Naju City to Host 'Naju Baekkoch Grand Festival' on 8th-9th

Naju City in Jeollanam-do announced on the 6th that it will hold the '2023 Naju Pear Blossom Festival' on the 8th and 9th at the Naju Pear Museum area.

Under the theme "Meeting Spring on the Naju Pear Blossom Road," the event will showcase a splendid pear blossom landscape along with exhibitions and promotions of Naju pears, as well as various experiences and events.

Naju Pear Blossoms
Photo by Naju City

As the largest production area accounting for about 20% of the nation's pear production, the city will use this event to promote the excellence of Naju pears and its vision to establish a global premium fruit brand through high quality production and distribution.

The city plans to actively promote the taste, benefits, and processed products of Naju pears, which were once royal tributes, through exhibitions, tastings, and experiences, starting with the traditional ritual 'Baesinjae' praying for a bountiful pear harvest.

Prize events such as peeling pear skins long, carving pears into pretty shapes, and composing four-line acrostic poems about Naju pear blossoms will be held, along with a pear rice cake sharing experience where participants can make and taste injeolmi mixed with pear juice.

At the nation's only pear museum, visitors can explore the history, culture, varieties, and various exhibition contents related to Naju pears.

Nearby orchards have been developed with pear blossom viewing spots and walking courses along the pear blossom road to enjoy the spring picnic atmosphere under the pear blossoms.

During the event, the city will operate a circular shuttle bus every 15 minutes between Hansuje and the Yeongsangang rapeseed flower fields, enriching the Naju spring flower festival experience.

Mayor Yoon Byung-tae visited the Naju Pear Museum, nearby orchards, and parking lots on the 4th, urging preparations that prioritize visitor safety.

Mayor Yoon said, "We will do our best to operate the event focusing on safety and convenience so that citizens and tourists do not experience any inconvenience," adding, "Through this event, we will actively promote the tradition, history, taste, and benefits of Naju pears, invigorate pear farmers, and nurture it into a world-class premium fruit brand."

Naju = Kim Yukbong, Honam Reporting Headquarters, Asia Economy baekok@asiae.co.kr