"Festival of Flowers and Light" Shines as a Famous Spot at Hwangryonggang, Jangseong, Jeonnam

Hwangryonggang in Jangseong, Jeonnam, known for its 10 billion spring flowers and stunning night views, is gaining attention as a leading destination for promoting stay-type tourism.

It is evaluated that the potential and competitiveness were confirmed at the recently concluded ‘Jangseong Hwangryonggang Hong(Gildongmu) Flower Road Festival (hereinafter Gildongmu Flower Road Festival).’

The Gildongmu Flower Road Festival, held from the 19th to the 29th, attracted much attention with spring flowers coloring the 10-ri riverside path and fantastic night lighting.

Among the flowers, the poppies brightly decorating the riverside were impressive. The abundant rose, zinnia, and Shasta daisy-filled Seosam Rose Tunnel and the ecological park hydrangea tunnel were popular photo spots.

As the sun set, lights were turned on at various spots along the riverside.

In particular, the media lighting installed on the Munhwa Bridge and the sculptures under Yongjak Bridge captured visitors’ attention. Together with the flower tunnel at the sports complex created last fall, they completed the ‘Hwangryonggang Night View Trilogy.’

With both spring flowers and night views, visits continued from morning until late evening.

The cumulative number of visitors during the Gildongmu Flower Road Festival reached about 227,000, greatly contributing to the local economy.

Revenue from food and agricultural specialty product sales alone amounted to 169 million won.

The ‘experience’ programs also received favorable reviews.

Various experience programs set up at the Hong Gil-dong Theme Park became popular as a family travel course, drawing crowds throughout the festival period.

The number of visitors, which started at 500 on the first day, increased to 4,100 per day on the last day.

Meanwhile, meaningful events were held alongside the festival, attracting attention.

On the 19th, the ‘Namdo Food Film Talk Show’ was held at the small theater of the Jangseong Culture and Arts Center.

Hwang Hyerim, programmer of the Seoul International Food Film Festival, Ju Youngha, a food humanities scholar, and Kim Hyunjin, director of the Namdo Traditional Food Culture Research Institute, held a short film screening and discussion centered on food.

From the 19th to the 20th, the ‘Namdo Gugak Festival’ was held in Jangseong for the first time in 12 years.

The first stage featured competitions in gosu (drumming), Namdo folk songs, pansori, and dance, while the second stage showcased celebratory performances and nongak (farmers’ music) competitions in a lively atmosphere.

Kim Hanjong, Jangseong County Governor, said on the 4th, “I deeply thank the visitors who came to the festival and the residents and public officials who devoted themselves to preparing it,” adding, “Starting with Hwangryonggang beautifully decorated with flowers and lights, we will actively promote projects that can add Jangseong’s unique charm.”

Jangseong = Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Jo Hangyu bless4ya@asiae.co.kr