The 1st Nam Myeon Romantic Culture Walk Led by Namhae County Residents Draws Great Success

Held at Various Historic Neighborhood Landmarks

The ‘1st Nam-myeon Romantic Cultural Walk,’ held for the first time this year with local residents of Nam-myeon, Namhae-gun, Gyeongnam as the main participants, was successfully held with nearly 1,000 local residents and tourists joining.

The ‘1st Nam-myeon Romantic Cultural Walk’ was the first large-scale local festival organized independently by Nam-myeon, hosted by the Nam-myeon Romantic Cultural Walk Promotion Committee.

By combining Nam-myeon’s beautiful natural scenery and local cultural resources, the event was promoted to provide pride to local residents and a more attractive resting space for tourists.

The "1st Nam-myeon Romantic Cultural Walk" was successfully held in Namhae-gun, Gyeongnam.

Specialized programs reflecting the local identity were held at Nam-myeon’s representative tourist spots and residents’ resting places such as Dugok and Wolpo Beaches, Seongu Village, Imjin Fortress, Mujigae Village, Sachon Beach, and Gumi Forest.

At Dugok Beach, the region’s unique spring welcoming event, the ‘Hwajeon Coming-of-Age Ceremony,’ was reenacted. This is a joyful festival combining a coming-of-age ceremony and flower viewing, traditionally held before the start of the busy farming season as a community event.

Also, at the pebble beach of Seongu Village, participants experienced the tradition of ‘Seongu Julkkeutgi,’ registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, and traditional games such as Yutnori and Seoksa enlivened the atmosphere.

At Imjin Fortress, built during the Unified Silla period, various performances prepared by residents were held, and at Mujigae Village, a mural painting experience activity took place.

At the festival’s final destination, ‘Gumi Forest,’ a flea market and busking performances were held, with booths selling local specialties and food corners creating a bustling marketplace atmosphere.

Those who visited each Nam-myeon attraction received a certificate of completion at Gumi Forest and also received souvenirs (such as sneakers, towels, socks, etc.) sponsored by hometown supporters.

Nam-myeon Chief Lee Gwang-su said, “I am truly happy that a festival was held in Nam-myeon, the nation’s top spring picnic spot. The beautiful harmony of mountains, sea, and rice fields, along with many great restaurants, provided a good opportunity to promote Nam-myeon more widely. Having successfully completed this first event, I look forward to seeing how many people will visit next year.”

County Governor Jang Chung-nam said, “I am proud that a great event was held to promote the scenic spots of our Namhae. It was impressive to see residents and tourists coming together to participate in rest and experience programs during this event,” adding, “We hope to continue planning events that promote Nam-myeon, widely share its value, and cultivate it so that Namhae-gun will be the first place that comes to mind when thinking of spring picnics.”