[Provided by Mungyeong City]
[Provided by Mungyeong City]

The city of Mungyeong in North Gyeongsang Province said Monday that more than 67,000 people visited the 22nd Mungyeong Omija Festival, held from Friday through Sunday at Geumcheon Dunchi in Dongno-myeon.

Omija sales during the festival were provisionally tallied at 840 million won ($607,000).

Fresh omija sold at the festival grounds for 15,000 won per kilogram, while 10 kilograms of sugar-preserved omija went for 90,000 won.

The number of direct-sales booths for farming households expanded from two last year to six this year, giving more growers the opportunity to sell their omija directly to visitors.

This year's festival also strengthened its lineup of hands-on activities and performances.

Musical performances spanning classical vocal, traditional Korean music and ballads were offered alongside family-oriented programs, including bath bomb and lip balm making workshops and a wooden playground.

The festival entrance was also redesigned with a new triangular arch.

Organizers set up a waterside pop-up lounge themed around omija, expanded the tasting pavilion, and hosted pop-up stores run by local businesses selling omija wine and snacks, allowing visitors to sample and experience the berry firsthand.

The inaugural Mungyeong Omija Quality Competition, held for the first time this year, showcased omija of exceptional quality from the region.

Mungyeong Mayor Kim Hak-hong said the city would press ahead with its "Omija Renaissance Project" to develop the local berry into a high-value industry embracing tourism and culture, and to make it a new engine of growth for Mungyeong.


kbj7653@heraldcorp.com