Gwangyang City Successfully Concludes the 6th Gwangyang Millennium Dongbaek Festival

Published 29 Mar.2023 17:00(KST)

The Day of Journey to Find the Breath of a Thousand Years

Gwangyang City in Jeollanam-do announced that the 6th Gwangyang Millennium Camellia Festival 2023, held under the theme "A Day to Travel in Search of the Breath of a Thousand Years!" from the 25th to the 26th at the Okryongsa Temple Site Camellia Forest, concluded successfully.

The "Gwangyang Millennium Camellia Festival" was organized to widely promote Okryongsa Temple Site (National Historic Site No. 407) and the Camellia Forest (Natural Monument No. 489), which are historical and ecological resources that provide a comparative advantage to the region, thereby raising the awareness of Gwangyang City and fostering citizens' interest and love for the city flower, the camellia.

[Photo by Gwangyang City]

On the first day, to encourage citizens' interest and affection for the Okryongsa Temple Site Camellia Forest and camellia flowers, a children's writing and drawing contest was held. Following this, to promote enjoyment among local residents, the event proceeded with a Camellia Song Festival featuring popular songs, including performances by Camellia Miss contestants, competing among the townships and neighborhoods.

On the second day, against the backdrop of the Okryongsa Temple Site Camellia Forest?the oldest in Korea, where the millennium breath of Seongak Guksa Doseon lives?a nationwide photography contest was held with photographers and enthusiasts from across the country. Additionally, a nostalgic treasure hunt and an OX quiz related to the Okryongsa Temple Site Camellia Forest were conducted with participation from local residents and tourists.

Moreover, during the event period, a storytelling photo exhibition and a nostalgic photo exhibition related to the Okryongsa Temple Site Camellia Forest were displayed at the Camellia Forest Lawn Plaza, providing visual attractions. Various experiential activities centered on tourist participation were also prepared, including applying camellia oil to hair, making camellia cosmetics, and enjoying ginger roll coffee made from the specialized local resource, ginger.

A local resident who participated in the event said, "This festival served as an opportunity to widely promote the city's local resources and foster pride and self-esteem among local residents."

Ra Sang-chae, Chairman of the Gwangyang Camellia Festival Promotion Committee, stated, "This year is especially meaningful as it marks the transition to an official city festival. We sincerely thank the citizens and tourists who visited the Camellia Festival event."