From March 7, Ten Days of "Korea's Signature Festival"
Progress Briefing Held at City Hall to Share Event Direction
Expanding Resident Participation and Improving Transportation System... Aiming for a Festival of Mutual Prosperity
Gwangyang City in Jeollanam-do announced on the 10th that it has finalized the direction, framework, and detailed programs for the 24th Gwangyang Maehwa Festival and has officially begun preparations for the event.
The Gwangyang Maehwa Festival, a signature festival heralding the arrival of spring in Korea, will be held for 10 days starting March 7 throughout the Gwangyang Maehwa Village area. In preparation, Gwangyang City held the '1st Progress Briefing Session' on February 7 in the city hall situation room, presided over by Mayor Jung Inhwa.
The meeting was attended by about 40 heads of related departments and proceeded with a comprehensive implementation plan report by Tourism Division Chief Kim Miran, sharing of departmental progress by each department head, and a discussion of issues and areas for improvement.
This year's festival, under the theme "Spring of Korea, Opening at Maehwa Village" and the slogan "The Moment Maehwa Blooms, The Time Spring Arrives," aims to offer visitors an even more special experience.
In particular, the festival plans to expand local residents' participation, improve the transportation system, and enhance new content related to maehwa (plum blossoms) and maesil (plums) to vitalize the local economy and create a sustainable festival that satisfies both residents and tourists.
With Gwangyang Maehwa Village selected as one of the "Top 100 Korean Tourist Attractions" for 2025-2026, programs to elevate its tourism value and rediscover its charm have also been significantly strengthened.
Unique content such as the "Top 100 Korean Tourist Attractions Tour," "Jigumabul Gwangyang Trip," and experiences like yacht and hot air balloon rides on the Seomjingang River will be introduced. Additionally, various hands-on programs such as the Maedori Land Experience Zone, Maehwa Village Photo Booth, Maedori Goods Shop, and Maehwa Woodcraft Experience are prepared to appeal to all generations and preferences.
Popular local specialties like the "Maesil Dama Gwangyang Dosirak" and "Gwangyang Tasting," which drew nationwide attention last year, will be available again this year. To minimize inconvenience for visitors, the city will further strengthen its "car-free street" initiative and the "3 Zero Festival" policy, which prohibits single-use items and price gouging.
Measures have also been established to address chronic traffic congestion and parking shortages. Gwangyang City will operate weekend shuttle buses from the downtown area (Jungmadong Tourist Information Center) to the festival site and expand the shuttle bus routes within the festival grounds to two sections. The city will also focus administrative efforts on creating a pleasant festival environment by establishing a real-time traffic information system, installing additional restrooms, and strengthening crackdowns on illegal street vendors and night markets.
Through this year's festival, the city aims to solidify its status as Jeollanam-do's representative festival for the third consecutive year and further establish the Gwangyang Maehwa Festival as a leading cultural tourism festival in Korea.
Mayor Jung Inhwa stated, "As the Gwangyang Maehwa Festival is the event that announces the arrival of spring in Korea, we will create a refined and high-quality festival based on differentiated content and active participation from local residents. We will thoroughly inspect safety, transportation, and emergency medical support to ensure that tourists can enjoy the festival without inconvenience and will make every possible preparation."
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