"Azalea Mountain Garden" Blooms at Hwangmaesan in Sancheong

During this radiant spring, Hwangmaesan Mountain in Sancheong is blanketed with vibrant pink azaleas, welcoming spring visitors. Sancheong County announced that the 42nd Hwangmaesan Azalea Festival will be held for 10 days from May 1 to May 10, 2026, in the Beop-pyeong-ri area of Chahwang-myeon, at Hwangmaesan Mountain.

This year's festival, themed "Sancheong, The Moment Spring Blooms," will showcase the breathtaking scenery of Hwangmaesan, home to the largest azalea colony in Korea, along with a variety of hands-on events.

[Photo by Sancheong County] Panoramic view of Hwangmaesan Mountain in Sancheong

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On the opening day, May 1, a "Bountiful Azalea Ritual" will be held to wish for a good harvest, the well-being of local residents, and the success of the festival. Throughout the festival, there will be local agricultural specialty markets and regional food vendors, as well as an abundance of experiential programs for visitors.

In particular, participatory activities such as the "Slow Love Letter," Hwangmaesan Children's Stamp Tour, and workshops for making traditional totem poles and pinwheels are expected to attract families and couples. Healing programs, including making aromatic sachets, foot bath experiences, and a photo printing event, will also be offered to enhance the atmosphere of spring.

A market to promote and boost consumption of local agricultural specialties will also be operated. Visitors will be able to enjoy a wide variety of clean agricultural products and delicacies from across Sancheong, including Chahwang-myeon, all in one place, which is expected to contribute to revitalizing the local economy.

Event safety will be thoroughly managed. During the festival, one-way traffic will be enforced around the venue, and vehicles with more than 13 seats will be restricted from entering at the entrance to Manam Village. Large buses must use the Sinchon Village parking lot. In addition, by rearranging festival booths and expanding the event space, the flow of visitors will be optimized to provide a safe and comfortable viewing environment.

[Photo by Sancheong County] Rhododendron on Hwangmaesan Mountain in Sancheong

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Standing at 1,113.1 meters above sea level, Hwangmaesan Mountain is renowned for its dramatic cliffs and vast azalea fields, earning it the nickname "Little Geumgangsan." Every year in April and May, the mountainsides become a breathtaking sight with blooming azaleas, attracting tourists from all over the country.

An official from Sancheong County stated, "We have prepared the festival so that visitors can experience both the beauty of nature and the unique charm of the region during the peak of the Hwangmaesan azalea bloom," adding, "We will do our utmost to ensure that everyone can enjoy the festival safely and comfortably."

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