[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Yoon Jamin] The Hampyeong Chrysanthemum Festival has been abruptly canceled this year to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Hampyeong County, Jeollanam-do (County Governor Lee Sang-ik) announced on the 28th that the "Korea Chrysanthemum Festival," scheduled to be held at the end of next month, has been canceled.
Considering the persistent spread of COVID-19 and the possibility of a "twindemic" occurring simultaneously with influenza, the county decided to cancel all festivals this year following the Butterfly Festival in April.
Previously, the county held several discussions and gathered opinions from both inside and outside the region regarding whether to hold this year's Chrysanthemum Festival.
Some suggested limited admission combined with an online festival, but the majority opposed it due to the risk of infectious disease outbreaks and the minimal effect of holding the event compared to the costs.
In particular, on the 14th, a survey was conducted targeting county officials and local residents, which reportedly showed overwhelming opposition to holding the festival.
County Governor Lee Sang-ik said, "Although it is regrettable considering the depressed local economy, we have made the difficult decision to cancel the festival in light of the severe COVID-19 situation. For now, we will focus all administrative efforts on preventing the spread of infectious diseases in the region and prepare more thoroughly for next year's festival."
He added, "Although this year's festival was canceled according to the will of the residents, the national and provincial government support budgets already secured will be used as project funds for promoting next year's festival, and the county's own budget will be reinvested in local projects such as the creation of the Hampyeong Cheonjigil trail. We will continue to explore various measures so that today's crisis can become an opportunity to further develop the Hampyeong Festival, including the Chrysanthemum Festival."
Meanwhile, the Hampyeong Chrysanthemum Festival set record highs last year with 270,812 visitors and 980 million won in admission revenue.
On-site sales within the festival grounds (agricultural and specialty products, etc.) also exceeded 1 billion won for seven consecutive years, earning it a reputation as a representative domestic chrysanthemum festival.
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