The 24th Ulleungdo Squid Festival: A Celebration of Summer
The 24th Ulleungdo Squid Festival was successfully held from July 17 to 19 at the passenger terminal in Jeodong Port.
The festival enjoyed clear weather throughout, allowing all programs to proceed safely.
Tourists and local residents visiting Ulleungdo enjoyed performances, experiences, delicious food, and cultural events, fully embracing the excitement of a summer island festival.
Duration: July 17 (Friday) - July 19 (Sunday), 2026
Location: Jeodong Passenger Terminal Plaza, Cheonbu Swimming Pool, Namyang Swimming Pool, etc.
Day 1 (July 17) - A Grand Opening and Blessings for a Bountiful Catch
On the first day of the festival, preliminary rounds of the Hwangwoo Singing Contest, a pre-show performance for a bountiful catch, and band and Nanta performances marked the festival's commencement.
At Jeodong Port, the opening ceremony featured a congratulatory performance by invited singer Song Gain, receiving enthusiastic responses from the audience.
After the performance, a spectacular fireworks show lit up the summer night sky, enhancing the festive atmosphere.
Various experience booths and food markets were also set up throughout the event area.
On the first day, the squid blessing event took place at Jeodong Port, while the Naesujeon area hosted experiences for catching sea loaches and finding stones.
At Namyang Swimming Pool, a hands-on experience for catching fish was popular among family visitors.
Additionally, the "Taste of the Ark" event showcased various dishes using Ulleungdo's representative local vegetables, highlighting the excellence of local food culture.
Day 2 (July 18) - The Festival's Highlight with Experiences and Performances
The second day of the festival saw the highest number of visitors.
At Cheonbu Swimming Pool in Ulleung-gun, a squid-catching experience began at 11 AM, free of charge, with participants struggling to catch slippery squids, providing enjoyment for both participants and spectators.
Originally planned for 300 participants, the event expanded to accommodate 500, creating joyful memories for residents and tourists alike.
Following the squid-catching, participants also enjoyed catching fish, further enhancing the fun.
At the main stage in Jeodong Port, the finals of the Hwangwoo Singing Contest showcased passionate performances from participants.
The local squid tasting event allowed attendees to savor dishes made from fresh squid, offering a taste of Ulleungdo's culinary delights.
In the evening, a congratulatory performance by Kim Chang-ryul and an EDM party brought the festival to its peak.
Additionally, a traditional squid boat experience was held in front of Jeodong Candle Rock, providing a unique exploration of Ulleungdo's Jeodong Port.
Day 3 (July 19) - Concluding with a Squid Cooking Survival Challenge
The final day featured a squid cooking survival competition.
Eight teams showcased their creative dishes using squid, competing for the top spot.
Visitors had the opportunity to taste one of Ulleungdo's signature dishes, Osam Bulgogi, experiencing the rich flavors of local squid once again.
The squid festival was enriched with various experiences over the three days.
Visitors engaged in activities such as stargazing, squid boat experiences, squid catching, and local food tasting, allowing them to feel the natural beauty and cultural charm of Ulleungdo through all their senses.
This year, the 24th Ulleungdo Squid Festival concluded as a fun event with all programs safely conducted in good weather.
The festival harmoniously combined performances, experiences, food, and local culture, reaffirming its status as a representative summer festival of Ulleungdo.
Especially, the squid-catching event attracted large crowds, and the caught squids were prepared as sashimi on-site, showcasing the warmth of the Ulleung-gun Women's Association.
It was a meaningful time that created special memories for tourists and revitalized the local community.
The free admission to various tourist facilities during the three days received great acclaim.
We look forward to the Ulleungdo Squid Festival continuing to develop as a representative marine cultural festival of Korea, cherished by many tourists next year!
Source :https://blog.naver.com/gyeongbuk_official/224356291471
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