Food & Drink
What to expect at this year’s Namhae German Village Beer Festival
haps magazine korea
September 30, 2024
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The 12th annual German Village Beer Festival will take place from October 2nd to 5th in Namhae-gun’s Samdong-myeon.
This year’s theme, “The 12th Joy of Namhae Shining with Beer, Prost!” promises a unique blend of history, culture, and German-inspired festivities. Namhae-gun aims to set its festival apart by commemorating the history of Korea’s only German Village, founded by miners and nurses, and offering a memorable experience set against the backdrop of Namhae’s beautiful autumn landscape.
Celebrating the Legacy of Namhae’s German Village
Namhae’s German Village was established by Korean miners and nurses who worked in Germany during the 1960s and 1970s. Their contributions laid the foundation for today’s thriving village. To honor this legacy, the festival will feature a daily performance of the “Padok Miner Nurse Musical” and a special “Padok Miner Nurse Talk Concert” on the main stage. These events will offer a deeper understanding of the village’s origins.
Local students from Kkotnae Middle School will also take part, performing a reinterpreted version of “Arirang” to honor the sacrifices of the Korean workers abroad. This performance will evoke nostalgia and emphasize the cultural significance of the festival.
New Attractions for Double the Fun
This year, festivalgoers can enjoy two exciting new additions: an exclusive festival beer mug and the expanded oak barrel opening ceremony.
The custom beer mugs, available only during the festival, come with a mystery coupon to enhance the fun.
The traditional oak barrel opening, previously limited to the festival’s opening day, will now be held daily. Each day will feature different hosts, with the Namhae County Governor kicking off the first day.
Inspired by Munich’s Oktoberfest, the festival will transform Deutscher Platz with the famous Munich arch, Bavarian flags, and authentic German decor.
Zones for Everyone: Fun, Food, and Family
Festival attractions will include a main stage zone, a food and beverage zone featuring local and German beers, and a “Humanities Camping Zone” inspired by Brothers Grimm fairy tales.
This year, the camping zone will feature a “Princess and the Seven Dwarfs” theme, providing a whimsical space for families to relax. The eco-friendly festival will also emphasize sustainability by using reusable containers.
In addition, visitors can participate in a variety of German cultural activities, from bell-ringing games to craft beer-making classes. A lively parade will take place twice daily, and the festival’s signature “Big Tent” will offer a vibrant space for beer, music, and celebration.
A Safe and Enjoyable Experience for All
Namhae-gun has implemented extensive measures to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, promoting a “3-No Festival” that is eco-friendly, accident-free, and free from hidden fees.
Additional parking and shuttle services will help ease traffic congestion while smoking booths will be introduced to maintain a clean environment.
To further enhance visitor experience, a “Friendly Manager Group” will offer service assistance, and cultural guides will be available to share insights into Namhae’s history and traditions.
For more details, visit the official website: nhgvbf.com.