[Feature] The Charm of Spring Comes to Hwasun... "2026 Hwasun Spring Flower Festival" Opens

Hwasun County in South Jeolla Province will hold its representative local festival, the "2026 Hwasun Spring Flower Festival," for ten days from April 17 to 26, at the Hwasun Flower River Road and Namsan Park areas to welcome the spring season.

This year’s festival, themed "Spring Flower Night Walk," features a significant expansion of content that can be enjoyed not only during the day but also at night. Going beyond simple flower viewing, the event has evolved into a stay-type festival with a comprehensive range of tourism content, including performances, hands-on activities, exhibitions, food, and a night market.

Scenery of the canola flower field and walking trail established around Flower River Road during the Hwasun Spring Flower Festival. [Photo by Hwasun County]

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The main stage of the festival is the Flower River Road area, one of Hwasun’s most famous attractions. Approximately 2.1 kilometers of canola flower fields and various spring blossoms have been created along this stretch. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely walk along the riverside flower path and immerse themselves in nature.

Additionally, five themed gardens-Flora Garden, Spring Flower Garden, Ecological Garden, Children's Garden, and Welcome Garden-have been created, each offering a unique landscape. Spaces designed as geometric gardens, fairy tale-inspired areas, and nature-friendly gardens will provide visitors with a variety of hands-on experiences.

Namsan Park will feature an outdoor exhibition that transforms the entire park into a gallery, blending various artworks and scenic displays to create a unique nighttime atmosphere.

The nighttime landscape, enhanced by lighting, will offer a different charm from the daytime, allowing visitors to enjoy a relaxing spring evening stroll.

The festival’s opening ceremony will take place on April 17 at Hwasun Public Stadium. The program includes a pre-ceremony performance, the official event, and an opening ceremony, followed by a celebratory show (the Gong Jeongsik Song Festival) to mark the start of the festivities.

Notably, the Gong Jeongsik Song Festival will feature performances by artists such as Kim Yongim, Miss Kim, Kim Jaelong, Shin Seungtae, Yoon Yunseo, Hyun Jinwoo, Bae Jina, King, Nappal Park and Nappal Sudeul, promising a spectacular stage.

On weekends, the "Spring Night Concert" will continue, offering mainstream performances such as ballads, R&B, and band acts, which are expected to draw many audience members. On April 18, artists like Star and Lee Seokhun will perform, while on April 19, Seodo Band and Gummy will take the stage, further elevating the festival’s atmosphere.

Additionally, small-scale performances such as busking, magic shows, and bubble shows will take place throughout the festival grounds, providing interactive cultural programs for visitors to enjoy up close.

The festival is designed as an interactive event, featuring a variety of hands-on programs and food options. Spring flower-themed activity booths, photo printing services, and picnic zones will offer visitors enjoyable experiences.

The food area will highlight local cuisine at "Baechangi Pocha," offer convenient food trucks, and host a market selling local agricultural products. Signature Hwasun specialties, such as "Coal Mine Ice Cream" and "Chrysanthemum Bread," will also be available.

Furthermore, during the festival, the Goindol Traditional Market will host a night market, providing another attraction and contributing to the revitalization of the local economy through its connection with the traditional market.

Comprehensive safety measures will be in place throughout the festival. An integrated control center and a mobile medical clinic will be operated to respond swiftly to emergencies, and hygiene management of food booths will be strictly monitored.

In addition, facilities such as stroller and wheelchair rentals and nursing rooms will be provided for the convenience of families visiting the festival.

This Spring Flower Festival goes beyond a simple seasonal event by combining diverse cultural and hands-on content, demonstrating its potential to develop into a stay-type tourism attraction. The festival has been designed to allow visitors to enjoy a more leisurely experience through nighttime landscapes, performances, exhibitions, food, and local business collaboration programs.

Tourism and Sports Chief Cho Hyungchae stated, "We have created tourism content that connects Flower River Road and Namsan Park both day and night," adding, "We hope visitors will fully experience the scenery and relaxation of spring in Hwasun."

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