The three-day event runs Friday through Sunday at Chiram Port in Ilgwang-eup, featuring hands-on experiences and performances

The 20th Gijang Conger Eel Festival runs Friday through Sunday at Chiram Port in Ilgwang-eup, Gijang-gun. [Gijang-gun]
The 20th Gijang Conger Eel Festival runs Friday through Sunday at Chiram Port in Ilgwang-eup, Gijang-gun. [Gijang-gun]

The 20th Gijang Conger Eel Festival will be held Friday through Sunday at Chiram Port in Ilgwang-eup, Gijang-gun.

The festival began in 2004 and has alternated between Chiram Port and Sinam Port over the years, reaching its 20th edition this year. Organized by the Gijang Conger Eel Festival Promotion Committee, the event will offer discounted conger eel sales alongside a range of hands-on activities and performances.

On opening day Friday, a street parade and opening ceremony will kick off the festivities, followed by an EDM show and a conger eel power concert, with a fireworks display in the evening. Popular singers Na Sang-do and Hwang In-a are among the performers set to take the stage.

Saturday will feature additional performances and conger eel-themed activities, while Sunday's lineup includes an impromptu noraebang event called "I'm a Singer Too" and another EDM concert. A second fireworks show will close out the three-day festival on Sunday night.

The festival's signature program, "Catch a Conger Eel with Your Bare Hands," lets visitors try to catch the fish themselves and draws large crowds every year. Daily programs throughout the festival will include discounted conger eel sales, pumbba folk performances, a free conger eel bibimbap tasting, a conger eel fringe festival and a challenge event called "Go for It! Conger Eel!"

This year, two new additions aim to offer fresh fun for visitors: a pedometer-shaking activity called "Wiggle the Conger Eel's Tail" and the open-to-all impromptu noraebang event "I'm a Singer Too."

"It is thanks to those who have visited the Gijang Conger Eel Festival year after year for 20 years that today's festival is possible," said Woo Bong-cheol, the committee chairman. Gijang-gun Governor Woo Seong-bin said he hoped visitors would "enjoy the flavors and atmosphere of Chiram Port and have a wonderful time with family and friends" at the 20th anniversary edition.


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