Seoul's Jamsu Bridge Food Festival Draws 70,000 Visitors

The Seoul Tourism Organization (STO) drew about 70,000 Korean and international visitors to the '2026 Seoul Tourism Food Festival - Picnic on the Bridge,' held on the southern end of Jamsu Bridge on the 30th of last month. The event, which paired the Han River with food content, drew strong interest from foreign tourists.

■12th Annual Food Festival Draws 70,000 Visitors

The Seoul Tourism Organization (President Gil Gi-yeon) announced on the 8th that the '2026 Seoul Tourism Food Festival - Picnic on the Bridge' concluded successfully. Running continuously since 2015, the festival marked its 12th edition this year and has established itself as Seoul's signature culinary festival.

The festival was held on the 30th of last month around the southern end of Jamsu Bridge and Banpo Hangang Park, co-hosted with TV Chosun. This year's event drew about 68,000 domestic and 4,300 international visitors, totaling roughly 70,000.

Food content has increasingly become a key factor in choosing travel destinations. This event drew strong participation from both domestic and international visitors, demonstrating how combining the Han River — one of Seoul's signature tourism assets — with culinary content can serve as customized programming for inbound tourists.

■French Culinary Exhibition Marks 140th Anniversary of Korea-France Ties

This year, to mark the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and France, a 'French Culinary Exhibition' was held in partnership with the French Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FKCCI).

■Popular Restaurant Booths and Hands-On Activities

The venue featured 20 food trucks and booths from domestic food brands. Well-known Seoul restaurants including Bluemetz, Gyeongmongru and Albert Park also took part, adding to the festive atmosphere.

Expanded hands-on programming was another hallmark of this year's festival. Citizen participation events included 'Make My Own Seoul Food Map,' a 'dalgona (honeycomb candy) making experience,' and a 'purchase receipt verification' event.

■"Han River and Food Combine for a Fresh Tourism Experience"

Gil Gi-yeon, President of the Seoul Tourism Organization, said, "The 2026 Seoul Tourism Food Festival is a great example of how the Han River, an everyday space for citizens, becomes a distinctive tourism experience when combined with food and culture." He added, "We hope this gave citizens the joy of experiencing flavors from around the world in their daily lives, and gave tourists the chance to discover a richer side of Seoul."