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The Inspiring Story Behind the 27th Eumseong Pumba Festival

​Hello everyone! This is JIRO.

Today, we’re excited to introduce the Eumseong Pumba Festival, which is happening right now in Eumseong County!

We’ll be diving deep into the heartwarming history and origins of this unique festival. Curious to know the story? Let’s jump right in!

Eumseong Pumba Festival:  The Inspiring Story of Grandpa Choi Gwi-dong
Eumseong Pumba Festival: The Inspiring Story of Grandpa Choi Gwi-dong

Born into a wealthy family,  he was cherished and named  "Gwi-dong" (meaning "precious child").

Born into a wealthy family, he was cherished and named "Gwi-dong" (meaning "precious child").

However, his life changed forever when he was forced into wartime labor in Japan, where he endured brutal torture.
Upon returning home, he found his family ruined and his home gone. With nowhere else to turn, he had no choice but to live under the Mugeukcheon Bridge.

The Awakening of Sharing

The Awakening of Sharing

Under the Mugeukcheon Bridge, he encountered other helpless beggars who had nowhere else to turn.
Despite his own suffering, Grandpa Choi gathered leftover food to feed those who couldn't move, and with deepest respect, he buried the deceased in warm, sunny spots.


He and his companions were driven out from under the bridge by the local villagers.  Left with nowhere to go, he built a makeshift hut at the foot of Yongdamsan Mountain, caring for 18 fellow beggars as if they were his own family.

But..

He and his companions were driven out from under the bridge by the local villagers. 
Left with nowhere to go, he built a makeshift hut at the foot of Yongdamsan Mountain, caring for 18 fellow beggars as if they were his own family.


The Birth of Kkotdongne  (The Flower Village)
The Birth of Kkotdongne (The Flower Village)

Moved to tears by the heartbreaking sight at the hut, Father Oh Woong-jin of the Mugeuk Catholic Church emptied his own pockets to buy a single bag of cement.
With his bare hands, he molded bricks one by one to build a proper shelter and welcomed the 18 homeless souls into their new home.

And thus, "Kkotdongne" was born—growing into what is now the largest Catholic social welfare institution in Korea.


The Eumseong Pumba Festival is the beautiful harmony of Grandpa Choi Gwi-dong's spirit of compassion and Pumba’s spirit of love and sharing!
The Eumseong Pumba Festival is the beautiful harmony of Grandpa Choi Gwi-dong's spirit of compassion and Pumba’s spirit of love and sharing!

The Eumseong Pumba Festival is happening RIGHT NOW!

The 27th Eumseong Pumba Festival is happening RIGHT NOW!

June 10 (Wed) – June 14 (Sun), 2026

Eumseong Seolseong Park & Kkotdongne Area


JIRO Local Now
This beautiful spirit of compassion is what created the festival we enjoy today. If you happen to be in Korea right now, don't miss the chance to experience this incredible energy and warmth in person!


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