Mungyeong Mayor Kim Hak-hong holds an apple-sharing event to thank tourists and residents for their love of Mungyeong apples. [Mungyeong City]
Mungyeong Mayor Kim Hak-hong holds an apple-sharing event to thank tourists and residents for their love of Mungyeong apples. [Mungyeong City]

The 21st Mungyeong Apple Festival wrapped up to strong turnout from tourists and local residents.

According to Mungyeong City, the festival ran from Oct. 17 through Sunday at Mungyeongsaejae Provincial Park, selling a total of 196 tons of Gamhong apples — the region's signature variety — and generating 2.3 billion won ($1.72 million) in sales.

This year's festival ran for 16 days, seven days longer than last year.

Visitors flocked to the festival grounds to taste and purchase Gamhong apples, prized for their high sugar content and abundant juice.

Interactive programs added to the fun, including a Gamhong apple photo-booth experience, apple-hat crafting, an apple-stacking contest and an impromptu singing competition.

An orchestra performance, a taekwondo demonstration and a series of concerts by popular singers rounded out the program, giving tourists a rich array of entertainment and autumn memories.

On the final day, an apple-sharing event was held to express appreciation to visitors who came out to celebrate Mungyeong apples.

"I extend my deepest gratitude to the tourists who visited the festival and to the farmers who worked so hard to grow Gamhong apples," Mungyeong Mayor Kim Hak-hong said. "We will continue to promote the excellence of Mungyeong apples and develop the festival into one that satisfies both farmers and tourists alike."


kbj7653@heraldcorp.com