Gangjin Dongbaek Festival Opens on the 14th... Held for 3 Days at the Scenic Baekryeonsa Temple

A Spectacular Harmony of Mandeoksan Scenery and the Crimson Glow of Baekryeonsa Temple
Some 1,500 Camellia Trees Beckon to Visitors

Gangjin County in Jeollanam-do (Governor Kang Jinwon) announced on the 6th that the Baekryeonsa Camellia Festival will be held for three days from the 14th to the 16th in the Baekryeonsa Camellia Forest, where the spirit of the thousand-year-old temple is alive and breathing.

The Baekryeonsa Camellia Forest, which boasts both the beautiful natural environment of Mandeoksan and the historical culture of Baekryeonsa Temple, is home to about 1,500 camellia trees. The camellia trees, some over 7 meters tall, bloom simultaneously to create a spectacular scene, making it a well-known local attraction. In January, the area around Baekryeonsa and Dasan Chodang was preliminarily designated as a national scenic natural heritage site, further solidifying its reputation as the top scenic spot in the southern region.

Last February, tourists were taking photos at the entrance to the Camellia Forest path of Baekryeonsa Temple at the Dongbaek Festival site. Provided by Gangjin County

The Gangjin Baekryeonsa Camellia Festival was first held last year to preserve its cultural value, as it is a place associated with Dasan Jeong Yak-yong and has been designated as a natural monument for its cultural heritage. Despite inclement weather, many tourists visited, making the event a great success and leading to the decision to hold the second festival this year.

Unlike last year, when the festival was held at the end of February, this year it will take place in mid-March, so visitors can expect to enjoy the festival in warmer weather with camellias in full bloom.

This year's event features a variety of programs worth noting. At Baekryeonsa Temple, surrounded by the camellia forest, visitors can participate in experiences such as making traditional Korean sweets, lotus seed crafts, handkerchief making, folk painting, and creating family mottos. In addition, there will be beautiful walking trails, photo zones, and a free photo printing service, all of which received enthusiastic responses from tourists last year.

At 11 a.m. on the 15th, the "Baekryeonsa Temple Food Contest" will be held. As Gangjin is renowned for southern cuisine and Baekryeonsa is famous for temple food, visitors can experience the unique beauty of temple cuisine that cannot be found elsewhere.

At 11:50 a.m., a lunch offering will be prepared, and after the temple food contest ends, a celebratory performance will begin at 4 p.m., which is expected to draw much attention from festival visitors.

In particular, the "Gangjin Half-Price Travel for Everyone," which drew nationwide attention last year, will return with even greater benefits. The maximum benefit per person has been doubled from 50,000 won to 100,000 won, and the number of times each individual can receive support has increased from two to four.

Governor Kang Jinwon said, "We have prepared a rich festival to repay the many tourists who visit Baekryeonsa Camellia Forest, one of Gangjin's most famous attractions, every year," adding, "I hope Gangjin will grow significantly as a cultural city through the half-price travel program and the festival."