Delivering a Message of Coexistence Between Storks and People, Nature and Humanity
Yesan County announced that the 6th Yesan Stork Festival, held from September 27 to 28 at the Yesan Hwangsae (Stork) Park in Gwangsi-myeon, concluded successfully, attracting 20,000 visitors.
Under the theme “The Six Stork Siblings That Returned to Yesan,” the festival promoted the message of coexistence between storks and humans, nature and people, through a variety of hands-on programs that received enthusiastic response.
Emphasizing Stork Restoration and Coexistence
Although initially postponed due to heavy rains that led to a special disaster zone declaration, the festival went ahead to reinforce the region’s commitment to environmental conservation and community revitalization.
In particular, the festival highlighted the stork restoration project at Yesan Hwangsae Park and incorporated storytelling centered on the theme of “coexistence between storks and people, nature and humanity,” reminding visitors of the importance of nature.
Since 14 storks were born at the park in spring 2015, the park has been releasing storks to nature annually to support stork restoration. During this year’s festival, the second wild release at the natural adaptation site was carried out successfully. Instead of the traditional cage-release method, a more eco-friendly release technique was adopted, further strengthening the significance of the restoration project.
Diverse Ecological Experience Programs
Various programs were offered throughout the festival, including the Stork Observation Tour, Action Book-Making, and Interactive Theater. The Stork Observation Tour, which was fully booked within just three days of preregistration, was especially popular as it offered a rare opportunity to see the stork breeding site in person.
Additional events such as the Wild Stork Release Ceremony and the 2025 Yesan Stork National Children’s Drawing Contest provided memorable experiences for families with young children.
A Festival Created Together with Residents
For the first time, residents from five stork villages directly participated in the festival, offering food made from locally sourced agricultural products and running a variety of hands-on experience booths.
Their active involvement greatly contributed to the festival’s success and helped communicate the significance of the festival as a community-centered, locally integrated event.
Vision for the Future of Yesan Stork Park
County Governor Choi Jae-koo said, “We plan to open more sections of the Stork Park so visitors can observe storks and relax in nature. We also intend to create walking trails where people can take care of their health while enjoying the environment.”