The 2026 National Chrysanthemum Festival, set to color Hampyeong's autumn with vibrant blooms, will kick off on October 23.
The Hampyeong County government announced on September 28 that the festival will take place at Hampyeong Expo Park from October 23 to November 8, spanning 17 days. The festival is also included in the county's official cultural tourism schedule for the same period.
This year's theme is 'Mythical Chrysanthemum Garden.' The festival aims to go beyond simply showcasing chrysanthemums by offering a variety of exhibitions, performances, and interactive experiences.
Attendees can enjoy diverse chrysanthemum displays at the bonsai exhibition hall and the premium chrysanthemum bonsai showcase. The county has previously stated that it plans to create themed exhibits and unique chrysanthemum sculptures that align with this year's theme.
The festival will not only focus on chrysanthemum viewing but will also expand content for family visitors to enjoy. Existing exhibition facilities, such as the Subtropical Agriculture Hall, Natural Ecology Hall, and Succulent Plant Hall, will be integrated into the festival, and brass band street performances will take place throughout the venue.
Interactive activities like 'Find the Chrysanthemum Star!' and 'Chrysanthemum Land Escape Experience' will also be available. The Hampyeong Festival Tourism Foundation is promoting various experiential events, including chrysanthemum art and sculpture exhibitions, as part of this year's festival program.
To enhance the festive atmosphere, a series of performances will be held during the event. Guest artists and performance groups, including Seongri, Lee Yong, Kim Gi-tae, Lee Young-ha Band, The Vocal, and Na Tae-joo, are scheduled to take the stage.
Hampyeong County anticipates a large influx of visitors over the 17-day festival and is preparing traffic and parking measures while focusing on safety management at the event site.
This year, the county plans to implement programs that connect the festival with local tourist attractions and commercial areas, encouraging visitors to stay longer in the Hampyeong region. The goal is to promote local businesses and stimulate the economy through the sale and promotion of agricultural and specialty products during the festival.
Lee Nam-o, the mayor of Hampyeong County, stated, “This year’s Chrysanthemum Festival, themed 'Mythical Chrysanthemum Garden,' is prepared to be rich with beautiful chrysanthemum displays, various performances, and experiences. I hope everyone can enjoy the deepening autumn atmosphere in Hampyeong, filled with the fragrance of chrysanthemums, with their loved ones.”
Additionally, during the festival, Hampyeong County plans to operate programs that spread the festive atmosphere throughout the region and connect it to stay-type tourism, linking Hampyeong-eup's urban area with nearby tourist sites. This year’s festival will not only feature chrysanthemum exhibitions and experiential events but will also focus on promoting and selling local agricultural and specialty products to enhance regional consumption.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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