Discover the 24th Ulleungdo Squid Festival: Why July 17-19 is the Best Time to Visit

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Ulleung County in North Gyeongsang Province’s flagship event, the ‘Ulleungdo Squid Festival,’ will take place in mid-July—about a month earlier than usual. Officials say the change is meant to capture shoulder-season travelers just before the summer holiday rush and to strengthen the festival’s programming.

On the 29th, the Ulleung County Festival Committee confirmed the 24th Ulleungdo Squid Festival will run three days, July 17–19, and has kicked off full preparations. As in past years, the festival will be centered around Jeodong Port.

The county moved the event from its traditional August slot to improve the efficiency of tourism infrastructure. By spreading visitors out of the peak season into the shoulder season, officials hope to ease pressure on lodging and transportation while maximizing the economic boost to the local community.

The new dates also align with the jogeum period, when coastal currents calm and squid catches increase. That timing should let vendors offer even fresher local seafood and give visitors an authentic taste of fishing-village life.

The county plans an extensive publicity campaign to avoid confusion over the date change and to attract more visitors.

Kim Su-han, chairman of the Squid Festival Committee, said, “Adjusting the dates will give more tourists a reason to visit Ulleungdo. We will work closely with relevant agencies and organizations to prepare thoroughly and deliver a festival that both residents and visitors will enjoy.”

A county official added, “We are putting together a rich lineup of performances and hands-on programs. We’ll do our best to give festivalgoers special memories unique to Ulleungdo.”