Savor the Sweetness of Winter at the Jirisan Hamyang Dried Persimmon Festival
🗓️ January 3rd – 5th, 2025
Imagine the crisp, clean air of the Jirisan and Deokyu mountains whispering through rows of carefully strung persimmons, slowly transforming them into nature’s candy. That’s the magic behind Hamyang dried persimmons, and you can experience it firsthand at the Jirisan Hamyang Dried Persimmon Festival! From January 3rd to 5th, 2025, join us in Gyosan-ri, Hamyang-eup, Hamyang-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do, for a celebration of this beloved winter treat. Unlike other festivals that simply offer dried fruit, this one lets you delve into the process, from peeling to savoring, with hands-on activities and the chance to meet the 700+ local farms that meticulously craft these delicacies.
What awaits you?
- Taste the Tradition: Indulge in the uniquely soft texture and intense sweetness of Hamyang dried persimmons. Take advantage of special discount sales and stock up for the winter! You can also explore other regional agricultural specialties.
- Immerse Yourself in the Festivities: Enjoy a vibrant atmosphere with the Opening Ceremony, groove to the Dried Persimmon New Year Concert, and experience the community spirit at the Citizens’ Harmony Concert.
- Unique Experiences: Ever witnessed a Dried Persimmon Surprise Auction? Here’s your chance! Marvel at the Traditional Dried Persimmon String Display, and partake in the communal Dried Persimmon Rice Cake Sharing and traditional Rice Cake Pounding.
- Hands-on Fun: Get creative with Dried Persimmon Dessert Making, learning to craft delicious treats like Dried Persimmon Paste, Dried Persimmon Mochi, and Energy Balls. Try your hand at Persimmon Peeling and gain a newfound appreciation for the craft.
- Explore Hamyang: Discover "Orgo Hamyang," a mountain climbing certification project, and savor "Ham Tteok," a representative dish of Hamyang County.
Event Details:
- Location: Gyosan-ri, Hamyang-eup, Hamyang-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do
- Dates: January 3rd – 5th, 2025
- Admission: Free
- Contact: 010-9308-2994 / 010-7744-1663
Plan Your Visit:
What is a Dried Persimmon?
A dried persimmon, or "gotgam" in Korean, is a preserved version of the persimmon fruit. The process involves peeling ripe persimmons and allowing them to dehydrate, either naturally under the sun or in controlled indoor settings. Over time, the fruit loses moisture, concentrating its flavors and sweetness and gaining a chewy texture with a slightly leathery exterior.
Drying the fruit enhances its natural sugars, lending a caramel-like complexity to its flavor. As it dries, a thin layer of natural sugar crystals can form on the surface, adding sweetness to each bite. Dried persimmons are enjoyed for their rich taste and as a snack during colder months. They are also versatile, used in a range of dishes from traditional desserts to modern recipes, providing a taste of winter’s offerings.
