Gwangyang 'Jeonnyeon Dongbaek Festival' Opens on the 23rd

Two Days at Okryongsa Temple Camellia Forest Area in Okryong-myeon

The 7th Gwangyang Millennium Camellia Festival will be held for two days from the 23rd to the 24th at the Okryong Temple Site Camellia Forest in Okryong-myeon, under the theme "A Thousand-Year Camellia Forest, A Day for a Picnic!"

The Okryong Temple Site Camellia Forest originated when Seongak Guksa Doseon planted camellia trees at Okryong Temple, and it was designated as Natural Monument No. 489 in 2007. The camellia flower, symbolizing local pride and indomitable spirit that blooms beautifully despite hardships, was designated as the city flower of Gwangyang in 1995.

[Photo by Gwangyang City]

The "Gwangyang Millennium Camellia Festival" commemorating this has been held since 2017 with the voluntary participation of Okryong residents and continues to this day.

The event begins with a tea ceremony praying for the festival's success, followed by an opening performance, invited performances, and the Camellia Song Festival, all of which will enliven the festival atmosphere. Various experiential programs such as ▲Children’s Drawing Contest ▲Camellia Song Festival ▲Nostalgic Experience Event (Treasure Hunt) ▲Camellia Oil Experience will also be held against the backdrop of the beautiful camellia forest scenery.

Food booths operated by social organizations in Okryong-myeon (Saemaeul Women's Association, Life Improvement Association) and sales events for local agricultural and specialty products will also be held.

Festival Promotion Committee Chairman Ra Sang-chae said, “I hope residents and tourists visit the Okryong Temple Site Camellia Forest to enjoy the performances and create many memories through various experiential events,” adding, “I hope the festival period becomes a place of rest to soothe weary minds and bodies.”

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