The Cheongju Samgyeopsal Festival commenced on the 2nd of March in Cheongju, a city in South Korea that proudly identifies itself as the home of samgyeopsal, a popular grilled pork belly dish. The festival will continue until March 3rd, with vendors from both within and outside the region selling 2kg of premium pork belly for 25,000 won. A total of 10 tons of pork belly is expected to be sold over the two days, with each person allowed to purchase up to 2kg per day. Alongside the samgyeopsal offerings, the festival features traditional games and a farmers' market where local farmers sell fresh vegetables like lettuce and perilla leaves that complement the dish.

Cheongju has established 'Samgyeopsal Day' on March 3rd, a date represented by the number '3' that coincidentally aligns with 'samgyeopsal'. Since 2012, the city has been hosting the festival annually to highlight its cultural significance. The historical roots of Cheongju’s samgyeopsal can be traced back to records from the Joseon Dynasty, where it is said that Cheongju pigs were presented as tribute. A study carried out by Cheongju University in 2021 linked samgyeopsal's development to historical texts, marking it as an important aspect of the city's culinary history.

In 2011, Cheongju transformed part of its Seomun Market into a dedicated street for samgyeopsal, detailing a 320-meter area with specialized restaurants and distinctive decor such as samgyeopsal motifs on the pavement. The market has been equipped with rain shelters and parking facilities to enhance the visitor experience. The festival not only promotes the local food culture but also supports local farmers and businesses, further integrating the community into this celebration of samgyeopsal.