(Yangyang=Yonhap News) Reporter Ryu Ho-jun = Untimely rains have thrown a wrench into the preparations for autumn festivals.
Some events are adjusting their schedules or hastily making plans to cope with the rain.
Gangwon Yangyang County announced on the 16th that the "Gukyang Garudeung, Yangyang Market Road" event, originally scheduled for 17-19, has been postponed by two weeks.
Accordingly, this year's event will be held from 31st to 2nd of next month in front of the main building of the Yangyang County Agricultural Technology Center.
The county prepared this event to widely promote the region's attractive local foods and provide residents and tourists with enjoyable memories and experiences.
Major programs include the Yangyang Local Food Premium Market, a daily 9 PM pop-up store, a chroma key photo zone, discounted and free tasting of Hanwoo beef, and exhibitions of chrysanthemum bonsai and photos of mountain fire damage.
However, as continuous autumn rains have been occurring nationwide recently, and rain is forecast during the event period, the county decided to postpone the event.
Earlier, the "2025 Yangyang Songyi Festival" held in the area of Namdaecheon Riverbed from 10-12 was also affected by the rainy weather.
Due to the rising water level of Namdaecheon River, the canoe experience event could not be operated throughout the festival period, but most other performances and events proceeded as normal.
According to the county, it is estimated that about 100,000 tourists visited the Songyi Festival over three days.
Nearby Goseong County is also busy preparing for the Myeok Festival due to the rainy weather.
The county plans to hold the "25th Goseong Myeok Festival" as scheduled from 17-19 at Geojin 11-ri Beach, but is reinforcing the event facilities against the rain.
The organizers are replacing the event booths with Mongolian tents, adding rain covers, and separately preparing raincoats for tourists.
On Seoraksan Mountain, since the first autumn leaves appeared two days ago, hikers have been seen wearing raincoats due to the continuous rain.
The Gangwon Provincial Meteorological Office predicts that the intermittent rain will continue for the next week.
ryu@yna.co.kr