Haman-gun, Promotion of Mujinjeong Cultural Heritage Tourism Resource Development Project

‘Haman Nakhwa Nori’ Viewing Environment Improved... Enhancing Visitor Convenience

Nakhwa Nori Public Event to be Held for Two Days, May 14-15

Haman County in Gyeongnam Province is expected to improve the viewing environment of the Haman Nakwhanori, which attracts attention every year with its beautiful fireworks festival.

'Haman Nakwhanori'.
[Image provided by Haman-gun]

The county is set to start the project earlier this month with support from Gyeongnam Province for the Cultural Heritage Tourism Resource Development Project. Aiming to complete the project by April, improvements will include installing safety ropes around Mujinjeong Pavilion, partially expanding the seating area, and upgrading sound (broadcast) equipment to enhance the viewing environment.

Regarding the inconvenience caused last year when more than 50,000 tourists gathered at the Nakwhanori event at once, the county is making thorough preparations to prevent a similar situation this year.

The 31st Haman Nakwhanori public event will be held over two days, May 14 and 15, from 4 PM to 10 PM at Mujinjeong in Gwaesan-ri, Haman-myeon, and will be conducted through a reservation system. The event may be canceled in case of rain.

The total number of participants allowed over the two days is 16,000 (limited to 8,000 per day). Reservations will be accepted as follows: 12,000 people (6,000 per day) via the Naver reservation system, and 4,000 people (2,000 per day) through visits to the town and township offices, reserved for Haman residents.

Reservation holders will be identified by wristbands at the event site, which will be sent out collectively in early May. For inquiries related to the event, contact the county’s Cultural Heritage Division.

'Haman Nakwhanori'.
[Image provided by Haman-gun]

Additionally, the county has begun repairs on the Mujinjeong restrooms, including expanding water tanks and replacing toilets, to enhance convenience for visitors and provide a more comfortable environment.

A county official stated, “We are making every effort to prepare a safe event by improving convenience facilities and implementing a pre-reservation system to address the shortcomings of last year’s Haman Nakwhanori.”

Meanwhile, the Haman Nakwhanori began during the reign of King Seonjo of the Joseon Dynasty when Jeong Gu, who was appointed as the governor of Haman County, started the tradition to ward off misfortune and pray for the well-being of the residents and a bountiful year.

In the Haman Chongswaerok written by Oh Hoengmok, who served as governor of Haman during King Gojong’s reign, it is recorded that “Nakwhanori was held throughout Haman Eupseong, and many people climbed the fortress walls to watch it.”

The event was interrupted during the Japanese colonial period due to policies aimed at eradicating Korean culture but briefly revived in 1960 by farmers in Goehang Village, Haman. In the 2000s, residents of Haman-myeon and local villages established the ‘Haman Nakwhanori Preservation Society,’ which has continued the tradition to this day.

The sight of participants wearing white jeogori and pants, riding rafts to hang Nakwhanori sticks over the pond, and lighting each stick with torches is also a major attraction. The approximately two-hour-long fireworks display over the pond offers a beautiful spectacle to many spectators.

Haman Nakwhanori has gained significant attention as a filming location for various TV programs and dramas, starting with KBS’s variety show ‘1 Night 2 Days,’ followed by KBS’s ‘Red Danshim,’ and tvN’s ‘Please Take Care of This Life as Well.’

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.