The 11th annual German Village Beer Festival is set to take place in the picturesque German Village area of Samdong-myeon, Namhae-gun from October 6th to 8th. This year, the festival promises to be even more exhilarating, with a blend of beloved traditions and exciting new additions that will surely captivate visitors.
◇ Unveiling the 'Big Tent Zone' - A Taste of Munich in Korea
A major highlight of this year's festival is the 'Big Tent Zone,' an impressive replica of the famed Oktoberfest Big Tent in Munich, Germany. This massive tent will offer visitors a unique and immersive experience, distinct from the main stage area. It will be adorned with various attractions, ensuring visitors are thoroughly entertained.
◇ Enhanced Parade Experience
The festival's renowned parade has been revamped and expanded for even greater enjoyment. In previous years, the parade graced the festival only on its opening day. However, in 2023, it will be a daily spectacle, occurring twice daily on the second and third days of the event. Expect a larger scale and more fun, thanks to the addition of a professional performance troupe and the enchanting sounds of traditional European yodeling.
◇ The Heart of the Festival - Main Stage and More
The main stage area, inspired by Munich's cathedral, will feature standing tables within an art shade zone, offering comfortable spots for savoring beer and snacks. The festival plaza also includes a designated kids and humanities zone, designed to spark the curiosity of young minds with decorations inspired by the Brothers Grimm's 'Hansel and Gretel.'
◇ Sustainability at Its Core
Building on the success of last year's waste-free initiative, this year's festival continues its commitment to sustainability. Glass beer glasses will be used throughout the plaza, along with eco-friendly recyclable cups throughout the festival site. Attendees who opt for reusable cups will enjoy free beer, further promoting a green and eco-conscious atmosphere. Additionally, the festival is going paperless, eliminating paper materials such as posters and leaflets in favor of QR code web usage.
◇ Improved Visitor Experience
In efforts to enhance the overall visitor experience, food booths will feature uniform festival attire and prominently display menus and prices. This ensures a streamlined and enjoyable dining experience for all attendees.
◇ Convenient Transportation and Lighting
To alleviate traffic concerns, additional parking spaces have been secured at the Hwaam parking lot. Moreover, nearby Samdong Elementary School, Kkotnae Middle School, and the former Mulgeon Middle School will serve as parking facilities. Shuttle buses will operate frequently between the Hwaam Parking Lot and Samdong Elementary School from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. For safety and convenience, landscape lighting will illuminate the road from the Hwaam parking lot to the event venue at night.
◇ Unique Events - Spreading 'Good Ideas'
A unique addition to this year's festival is the participation of the publishing company 'Good Ideas People.' They will distribute 10,000 copies of the 'Good Ideas' booklet. This generous gesture originated from a nurse stationed in Germany, who was deeply moved by the kindness of Namhae County's residents during her visit to a German village. This distribution is an expression of gratitude to the community for providing a warm home to the nurses who once served as miners in Germany.
An official from Namhae-gun expressed their excitement, saying, "The German Village Beer Festival has been a yearly success story, and this year's edition promises to be richer in romance and passion, filling the entire village with excitement. We hope that many will visit the event venue and leave with delightful memories."
Don't miss your chance to be part of this unforgettable celebration of culture, camaraderie, and the spirit of 'Autumn in the South Sea' at the 11th German Village Beer Festival, starting on October 6th!