Azaleas Bloom at Guksabong in Baegunsan, Gwangyang, Heralding the Arrival of Spring

Baegunsan Guksabong Azalea Festival to Be Held April 25-26

Gwangyang City, South Jeolla Province, announced that azaleas have begun to bloom around Guksabong in Baegunsan. Guksabong, standing at an elevation of 532 meters, is located on a ridge that extends southward from Baegunsan, passing through Eokbulbong, Norengeibong, and Daechijae. The area features an azalea colony spanning about 35 hectares and a 4-kilometer-long cypress forest.

Azaleas have begun to bloom around Guksabong Peak in Baegun Mountain, Gwangyang. Provided by Gwangyang City

The azaleas at Guksabong are notable for their gentle spread along the ridge, becoming denser as one approaches the summit, which offers a view of the Eokbulbong area. The azaleas are expected to reach their peak bloom at the end of April.

The area is also home to 'Gwaendol Rock,' a unique rock formation consisting of three stacked layers of rock supported by a smaller stone atop a cliff. It is said to have been the site of the old Guksaam Hermitage and is also known as 'Wish Rock.'

Meanwhile, the 18th Baegunsan Guksabong Azalea Festival will be held from April 25 to 26 under the theme “Ten Thousand Wishes, People Become Flowers.”

The festival will take place at the Okgokseul Health Culture Center plaza near the Ok-gok Township Office and will feature a variety of stage programs including an azalea song contest, performances by invited singers, and shows by local clubs and community groups.

On the first day, the festival will open with a pre-ceremony performance by the Gwangyang City Choir, followed by the opening ceremony, the preliminary round of the azalea song contest, and performances by invited singers. On the second day, there will be a local club festival, hands-on activity programs, the finals and awards ceremony for the song contest, and additional invited singer performances. Food booths and specialty product sales will also be available throughout the venue.

A Gwangyang City official commented, “The Guksabong area is a place where you can enjoy both azaleas and cypress forests in harmony,” adding, “If you visit at the end of April, you can enjoy the natural scenery and the festival together.”

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