From Canola Flowers to Makgeolli: Small but Deep Jangseong Village Festivals

Stories of Villages Where Nature and People Take Center Stage

In Jeonnam Jangseong, a place where time flows slowly, each village holds its own "small festival." There is no exaggeration or pretense?only the touch of nature, the village, and its people is deeply felt.

This year as well, Jangseong-gun will continue its series of "small village festivals" from spring through fall across ten towns and villages. Even the names are simple and heartwarming: canola flowers, wild greens, Makgeolli, cypress forest, and even "Hyo Sarang" (Filial Love). Just hearing the names brings the image of each village to mind.

From the left, Sandong-ri Canola Flower Festival, Hwangryong Boat Ride Festival, Donghwa Verbena Festival, Samseo Lawn Culture Festival.

The first event is the "Canola Flower Festival" in Sandong-ri, Jinwon-myeon. On April 20, for one day, horseback riding experiences, stamp missions, and busking performances will take place amidst a sea of yellow flowers. Photo zones are set up everywhere you go, and there are "rest zones" where you can sit and relax for a while.

Next is the Bukha-myeon "Wild Greens Festival," making its debut this year. Held at Jangseongho Tourist Site from April 26 to 27, visitors can enjoy wild greens picking, a "Mountain Vegetable Bibimbap Performance," and even solar observation under the starlit sky, offering unique experiences.

In May, the festivities move to Hwangryonggang. The "Baetnadri Festival" in Hwangryong-myeon, which includes Children's Day (May 4-5), features boat rides, youth talent shows, and magic performances, making it a celebration for families.

In June, Donghwa-myeon is covered in a wave of purple. At the "Donghwa Nara Verbena Festival," visitors are welcomed by a lamp park filled with blooming verbena and hydrangeas, along with face painting and photo zones.

Chukryeongsan Cypress Forest, Jangseong County, Jeonnam. Provided by Jangseong County

As autumn arrives, the festivals take on a deeper tone. There is the Samseo-myeon (Lawn Culture Festival), Seosam-myeon with its cypress forest (Jarak Festival), Jangseong-eup where traditional liquor awaits (Yeongcheon Makgeolli Festival), lively Bukui-myeon with street art (Samnamdaero Street Art Festival), Bukil-myeon connecting generations (Hyo Sarang Festival), and even a festival being planned by the local community in Nam-myeon.

The scenery, memories, and stories unique to each village gently blossom under the name of "festival."

County Governor Kim Hanjong said, "A small festival can actually leave a bigger impression," and added, "I hope visitors to Jangseong can fully experience the charm, flavors, and emotions of the villages."

This spring, if you feel like getting away, you don't have to go far. The festivals blooming in small neighborhoods may awaken forgotten senses.

Jangseong is at its most beautiful season right now.