A study on residents’ perceptions of the sustainable development of animal festivals: Focusing on the Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival

This study examines residents’ perceptions of the Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival, a flagship Korean event exemplifying both high economic impact and ethical controversy, focusing on the complex coexistence of perceived benefits and costs. Adopting a qualitative approach, the study conducted in-depth, semi-structured interviews with four local residents selected through purposeful sampling. Data were analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s (2006) thematic analysis. The findings reveal a core resident perception of ambivalence and dilemma. Residents recognized the festival’s significant social and economic contributions, such as creating family memories, fostering local pride, and providing seasonal employment. However, they simultaneously reported deep ethical concerns over animal welfare, such as a perceived disregard for life, alongside unequal distribution of economic benefits, severe traffic congestion, and administrative burdens. These perceptions suggest community attitudes cannot be reduced to simple cost–benefit analyses. Theoretically, the study extends resident perception research beyond traditional social exchange theory (SET) by highlighting the simultaneous presence of economic rationality and conflicting ethical values. Practically, the results indicate that sustainable development requires a shift from quantitative expansion to qualitative growth. Policy recommendations include the institutionalization of animal welfare standards, mechanisms to ensure local economic returns, and the establishment of professional governance structures to enhance community well-being and ensure long-term sustainability.