Visitor numbers at the Gyeongsangnam-do Arboretum's autumn festival increased by 67% compared to last year. The festival's schedule was pushed back by about a week, considering last year's visitor trends and peak foliage timing, along with an expanded weekend performance program, which contributed to the rise in attendance.
The Gyeongsangnam-do Forest Environment Research Institute reported that 14,728 visitors attended the arboretum over the two days of November 7 and 8. This figure represents an increase of 5,931 from the 8,797 visitors during the second weekend of last year's festival. On November 7, 6,493 people visited, while 8,235 attended on November 8, bringing the total attendance for the first two weekends of the festival to 22,722.
This year's festival started about a week later than last year's, which ran from October 25 to November 16. This year, it opened on October 31 and will continue until November 22.
A representative from the Forest Environment Research Institute explained, "We adjusted the festival schedule considering last year's visitor trends, temperatures, and peak foliage timing. The good weather last weekend and the popularity of the bubble show among children also contributed to the increase in visitors."
The visitor count includes both paid and free entrants recorded at the arboretum's ticket office. However, there was no specific visitor target set for this year's festival.
Last year's total festival attendance was 52,120, with 12,244 visitors on the final Sunday, November 16. The institute anticipates that this year's overall attendance will be similar to or slightly higher than last year's.
The surge in visitors has put pressure on parking operations. The arboretum's parking lot can accommodate 372 vehicles. In response to last year's parking congestion, additional staff were deployed this year, but traffic jams still occur during peak visiting hours.
Discussions to secure temporary parking have taken place, but due to practical constraints, no additional parking space has been established. Currently, efforts are being made to reduce traffic congestion through detour guidance, and negotiations to expand public transportation services have faced budgetary challenges.
A representative from the institute stated, "We added more staff this year to address last year's parking congestion issues. While we have been negotiating for temporary parking, there are practical difficulties, so we are currently guiding visitors to detour routes." However, they noted that no separate complaints regarding parking issues have been reported.
With the increase in visitors not matched by an expansion of parking and transportation options, addressing weekend congestion remains a challenge for the remainder of the festival.
The festival's operating budget is confirmed to be less than 2 million won, which includes costs for performances and materials for activities. Despite the limited budget, the institute increased the number of weekend performances from two last year to three this year.
Following the positive response to the bubble show on November 7, the festival will feature over 40 wildflower arrangements and 150 chrysanthemum pots displayed at the visitor center and the forest museum plaza. Visitors can also explore the arboretum's foliage hotspots, including the American-style tree-lined path. Upcoming events include a busking performance on November 14 and a balloon and bubble show on November 21.
Experience programs such as making seed pin ornaments and leaf mobiles will also be available. These activities will run on weekdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and on weekends from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Participation will be on a first-come, first-served basis on weekends, and may close early if materials run out.
Yoon Kyung-sik, director of the Gyeongsangnam-do Forest Environment Research Institute, expressed gratitude to visitors for enjoying the autumn scenery and various programs at the arboretum. He added, "We will continue to provide a safe and pleasant viewing environment for the remainder of the festival."
He also urged visitors to consider using public transportation due to potential delays from high weekend attendance and parking congestion, and to carpool when using personal vehicles.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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