Ansan city announced Monday that the 2026 Ansan Daebu Grape Festival drew about 24,000 visitors over two days at Daebu Badahyangi Theme Park, closing out the event on a high note. The festival ran Saturday and Sunday.
The festival was designed to showcase the flavor and character of Daebu grapes, and was held alongside the Daebu Haesolgil Walking Festival and the Ansan Marathon, giving visitors a range of activities to enjoy.
Particularly notable was a themed exhibition hall marking the 40th anniversary of Ansan's elevation to city status and the 70-year history of Daebu grapes, offering visitors a comprehensive look at how both the city and its signature crop have evolved over the decades.
At the festival grounds, desserts developed in collaboration with local universities using Daebu grapes were on display, and visitors could sample Grandcoteau "Cheongsu" wine — selected as the official dinner wine for the 2025 APEC summit. A variety of hands-on programs, including grape-treading and horseback riding, were also offered for children and families.
A direct-sales market allowed producers to sell Daebu grapes — known for their rich flavor from growing in sea breezes — along with other local agricultural specialties from the Ansan region.
Also new this year was a grape auction featuring prize-winning entries from the Daebu Grape Quality Competition. The top-prize grape sold for 450,000 won ($325), the excellence-prize grape for 300,000 won, and the encouragement-prize grape for 200,000 won. All proceeds from the auction will be donated to the Daebu Island community.
"Through this festival, we were able to share the appeal of Daebu grapes and the dedication of local farmers with many residents and tourists," Ansan Mayor Lee Min-geun said. "We will continue to promote the value of Daebu grapes and create a festival where citizens and visitors can enjoy themselves safely."
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