watermelon further contributes to the regional economy. The exposure gained through a national event also enhances the reputation of Uiryeong as a tourist destination.

Addressing the Uneven Fish Distribution: The feedback regarding the concentration of fish in the lower section of the Uiryeongcheon is a crucial point for the organizers to address. Possible solutions could involve pre-tournament fish stocking in the upper sections, adjusting fishing zones in future events, or conducting a study of the fish distribution patterns in the stream to implement more equitable fishing conditions.

By incorporating these additional details and addressing the concerns raised by participants, the report can be expanded to provide a more comprehensive and insightful account of the 2nd Uiryeong Hong-ui General National Freshwater Fishing Tournament and its significance for the region. The tournament not only celebrates a historical hero and promotes freshwater fishing but also contributes to the local economy and showcases the natural beauty of Uiryeong County.