Gwangyang Maehwa Festival
ποΈ 2025.03.07 ~ 2025.03.16
The annual Gwangyang Maehwa Festival, a celebration of spring’s arrival, is set to take place from March 7th to March 16th, 2025. This year’s festival, the 24th of its kind, promises a unique experience, distinct from previous iterations, with the theme "Korea’s Spring, Opens in Gwangyang Maehwa Village" and the slogan "The Moment the Plum Blossoms Bloom, The Time Spring Arrives."
The festival is renowned for its breathtaking display of plum blossoms, with the Seomjin River and Cheongmaesil Farm serving as the backdrop for a sprawling 198,000γ‘ colony. This natural spectacle attracts over one million tourists annually, a testament to the festival’s captivating beauty and well-curated program.
What to Expect
The Gwangyang Maehwa Festival is not merely a visual treat; it is an immersive experience. The festival will feature a Four Gentlemen themed pavilion, exploring the origins of K-Culture.
To ensure a safe and enjoyable environment for all attendees, the festival will implement paid admission, with the full amount being refunded through festival vouchers. Additionally, designated car-free streets will enhance the pedestrian experience.
In recognition of Gwangyang Maehwa Village’s selection as one of Korea’s Top 100 Tourist Spots for 2025-2026 (the second time after its 2013 inclusion), the festival will introduce a range of exclusive attractions. These include:
- Korea’s Top 100 Tourist Spots Exploration Event
- Maedol-i Land Experience Zone
- Maedol-i Goods Shop
- Maehwarang 2 nights, 3 days program
A Diverse Range of Activities
The festival’s program is thoughtfully divided into several categories, ensuring a wide array of activities to suit diverse interests:
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Planned Events: Including the Yulsan Kim Ocheon Ong Memorial Event, alongside the aforementioned Korea’s Top 100 Tourist Spots Exploration Event, Maedol-i Land Experience Zone, and Maedol-i Goods Shop.
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Experiential Events: Featuring activities such as "Earth Arcade Gwangyang Travel," a Maehwa Village "In-saeng-ne-cut" Photo Zone, a Plum Blossom Woodworking Experience, a Maesil Highball Experience, Maesil Healing Therapy, the "Maehwarang 2 nights, 3 days" program, a "10,000 Steps Walk on Maehwa Road," and a "Spring Love Letter Sent from Maehwa Village" initiative.
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Performance Events: Showcasing performances by the Gwangyang City Performing Arts Company (National Orchestra and Choir), Plum Blossom Busking Performances, an "Our Town Concert," and a Lifelong Learning Program Performance.
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Sales Events: Offering culinary delights like the "Maesildama Gwangyang Lunchbox," a Gwangyang ‘Taste’ Experience, an Agricultural and Specialty Products Market, and Local Restaurant Operations.
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Related Events: Including a Seomjingang Starlight Sky Night Opening, a "Korea Dulle-gil Walk Along the Plum Blossoms," and a Seomjingang Hot Air Balloon Experience.
- A separate Suiseki Exhibition will also be held.
Admission Details
While the festival grounds will be accessible only through paid admission, the full cost of the ticket will be returned to visitors in the form of vouchers, redeemable at various festival venues.
- Adults (19-64 years old): 5,000 won
- Youth (7-18 years old): 4,000 won
- Exemptions: Individuals under 6 years old, over 65 years old, Gwangyang citizens under 19, people with disabilities, national merit recipients, war veterans, basic livelihood security recipients, and teachers accompanying students, among others, are exempt from the admission fee.
Essential Information
π Address: 55 Jimak 1-gil, Daap-myeon, Gwangyang-si, Jeollanam-do
ποΈ Accommodation near the event
π° Fee: Paid (Admission fee fully refunded with vouchers)
π Inquiries: 061-797-2721
π₯οΈ Homepage: gwangyang.go.kr
What is Maehwa?
Maehwa refers to the plum blossoms that signal the start of spring in Korea. These blossoms, known for their subtle fragrance and colors ranging from white to pink, are among the first to bloom as winter ends. In Korean culture, maehwa symbolizes resilience and hope, as they often bloom in the cold of early spring. They are a common theme in Korean art, poetry, and folklore. The Gwangyang Maehwa Festival celebrates these blossoms, allowing visitors to appreciate their beauty and cultural significance through various activities and local traditions.
