The News, Explained
On October 23, 2026, Kakao announced a dedicated KakaoMap map for the Gimcheon Gimbap Festival. The event runs October 23–25 around Jikji Culture Park, Samyeong Daesa Park and the eco park. Through October 25, visitors can access the temporary map by searching “김밥축제” in the KakaoMap app. Source
The map shows around 50 food booths selling gimbap, snacks and desserts, alongside the flea market, activity areas and rest facilities. It also supplies booth menus and performance schedules. Visitors can therefore locate a menu they want alongside the next performance or rest area, according to the announcement. Source
Menu browsing connects to ordering and pickup notices. Users place an order through KakaoMap and receive an AlimTalk message when the food is ready to collect. AlimTalk is an informational message delivered through KakaoTalk. The flow separates placing an order from collecting it; Kakao presents it as a way to ease the burden of waiting onsite. The release gives no measured waiting-time reduction or fixed order-to-collection time. Source
The visitor chat, called “현장톡,” lets participants exchange menu recommendations and observations about the atmosphere in real time. Alongside facility locations, menus and schedules, these posts offer participants’ personal experiences. Kakao also says it has an onsite KakaoMap information booth to help people use the dedicated map. Source
A favorites group lists gimbap restaurants nationwide, including festival participants, for people seeking a place they tried or exploring restaurants elsewhere. The nationwide place list has a different scope from the temporary festival ordering and pickup service. Source
OYOPICK’s Take
A ready notification could give visitors more control over their time. If they can explore another booth or rest area between ordering and collection, they could plan movement around their interests. That potential depends on how reliably food preparation and pickup guidance connect onsite. The announcement explains the connection; its operational effect remains open.
We hope the information booth helps visitors less familiar with apps enjoy the same festival. Clearly distinguishing menu and facility information from participants’ experiences, while keeping a person available for help, could make a digital map a welcoming starting point for discovering a region.