Into the Pink Waves... Yeongju to Open Sobaeksan Azalea Festival on May 31

From Hiking to Concerts...
A City-Nature Festival for All Generations

As the slopes of Sobaeksan Mountain turn pink with azaleas, the city of Yeongju in North Gyeongsang Province is hosting the family-oriented healing festival, the "2025 Yeongju Sobaeksan Azalea Festival," for two days from May 31 to June 1, at Sobaeksan and the Yeongil riverside.

This festival is organized by Yeongju City and hosted by the Yeongju Culture and Tourism Foundation.

Various programs have been prepared to coincide with the peak blooming of azaleas, combining mountain trekking in nature with urban entertainment.

A walking experience along the Jukryeong Old Road, stretching from Heebangsa Station to Jukryeong, is currently underway. Provided by Yeongju City

On the morning of May 31, the "Welcome to Sobaeksan" event was held in front of the Heebang Visitor Support Center, featuring a safe hiking campaign, SNS events, and an azalea photo exhibition. On the same morning, a "Jukryeong Old Road Walking Experience" took place along the Heebangsa Station?Jukryeong section, where participants enjoyed spring by making rice balls and taking photos at designated photo zones.

In addition, traditional cultural events such as the Jukryeong Jangseungje and the Jukjukje ceremony were held, adding a unique local flair.

The festival also offers a variety of urban activities. At the Yeongil riverside venue, the "Dendong-eome Hwa-jeon Nori" performance was followed by the "For: Rest Picnic Concert" and various hands-on programs. Notable family-friendly activities include azalea fan making, rope activities, face painting, and children's job experience programs.

The "Gagahoho: Our Sobaek" program, designed as a healing space where families can read books and chat together on picnic mats, stood out as a festival content that fosters intergenerational connection.

The opening ceremony and celebratory performance at 6 p.m. on May 31 will feature singer Lee Jiyo, Siren (from Hidden Singer), and Cheeze, lighting up the first night of the festival.

On the second day, June 1, experiences and performances will continue around Sobaeksan and the Yeongil riverside. The "Azalea Concert," starting at 6 p.m., will feature Pyeon Haejun, trot singer Moon Chohee, and the popular group V.O.S, bringing the festival to a grand finale.

Acting Mayor Lee Jaehun stated, "On the last weekend of Family Month, I hope you create precious memories with your family at this festival embraced by nature," and added, "May your time be as bright and beautiful as the Sobaeksan azaleas."

Lee Jaehun, acting mayor of Yeongju, is attending the Jukjukje ceremony and offering a drink. Photo by Yeongju City

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