Okcheon Township in Haenam Holds 'Mugunghwa Festival' for Liberation Day

Mugunghwa Flowers Cultivated by Residents
Evaluation Contest and Commemorative Ceremony Held

On July 24, Haenam County in South Jeolla Province announced that it held the 'Mugunghwa Festival' to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Liberation Day. At this event, residents exhibited Mugunghwa flowers they had cultivated themselves in front of the Okcheon Township Office and held a flower evaluation contest.

A commemorative ceremony and celebratory performances also took place, bringing together local residents to reflect on their love for the country. Now in its eighth year, the Mugunghwa Festival has established itself as a meaningful event that embodies the patriotism of Okcheon residents and their affection for the Mugunghwa flower.

Haenam County in Jeollanam-do held the "Mugunghwa Festival" to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Liberation Day. Photo by Haenam County

In particular, this year's evaluation contest featured both Mugunghwa seedlings grown by Okcheon Elementary School students and an art exhibition, providing an opportunity to witness the patriotism of children.

There is a deep historical background to Okcheon Township holding the Mugunghwa Festival every year. This area is the hometown of General Jeong Woon, a hero of the Imjin War, and Yang Hanmuk, one of the 33 national representatives of the March 1st Movement. Okcheon and its surroundings are well known as a region steeped in loyalty and patriotism, with many related historical sites.

Yang Hanmuk was arrested and died for the nation as a representative during the March 1st Movement in 1919. In Yeongsin Village, where his birthplace is located, there is a memorial monument and a restored birthplace, and around Liberation Day, Mugunghwa flowers bloom in full glory to honor his spirit.

Okcheon Mugunghwa Hill is home to 198 varieties and 1,450 Mugunghwa trees, creating a spectacular sight as the flowers bloom and fall from June to September. Last year, this location received the Encouragement Award in the 'National Flower Mugunghwa Landmark' contest hosted by the Korea Forest Service.

The residents of Okcheon have a special love for Mugunghwa. The Mugunghwa Producers' Association and various clubs are actively engaged, and in 2024, they won the grand prize in both the group and individual categories at the Jeollanam-do Mugunghwa Excellence Evaluation Contest.

A county official stated, "If you visit Okcheon Township, where Mugunghwa flowers are in full bloom, while reflecting on the meaning of Liberation Day, you will be deeply moved."

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