Immerse Yourself in Wellness at the Gyeongbuk Yeongju Punggi Ginseng Festival
Date: October 5th – 13th, 2024
(Please note: The following event details are based on the 2023 festival. Details for the 2024 festival are currently being updated and will be released closer to the event date.)**
Ginseng, a renowned Korean tonic celebrated for its stamina-restoring and immunity-boosting properties, takes center stage every October at the Punggi Ginseng Festival. Held in Yeongju, a region recognized for producing some of Korea’s finest ginseng, the festival coincides with the time of year when ginseng’s nutritional value is at its peak.
This health-focused festival offers a diverse range of exhibitions and immersive experiences centered around the remarkable Punggi ginseng. Visitors can savor delectable ginseng dishes, crafted with the region’s nutritious ginseng, and participate in engaging activities such as ginseng peeling, ginseng bottle making, and even try their hand at digging for Punggi ginseng themselves. Beyond the experiences, the festival provides an excellent opportunity to purchase fresh ginseng and red ginseng directly from local ginseng farmers, along with a variety of processed ginseng products, all at affordable prices.
Festival Highlights:
1. Main Program:
- Ginseng Digging Experience: Embark on a unique adventure by digging for ginseng directly in the ginseng fields. This hands-on experience is perfect for families, friends, and acquaintances, allowing you to harvest your own ginseng and purchase it at a special price.
2. Additional Programs:
- Sobaeksan Ginseng Seed Sowing: Witness the symbolic act of sowing ginseng seeds, ensuring the continuation of this valuable crop.
- Reenactment of Governor Jusebung’s Procession: Step back in time with a historical reenactment that showcases the significance of ginseng in the region’s history.
- Punggi Ginseng Gayageum Performance: Enjoy the enchanting melodies of traditional Korean music played on the gayageum, a stringed instrument, adding a cultural touch to the festival.
- Punggi Companion Dog Fashion Show: Delight in the adorable spectacle of companion dogs dressed in creative outfits, adding a touch of fun and entertainment.
- High-Quality Ginseng Selection Contest: Witness experts meticulously evaluate and select the finest ginseng specimens, showcasing the region’s dedication to quality.
- Cultural Arts Performances: Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of the region through a variety of traditional and contemporary performances.
3. Consumer Participation Programs:
- Ginseng Peeling Contest: Test your skills and compete with others in a ginseng peeling contest, showcasing the art of preparing this valuable root.
- Ginseng Bottle Making: Unleash your creativity by crafting your own unique ginseng bottle, a beautiful and functional souvenir to take home.
- Ginseng Auction: Participate in a lively ginseng auction and bid on high-quality ginseng at competitive prices.
- Tourist Singing Contest: Showcase your singing talents and entertain fellow festival-goers in a fun and friendly singing competition.
4. Other Attractions:
- Food Stalls: Indulge in a variety of delicious Korean dishes and local specialties at the festival’s food stalls.
- Local Specialty Product Sales: Discover and purchase a wide array of local products, including handicrafts, agricultural goods, and other regional specialties.
Location: Seongnae-ri, Punggi-eup, Yeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
Fee: (Information will be updated for the 2024 festival.)
Contact: +82-54-635-0020
Website: http://www.ginsengfestival.co.kr
Instagram: (Information will be updated for the 2024 festival.)
