Author: Eric Tay

Experience Victory at the Tongyeong Han-san Festival

Celebrate Korean history and culture at the 63rd Tongyeong Han-san Festival, taking place from August 9th to 14th, 2024. This six-day extravaganza unfolds across Tongyeong City and its surrounding islands, offering a vibrant blend of historical reenactments, cultural performances, and exciting marine events.

Honoring Admiral Yi Sun-sin’s Legacy

Organized by the Tongyeong Great Battle of Hansan Cultural Foundation, the festival commemorates the 432nd anniversary of the pivotal Battle of Hansan and the 431st anniversary of the Hansando Control Base establishment. It’s a tribute to the legendary Admiral Yi Sun-sin, renowned for his strategic brilliance in defending Korea against Japanese invasions.

Immerse Yourself in History and Culture

The festival offers a diverse program, including:

Main Events:

• Witness the grandeur of the Naval Parade of the Three Provinces Naval Commander and the Inspection Ceremony of the Gatekeepers of the Three Great Naval Battle Sites of the Imjin War.
• Travel back in time with the thrilling Naval Review and Turtle Ship Launching Reenactment.
• Experience the epic Battle of Hansan Reenactment, featuring a captivating array of events:
  • Black Eagles Air Show by the Republic of Korea Air Force
  • Navy Band Concert
  • Naval Vessel Parade
  • Joseon Naval Martial Arts Demonstration and Performance
  • Fireworks and Laser Show Celebrating the Victory of the Battle of Hansan
  • Festive Victory Parade
• Cheer on the participants in the 14th Tongyeong Turtle Ship Rowing Competition, with divisions for both students and the general public.

Commemorative Events:

• Participate in the solemn Ancestral Rite.
• Be captivated by the 62nd Tongyeong Great Battle of Hansan Festival Opening Ceremony and Special Performance, featuring a mesmerizing Drone Light Show and Opening Fireworks.
• Enjoy the 62nd Tongyeong Great Battle of Hansan Festival Celebration Concert.
• Witness the Battle of Hansan Departure Ceremony, a spectacle of tradition and artistry with Ganggangsullae and ‘Seungjeonmu’ (Victory Dance) performances by National Intangible Cultural Heritage artists, and Joseon Naval Martial Arts demonstrations.
• Dance the night away at the ‘K-POP Random Play Dance’, celebrating the festival’s selection as one of the Top 100 K-Culture Tourism Events.
• Experience the magic of the ‘Night of the Control Base’ – 62nd Anniversary Celebration Performance.
• Explore the ‘Sujodo’ Flag Exhibition Commemorating 300 Years of the Control Base.
• Indulge in a unique Panokseon Dining Experience.

Beyond the Battles:

• Yi Sun-sin Academy: Engage in interactive experiences like ringing the victory bell, exploring the Control Base’s history, and participating in military camp and martial arts activities.
• Marine Leisure Sports Events: Make a splash at the Battle of Hansan Water Park, compete in the National Kayak Competition, or enjoy the festivities from the water with the Sea Viewing and Victory Route Sea Tour.
• Cultural and Arts Events: Immerse yourself in Korean culture with performances of traditional arts, craft experiences, a youth dance competition, and a vibrant mix of music and street performances.
• Festival Exchange and Cooperation Events: Witness the cultural exchange through performances, exhibitions, and collaborations with other cities and festivals.
• Academic Conference: Delve deeper into the historical significance of Hansando at the academic conference.

Plan Your Visit:

• Dates: August 9th – 14th, 2024
• Location: 65 Jungang-ro, Tongyeong-si, Gyeongsangnam-do (Tongyeong Municipal Museum)
• Admission: Free
• Contact: +82-55-644-5222
• Connect: Follow the festival on Instagram @hansan_fest and visit the official website for updates and detailed program information.

Don’t miss this opportunity to witness history come alive and experience the vibrant culture of Korea at the Tongyeong Han-san Festival!

Ginseng Chicken Soup Festival in Geumsan

🗓️ Dates: July 24th ~ 28th, 2024

This is Korea’s first Ginseng Chicken Soup Festival, featuring the ultimate summer health food alongside exciting water activities and enriching herbal medicine experiences. Only in Geumsan can you enjoy a unique bowl of ginseng and herbal chicken soup while immersing yourself in a variety of summer health and cultural programs. This festival is the perfect summer getaway for families looking to prioritize their well-being and create unforgettable memories.

Highlights:

1. Food Stalls: Savor the authentic taste of Geumsan Ginseng Chicken Soup and explore a variety of local herbal dishes.
2. Experiences: Beat the summer heat with fun water activities, embark on a "Geumsan Sam(Ginseng)Cation," delve into the world of herbs at the Geumsan Herb Experience Center, and enjoy family-friendly summer cultural programs.
3. Performances & Competitions: Groove to the rhythm of cool summer concerts and witness captivating cultural performances at the open-air theater.

📍 Location: 30, Insamgwangjang-ro, Geumsan-eup, Geumsan-gun, Chungcheongnam-do

💰 Admission: Free (Some activities may require a fee)

📞 Contact: +82-41-750-2306

⭐️ Instagram: [Please provide the Instagram handle if available]

🖥️ Website: http://www.insamfestival

Beat the Heat at the Yeongju ONE Festival!

🗓️ July 27th ~ August 4th, 2024

*Please note that the following information is based on the 2023 event. The 2024 event details are currently being updated.*

Get ready for a refreshing summer experience as the Yeongju ONE Festival returns, transformed into the Yeongju ONE Hanmadang!

Held at the heart of Yeongju, the serene Moonjeong Riverside Park, this year’s festival promises exciting activities for everyone. Enjoy lively busking performances, explore engaging booths run by local residents, and savor delicious treats from various food stalls and delivery options.

Here’s a sneak peek at what awaits you:

– ONE Hanmadang Performances
– ONE Hanmadang Busking
– Food Zone & Delivery Zone
– Community Participation Booths
– Receipt Event

📍 Location: Moonjeong-dong, Yeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
💰 Admission: Free
📞 Contact: +82-54-630-8707~10

Stay connected for updates:

⭐️ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yctf0518/
🖥️ Website: http://yctf.or.kr/sione

Hongcheon Sweet Corn Festival

Date: July 19th – 21st, 2024

Hongcheon County is home to Korea’s only corn research institute and is the birthplace of all glutinous corn varieties. The county develops superior sweet corn varieties every year through various seed improvements, including Mibaek 1, Mibaek 2, Miheukchal, and Heukjeomchal. The significant temperature difference between day and night in Hongcheon creates the optimal environment for cultivating sweet corn, resulting in a uniquely chewy and flavorful experience compared to other regions.

Events:

1. Opening Ceremony: Pre-ceremony performance, celebratory performance, Sweet Corn King award ceremony, etc.
2. Stage Events: National Dance Competition, local club and guest performances, corn eating contest, corn fishing, corn weight guessing, etc.
3. Experiential/Exhibition Events: Corn sowing exhibition hall, wildflower exhibition, photo exhibition, shaved ice making experience, etc.
4. Sales Events: Hongcheon Sweet Corn Market, agricultural and specialty product market, local food court, corn dogs, corn ice cream, corn hotteok (sweet Korean pancakes), corn beer, cornbread, and other food booths.
5. Promotional Events: Hongcheon County tourism information, company/organization/institution promotion booths, etc.

Location: 27, Taehagyeonnae-gil, Hongcheon-gun, Gangwon-do

Admission: Free

Contact: +82-33-439-5800

Instagram:

Website: http://홍천축제.kr/Home/H20000/festival

Boryeong Mud Festival

Date: July 19th – August 4th, 2024

The Boryeong Mud Festival is an immersive summer experience. Enjoy the mud with the ocean as your backdrop in the General Zone, or splash around with the whole family in the Family Zone. Spend your days covered in mud and your nights enjoying diverse performances and firework shows.

1. Official Programs

• Opening Ceremony
• Main Ceremony
• Closing Ceremony

2. Mud Experience Programs

• Mud Experience Zone (General Zone / Family Zone & Water Park Zone)
• Mud Mob Scene & Muddie M Performance
• Mud Self-Massage, Color Mud Painting
• Mud Beauty Care, etc.

3. Performance Programs

• Mud Busking
• Opening & Closing Performances
• Muddie M, Mud Big Concert, etc.

4. Competition Programs

• Strongman Mud Challenge

5. Exhibition/Sales Programs

• Mud Cosmetics & Character Exhibition & Sales
• Boryeong Specialty Products, External Promotion Booth Exhibition & Sales
• Global Food Zone, etc.

6. Associated Programs

• Citizens’ Cultural Festival
• Mud Street Performance
• Mud Train
• Air Force Black Eagles Air Show, etc.

Please note: There are no food stalls within the festival grounds. Please utilize restaurants in the surrounding area.

📍 Location: Sinheuk-dong, Boryeong-si, Chungcheongnam-do

💰 Admission:

• General Zone (Adults [Mon-Thu] 10,000 won [Fri-Sun] 14,000 won)
• Family Zone (Children [Mon-Thu] 9,000 won [Fri-Sun] 11,000 won)

📞 Contact: +82-41-930-0891

⭐️ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boryeongfestival_official/

🖥️ Website: www.mudfestival.or.kr

Taebaek Sunflower Festival

Date: July 19th ~ August 15th, 2024

The Taebaek Sunflower Festival, hosted by the Sunflower Foundation and the Guwau Village Festival Committee, is a purely civilian-led festival. Our foundation and the Guwau Sunflower Village believe that there is no greater masterpiece than nature itself. By wisely utilizing nature, we aim to paint the canvas of the earth with the yellow hues of sunflowers and combine it with the artistic touch of humanity. Together, we aspire to transform Guwau Village into a healthy, natural, must-visit destination, a unique space unlike any other in the world.

Main Programs:

1. Journey through a field of 1 million sunflowers and a cosmos hill
2. Stroll and relax in a pine forest with native plants at 800m above sea level on the Baekdudaegan Mountain Range
3. "Sky Sunflower Concert" (planned), Charity Concert for the less fortunate (70s-80s music)
4. Exhibition of paintings by middle-aged artists (planned)
5. Outdoor sculpture exhibition (featuring works by Yongseon Seo, Andy Thompson, Eiichi Okubo, Seokho Choi, and more), Sunflower crafts (handkerchiefs, scarves, bandanas), Sunflower oil pressing
6. Goat feeding experience
7. Taebaek Citizen Startup Association experience and local product sales
8. Sunflower painting and sales

Location: 38-20, Guwau-gil, Taebaek-si, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province

Admission: Free

Contact: 010-3371-2000

Instagram:

Website: www.sunflowerfestival.co.kr

Korea Petcance: A Festival for Furry Friends and More!

🗓️ Mark your calendars: July 12th – 14th, 2024

With over 15 million pet owners in Korea, the pet industry is booming, and so is the demand for pet-friendly leisure and travel. The Korea Petcance, sponsored by Gyeongsangbuk-do Province and Gumi City, celebrates this growing trend. This festival aims to promote Gumi City’s animal policies and develop diverse pet-related content.

More than just dogs and cats: The event welcomes not only dogs and cats but also reptiles, amphibians, and other companion animals.

Making a difference: Beyond the festivities, Korea Petcance actively addresses social issues through adoption campaigns for abandoned animals.

Something for everyone: Pet-related organizations and businesses will participate, offering a variety of activities and resources for pet owners.

Here’s what you can expect:

1. Main Events:

• Talk Concert: Featuring renowned animal behaviorist, Professor Woongjong Lee.
• Fan Meeting & Autograph Session: Meet popular pet influencers like Jeongbre, Mungchi, and Gaepalsangpal.
• Pet Industry Exhibition: Discover the latest products and services in the pet industry.

2. Additional Programs:

• Campaigns for Abandoned Animals: Support a worthy cause and learn about responsible pet ownership.
• Exotic Pet Zone: Encounter fascinating creatures up close.
• Petcance Photo Zone (sponsored by T’way Air): Capture memorable moments with your furry friend.

📍 Location: 49, Cheomdangieop 1-ro, Sandong-eup, Gumi-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

💰 Admission: Free

📞 Contact: +82-70-4466-4713

⭐️ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/petcance_korea/

🖥️ Website: https://2024koreapetcance.com

Step into a Fairytale at Herb Island’s Light Festival!

Dates: January 1st, 2024 – December 31st, 2024

Rekindle your childhood wonder at Herb Island’s Light Festival! Every night, countless tiny lights transform the park into a magical fairytale world. This breathtaking spectacle promises unforgettable memories and invites everyone to become the main character of their own illuminated story.

From January to March, experience the special theme "Pink, Speaking Through Light," where love messages glow with the warmth of pink illumination.

Here’s what awaits you:

Main Attractions:

• Sky Herb Farm: Be mesmerized by a dazzling display of pink fireflies and shimmering pink trees.

Other Activities:

• Enjoy thrilling rides on the pink sand sled, mini train, skating rink, and bumper cars.

Interactive Experiences:

• Craft your own fragrant souvenirs with lavender pillow and roll-on making workshops.

Delicious Treats:

• Indulge in refreshing hibiscus and lavender ice cream or savor classic snacks like tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes) and odeng (fish cake skewers).

Location: 35, Cheongsin-ro 947beon-gil, Sinbuk-myeon, Pocheon-si, Gyeonggi-do

Admission:

• Weekdays: Adults ₩10,000 / Children (37 months – Middle School) ₩8,000
• Weekends: Adults ₩12,000 / Children (37 months – Middle School) ₩10,000

Contact: 031-535-6494

Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/herbisland.korea/

Visit our website: www.herbisland.co.kr