Expansion of Blooming Season with Summer Flowers Like Liriope and Hosta
and Late-Autumn Gujeolcho
Geochang County in South Gyeongsang Province announced on June 16 that it has established a 4-hectare Gujeolcho flower complex and a 0.3-hectare summer flower pilot complex in the Byeol Baram Hill area, a representative autumn tourist destination.
Byeol Baram Hill on Gamaksan Mountain became nationally renowned last year, attracting 460,000 visitors. However, 330,000 visitors, accounting for 70% of the annual total, concentrated during the "Flower Star Journey" event held in September and October, which coincides with the blooming period of Aster chrysanthemums. As a result, the site was seen as an autumn-only tourist spot.
In response, Geochang County has worked to broaden the spectrum of content at Byeol Baram Hill by planting various flowers with different blooming periods, aiming to attract visitors throughout summer and late autumn and transform the area into a four-season tourist destination.
First, summer flowers were planted to test species suitable for the Gamaksan environment and to gain experience in cultivating flowers that bloom in various seasons. A total of 100,000 summer flowers, including Liriope, Hosta, and Lycoris, were planted as a pilot project. Liriope and Hosta are expected to bloom from late June to mid-July, while Lycoris is expected to bloom from late August to early September.
Additionally, following the creation of a 1.5-hectare Gujeolcho complex last year, an additional 2.5 hectares were established this year. As a result, a total of 4 hectares now host approximately 600,000 plants, including Gujeolcho, Begae-michwi, and Cheonghwa Ssukbujengi.
The Gujeolcho complex offers a pristine white landscape that contrasts with the purple Aster chrysanthemums and is expected to become another attraction on Gamaksan Mountain by providing a natural rest area under the pine tree shade.
While establishing the Gujeolcho complex, the county also implemented protective measures for other native species. As a result, colonies of Eumbangul Flower, Dunggulle, Holabikkotdae, and Jwi-ojum-pul have been successfully preserved within the complex.
With the creation of the Gujeolcho complex, it is expected that visitor numbers, previously concentrated in September and October, will now be spread over several months.
Kwak Chilsik, head of the Happy Rural Division of Geochang County, stated, "By planting flowers that bloom at various times, we aim to make Byeol Baram Hill a four-season tourist destination. We will also highlight native plant colonies with conservation value, allowing more people to appreciate the natural beauty of Gamaksan Mountain."
Meanwhile, Geochang County also plans to operate programs to attract more visitors. On June 21, a "Sosohan Picnic" event, featuring picnics and eco-tours against the backdrop of Byeol Baram Hill, is scheduled. In late summer, a "Starlight Hill Music Concert," where visitors can enjoy lyrical music at sunset, is also being planned.
This year, the purple Aster chrysanthemums on Byeol Baram Hill of Gamaksan Mountain are being well maintained, and it is expected that visitors will be able to enjoy beautiful scenery during the "5th Gamaksan Flower Star Journey" event to be held from September to October.
Once the road leading to Byeol Baram Hill is improved and a campsite is established starting next year, the flower-filled Byeol Baram Hill of Gamaksan Mountain is expected to become Geochang County's representative tourist destination throughout all four seasons.
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