▲ Participants perform at the Gangneung National Busking Competition in this undated photo provided by Gangneung. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE)(Yonhap)

SEOUL, July 23 (Yonhap) -- The third Gangneung National Busking Competition has attracted more than 40,000 spectators as it reaches the halfway point of its finals, drawing growing crowds to Gyeongpo Beach on summer evenings.

The finals, which opened on July 3, feature 150 teams that advanced through the preliminary rounds. They are competing over 17 performances across five weeks, with nine rounds completed so far.

Despite unfavorable outdoor performance conditions, including heavy rain, about 40,000 people have attended the competition at Gyeongpo Beach to date.

Organizers said attendance has steadily increased through word of mouth, with the high-quality performances by participants creating an atmosphere comparable to a full-scale concert.

▲ Participants perform at the Gangneung National Busking Competition in this undated photo provided by Gangneung. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE)(Yonhap)

Final-round performances are held every Thursday through Sunday at 7:30 p.m. at Gyeongpo Beach.

The event also features audience participation programs, including on-site popularity voting, alongside performances spanning a variety of musical genres.

The finals will continue through Aug. 9, with the top eight teams advancing to the championship round on Aug. 15 to compete for the grand prize.

The final will also feature special performances by Yook Joong-wan Band, Rumble Fish and last year's winner, Oreumsae Band.

A gala concert scheduled for Aug. 22 will bring major prize winners and fan-favorite finalists back to the stage for another round of performances.

Bae Gwang-sik, head of Gangneung's tourism policy division, encouraged the public to continue supporting the competition by attending the remaining finals and gala concert.

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