[Gyeongsangnam-do Spring Festivals of 2015]

1. Nakdong River Rape Flower Festival (April 17~April 21)

The Nakdong-gang Youchae Festival, otherwise known as Nakdong River Rape Flower Festival will be held for 5 days this year. This festival began in 2006 with the aim to promote the landscapes of the scenic Rape flowers and to enjoy the overall atmosphere together with the locals. This wide section of Rape flowers is said to be the country’s largest single unit of Rape flowers. The festival hosts diverse events and performances from traditional events (such as the Nakdong River Yongyang Daejae) to cultural and sports events. There will also be a Korean traditional wedding ceremony and a marathon walk along the bedding of the flowers. It will be held in the city of Changyeong-Gun (Address: Namji Yuchae Danji and Namji Sports recreation Park ilwon) which is also famous for Mount Hwayang County Park and Bugok Hot springs. There are intercity buses from Seoul Nambu Bus terminal to Namji. The festival starts from Namji Sports Recreation Park which is in walking distance from Namji Terminal.

 

 2. Mount Cheonjusan Royal Azalea Festival (April 12)

This festival aims to harmonize citizens and purify their spirit with the view of the beautiful red azealeas that cover Mount Cheonjusan every spring. This festival encourages the love for nature, hometown and patriotism and is run each year with the support of local celebrities and residents. A variety of events such as family hiking contests, students writing contests will also be held during the Festival period. Mount Cheonjusan is famous in Changwon which keeps trace of a great scholar (Munjeong-gong Misu Heomok) in the Joseon Dynasty 300years ago.

For more information, http://english.gntour.com/03Event/03.jsp

 

3. Mount Hwangmaesan Royal Azalea Festival (May 1~ May 17)

The Hwangmaesan Royal Azalea Festival is held in May annually at Hwangmaesan County Park. The festival started in 1997 as an effort by the locals and overseas residents to preserve the azalea fields through hosting local cultural events. The mountain was also included in CNN Travel list of “50 Beautiful Places to visit in Korea” in 2012. The mountain is known for the filming location of several Korean movies such as “Welcome to Dongmakgol” and “The Brotherhood of War”. The mountain has the meaning of prosperity and preciousness and the words Hwangmae put together means abundance. This mountain is known for changing appearances dramatically in different seasons. While covered in pink in the spring Azalea, in autumn the mountain becomes white by Silver grasses. Buses are available from Seoul Nambu Bus terminal. Take a bus to Hapcheon Bus terminal (roughly 4 and half hours). At Hapcheon Terminal, take the bus bound for Deokman. Address: Hwangmaesan-ro, Gahoe-myeon, Hapcheon-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do (Hwangmaesan County Park)

4. The 15^th Sancheong Hanbang Festival (May1- May10)

Sancheong is the home of Mount Jirisan and the "Donguibogam" which is the prestigious
Korean traditional medicine book. Sancheong is the place where the country's master physician Heo Jun sacrified his life for medical practice during the Josun Dynasty in      Korea. The medicinal herbs that grow around Mount Jirisan (described as the country's spiritual mountain) is very popular for the medicinal effect and the excellence in quality they have. Along with the slogan to "follow the historical spirits of Donguibogan and the wonderful aroma of Sancheong's medicinal Herb, the 15^th Sancheong Hanbang Festival plans to enhance the country’s status by promoting Sancheong’s traditional medicine and herbs and its wonderful geographical historical background. The highlights of this festival includes the opening ceremony (live-performances), free medical advice and services at Hyeminseo and Medicina herb picking at Jeonggwangdeul field.

For more information visit
http://scherb.or.kr/eng/