Naju opens applications for two song festivals tied to 2026 Visit Year

Naju City is accepting applications for two song competitions this autumn as part of the city's designated 2026 Visit Year program.

The Korean Entertainment Artists Association Naju Branch is organizing both: the 18th Naju Yeongsan River National Song Festival and the 32nd Naju Citizens' Day Memorial Eup-Myeon-Dong Citizens' Song Festival.

National Song Festival

Any South Korean citizen can enter, regardless of age or gender. You're out if you've released an album under your own name or won a grand prize at another national competition. Applications close September 10 at 6:00 PM by phone or email.

Preliminary round: September 12 at 2:00 PM, Naju Citizens' Hall 2nd Floor Grand Hall. Final: October 10 at 4:30 PM on the main stage of the 2026 Naju Yeongsan River Festival.

Total prize pool is 10.7 million won. Grand prize gets 5 million won, a trophy, and a singer certification. Gold pays 2 million won. Silver is 1 million won. Bronze comes to 700,000 won. Encouragement awards are 500,000 won each. Five honorable mentions split 300,000 won apiece.

Citizens' Song Festival

Applications close August 27 at 6:00 PM. Preliminary round runs August 29 at 2:00 PM at Naju Citizens' Hall Grand Hall. Final is October 17 at 6:00 PM at Naju Geumseong Hall area.

Total prizes amount to 3.4 million won in Naju Love gift certificates. Grand prize is 1 million won. Gold is 700,000 won. Silver comes to 500,000 won. Bronze and the popularity award each pay 300,000 won. Encouragement is 200,000 won. Four entrants get a 100,000 won participation award.

Trot singer Gong Hoon (공훈) will perform at the citizens' final, backed by the Jeollanam-do Pop Light Music Orchestra.

Mayor Yoon Byung-tae called the festivals "a stage where musicians from across the country and Naju citizens can fully display their talents and passion." He hopes visitors and residents "can have a joyful time united by music" this autumn.