As the vibrant hues of spring fully embrace the island of Jeju, a series of captivating festivals are set to unfold, each celebrating the unique and cherished local specialties of this South Korean paradise. The Jeju Special Self-Governing Province has announced two prominent events scheduled for late April and early May: the "Horned Whelk Festival" on the islet of Udo, just off Jeju's eastern coast, and the "Bracken Fern Festival" in the Namwon-eup area of Seogwipo City. These festivals promise a rich tapestry of cultural experiences, culinary delights, and opportunities to immerse oneself in the natural beauty and traditions of Jeju.
Kicking off the festive season is the 14th Udo Horned Whelk Festival, a vibrant celebration of the island's prized marine delicacy. Known locally as "ppul-sora," the Udo horned whelk is distinguished by its firm texture, a result of thriving in the island's strong ocean currents, and its characteristically sharp, horn-like protrusions on its shell. Organized by the Udo-myeon Youth Association, the festival will take place from April 25th to 27th at the scenic Cheonjin Port area of Udo.
The three-day event is packed with engaging programs for visitors of all ages. The opening day, April 25th, will feature lively competitions such as "Horned Whelk Tower Stacking," "Sumbisori (Breath-Holding Contest)," a nod to the island's famed female divers (haenyeo), and an exciting "Find the Golden Whelk" treasure hunt. Adding to the festive atmosphere will be a talent show featuring local residents and various captivating performances.
The official opening ceremony will take place on the second day, April 26th, at 11:00 AM, preceded by a vibrant traditional Udo folk music performance ("Udo Pungmul Nori"). The afternoon will see participants engaging in a "Udobong Plogging" event, combining environmental consciousness with a leisurely walk around the picturesque Udobong Peak. As evening descends, the "Udo Night" event will offer a unique culinary experience: from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM, all menu items at participating local restaurants will be offered completely free of charge, providing a fantastic opportunity to savor the authentic flavors of Udo.
The final day, April 27th, will continue with a village path "plogging" initiative, followed by more interactive experiences such as "Horned Whelk Tower Stacking" and a captivating breath-holding contest challenging participants against the island's skilled haenyeo. Throughout the festival, a flea market will offer a variety of local crafts and goods. Notably, in line with the "2040 Plastic ZERO Clean Udo" initiative, single-use plastics will be strictly prohibited at all local restaurants within the festival grounds, underscoring the island's commitment to environmental sustainability. The Udo Horned Whelk Festival's dedication to showcasing the pristine environment and delectable local cuisine has earned it the prestigious title of Jeju Province's Best Festival for 2025.
Simultaneously, from April 26th to 27th, the inland region of Jeju will come alive with the 29th Hallasan Clean Bracken Fern Festival. The main stage for this celebration of Jeju's renowned wild bracken fern will be the community ranch area in Hannam-ri, Namwon-eup, Seogwipo City (address: 1622-5). The mid-mountainous region of Namwon-eup is celebrated as a prime habitat for high-quality bracken fern. Known for its thick, tender stalks and exceptional flavor and appearance, the bracken fern from this area is highly sought after.
Hosted by Namwon-eup and organized by the Namwon-eup Festival Organizing Committee, the two-day festival will offer a range of hands-on experiences, including bracken fern picking, demonstrations of traditional bracken fern preparation methods (such as boiling), and opportunities to learn about local customs associated with this wild edible. Participants in the bracken fern picking activity will be provided with traditional market baskets for their harvest. Moreover, attendees will be able to indulge in a variety of local dishes featuring bracken fern, including the hearty "gosari yukgaejang" (bracken fern and beef stew), as well as innovative fusion creations like bracken fern cutlets, showcasing the versatility of this ingredient.
Adding to the festive atmosphere, the Bracken Fern Festival will feature performances by popular singers Yang Ji-eun (on April 26th) and Na Tae-joo (on April 27th), drawing an anticipated crowd of around 30,000 visitors. A significant initiative for this year's festival is the introduction of "Local Co-prosperity Vouchers." Unlike previous years where vouchers were only valid within the festival grounds, these new vouchers can be used at participating local restaurants for a week following the festival, until May 6th, encouraging economic benefit for the wider community.
Revered as "mountain beef" due to its nutritional value and satisfying texture, bracken fern has long been prized in Korean cuisine for both its culinary and medicinal properties. Jeju's bracken fern, traditionally known as "gwolchae," was even historically presented as a royal tribute, highlighting its esteemed status.
These two distinct yet equally vibrant festivals offer a compelling glimpse into the rich agricultural and maritime heritage of Jeju Island. They provide not only entertainment and culinary experiences but also an opportunity to connect with the local culture, appreciate the natural bounty of the island, and support the communities that cultivate these unique treasures. As spring flourishes in Jeju, the Horned Whelk Festival in Udo and the Bracken Fern Festival in Namwon-eup stand as inviting beacons for tourists and locals alike, promising unforgettable experiences steeped in the authentic flavors and traditions of the island.
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