Gwangyang Maehwa Festival Marks 3 Years of Paid Admission: Tickets Now Double as Experience Passes

Full Refund of Admission Fees as Local Gift Certificates... Minimizing the Burden
Introduction of "Free Admission Linked to Tourist Attractions"... Promoting Stay-Type Tourism

The 25th Gwangyang Maehwa Festival, now in its third year of paid admission, is strengthening its sustainable festival model linked with the local economy.

Since introducing paid admission in 2024, Gwangyang City has continued to refund the full admission fee as local gift certificates, a policy that will remain in place this year. Additionally, the city plans to expand the festival’s impact throughout Gwangyang by raising ticket prices and newly introducing a “free admission in connection with tourist attractions” system.

Gwangyang Maehwa Festival Poster. Provided by Gwangyang City

◆ Full Refund of Admission Fees, Establishing the "Admission Ticket = Experience Ticket" Model

Admission to the Gwangyang Maehwa Festival is 6,000 won for adults and 5,000 won for teenagers. This year, the fee has been raised by 1,000 won compared to last year, taking price increases into account. However, the system of refunding the entire admission fee as local gift certificates will be maintained.

Notably, many food and experience programs at the festival are offered for 6,000 won, matching the gift certificate amount, so visitors can use the refunded certificates immediately on site.

Visitors can enjoy local specialties such as Gwangyang Bulgogi Gimbap and Gwangyang Maesil Hanwoo Burger, or participate in various programs like the Maehwa Flower Archery Experience and Maesil Healing Therapy. Thus, the admission ticket serves as both an “experience ticket” and a “meal voucher” for enjoying the festival.

◆ The Whole of Gwangyang Becomes a Festival Venue, Promoting Extended Stays

This year, for the first time, the festival has introduced the “free admission in connection with tourist attractions” scheme.

Visitors who use major attractions in Gwangyang—such as Baegunsan Natural Recreation Forest, Seomjingang Starlight Sky Zipline, and key campgrounds (Geumcheon Valley, Gubongsan Forest, and Baealdo Starlight)—will be granted free admission to the festival.

This policy aims to disperse crowds that would otherwise be concentrated at the festival venue to tourist hubs across Gwangyang, thereby encouraging longer stays. The intention is to move beyond simple flower viewing and promote “stay-type tourism” that combines sightseeing, accommodations, and hands-on experiences.

◆ From the Festival Grounds to Downtown, Creating a Virtuous Cycle in the Local Economy

The local gift certificates refunded through the festival admission can be used not only at the festival site, but also at restaurants, cafes, and accommodations in the Daap-myeon area, as well as at the Gwangyang Seafood Distribution Center and Jungma Market in the city center.

The gift certificates can only be used during the festival period, from March 13 to March 22, to ensure that local spending is concentrated during this time. This is designed to channel visitor spending into local businesses.

◆ A Festival for Everyone: Thoughtful Welfare Benefits Also Stand Out

Gwangyang City also offers free admission benefits for socially disadvantaged groups.

Seniors aged 65 or older, children six or younger, Gwangyang residents under 19, people with disabilities, and national merit recipients can enter free of charge upon presenting the relevant documents, as in previous years.

A Gwangyang City official stated, “Marking the third year of paid admission, we have designed the festival so that tickets can be used to enjoy local food and experiences,” and added, “We will continue to develop the festival into a nationally representative, sustainable festival by creating a virtuous cycle where festival visits boost tourism and increase sales for local small businesses.”

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