This autumn, the city of Yangyang will host a vibrant festival bringing together salmon, residents, and visitors in a unique celebration of the river and local culture.

On October 20, the Yangyang County government announced that the 2025 Yangyang Salmon Festival will take place from October 24 to 26 along the banks of the Namdaecheon River. Organized in collaboration with the Yangyang Cultural Foundation, this year’s event adopts the theme “Embracing Salmon in the Autumn of Namdaecheon,” and will be a multifaceted regional festival blending ecology, hands-on experience, and cultural activities.

Festival-goers can look forward to more than 30 programs, ranging from the popular salmon bare-hand catching experience and interactive cooking shows to Namdaecheon sunset live performances and ecological tours focused on salmon’s lifecycle.

A standout for family visitors is the “Salmon Bare-Hand Catching Experience,” with 40% of the participation fee refunded in the local Yangyang Love Gift Certificate—an initiative designed to support the area’s small businesses and foster vibrant local commerce.

Other highlights include the “Salmon Ecological Experience Hall Tour,” which teaches participants about the salmon’s life cycle based on Namdaecheon’s rich ecological resources, and the “Salmon Cooking Show,” a culinary event hosted by regional chefs. Visitors can also sample Korea’s native salmon sashimi at the “Fresh Salmon Sashimi Tasting,” and enjoy soulful performances during the “Namdaecheon Sunset Live” concerts, perfect for autumn evenings.

The festival also offers a variety of participatory content. Visitors can join the “Yangyang Salmon Expedition,” collecting QR codes scattered throughout the venue to win prizes. Additional attractions include a talk session with poet Ahn Do-Hyun, author of the novel “Salmon,” as well as a bustling flea market and a local food plaza featuring regional specialties.

Choi Tae-Seop, Executive Director of the Yangyang Cultural Foundation, said on October 20, “The Yangyang Salmon Festival is evolving into an eco-cultural event where nature and resources are celebrated through the salmon’s journey. It’s a space for both the local community and visitors to coexist and connect, and we hope to create lasting autumn memories for families, couples, and friends alike.”

Note “This article was translated from the original Korean version using AI assistance, and subsequently edited by a native-speaking journalist.”

Photo=Yonhap News, 2025 Yangyang Salmon Festival