Gimhae and Hapcheon in Gyeongnam Province are set to host a series of autumn cultural and experiential events. Gimhae will offer ecological play and forest healing programs for children and families, while Hapcheon will celebrate with a festival featuring performances and hiking against a backdrop of silver grass.
From October 15 to 18, Gimhae City will hold the 'Forest Lasts, Autumn Ecological Forest Festival' at the Bunsung Mountain Ecological Forest. The event aims to allow citizens to enjoy various activities in the forest while experiencing the value of ecosystem preservation and forest education.
Hapcheon County will also host the 5th Silver Grass Festival at Hwangmaesan Provincial Park from October 17 to 25, welcoming autumn tourists.
While both events utilize nature, they differ in their program focus. Gimhae emphasizes ecological education and forest healing, whereas Hapcheon highlights cultural performances and tourism experiences centered around the silver grass landscape.
The 'Forest Lasts, Autumn Ecological Forest Festival' in Gimhae will run daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the event period. Activities include a photo exhibition showcasing the experiences of children and families participating in this year's programs.
Next to the experience center, visitors can engage in 'Decorating Wooden Acorns' and 'Making Autumn Forest Hand Mirrors' using eco-friendly materials. These crafting activities will be available for on-site registration from 10 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., while supplies last.
A 'Self-Directed Ecological Play Zone' will also be available on the lawn, featuring nature-based games such as squirrel feeding, stacking natural materials, and forest bowling. Children can participate in activities that involve throwing fruits or balancing natural objects.
On the weekends of October 17 and 18, guided tours of the ecological forest will be conducted by forest interpreters at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 2 p.m., and 4 p.m., lasting about 30 minutes each.
Additionally, a forest healing program called 'Hammock Forest Meditation' will be offered, allowing participants to meditate while listening to the sounds of the autumn forest and enjoy tea time. This program will run four times a day starting at 2 p.m.
Registration for the guided tours and forest healing programs will be available on-site, and all activities are free of charge. Some programs may be modified or canceled in case of rain.
Gimhae City Forest Division Chief Kang Seong-sik expressed hope that visitors will cherish their time connecting with nature in Bunsung Mountain Ecological Forest, stating, "We will continue to expand various forest education and healing programs that citizens can experience in their daily lives."
Hapcheon County will hold the 5th Silver Grass Festival at Hwangmaesan Provincial Park from October 17 to 25. This year’s festival will feature cultural performances, experiential activities, and local food offerings against the stunning backdrop of Hwangmaesan's silver grass.
The festival will kick off on October 17 with an opening ceremony and a congratulatory performance by singer Park Hyun-bin from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the grassy square.
During weekdays, interactive programs such as 'Hwangmaesan Life Photo Booth', healing music appreciation, 'Catch the 10 Seconds', and dice games will be available for visitors. Cultural and artistic performances will take place on weekends, along with exploration programs that allow attendees to closely observe the natural scenery of Hwangmaesan.
A 'Sharing Cart Tour' for those with mobility challenges will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, while a 'Docent Tour' with a forest interpreter can be reserved online.
The festival area will also feature local agricultural product markets and food stalls, allowing visitors to enjoy both the silver grass hiking and local delicacies.
Hapcheon County Mayor Kim Yoon-cheol stated, "Through this festival, we aim to promote the beautiful autumn scenery of Hwangmaesan and contribute to the revitalization of local tourism," adding that he hopes visitors will enjoy the pleasures of autumn hiking and relaxation in nature amidst the stunning silver grass.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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