Opening on October 18
Hwangmaesan Mountain, a renowned peak in Hapcheon, South Gyeongsang Province, has turned silver with silvergrass at the height of autumn. Standing at 1,113 meters above sea level, Hwangmaesan Mountain is beloved by tourists nationwide, showcasing vibrant azaleas in spring and a breathtaking sea of silvergrass in autumn, offering the beauty of all four seasons.
The Hwangmaesan Silvergrass Festival, now in its fourth year, will be held from October 18 to 26 in the Hwangmaesan County Park area.
Reflecting the silvergrass flower’s meaning of “vitality,” the festival features a variety of programs designed to infuse new energy into weary daily lives and allow visitors to enjoy healing and relaxation in nature.
On opening day, a celebratory performance by guest singer Jiwon Lee and electronic violinist Semi will mark the start of the festival.
The silvergrass fields of Hwangmaesan originated from pastures established in the 1980s as part of a government livestock promotion policy. As cows and sheep avoided the toxic azaleas and grazed on other grasses, azalea colonies naturally formed. When dairy farming disappeared, silvergrass flourished in its place, creating the landscape seen today.
From the main parking lot, a short ten-minute walk brings visitors to the vast, shimmering silvergrass fields. Recently, this area gained national fame as a filming location for BTS RM’s “Wild Flower” music video and other major productions. When sunrise or sunset colors the sky, Hwangmaesan transforms into nature’s grandest stage. In particular, Starlight Hill and the observation deck offer sweeping views of endless waves of silvergrass, making them especially popular among photography enthusiasts.
During the festival, guided forest docent tours will be offered three times daily, and the Hwangmaesan cart tour-previously available only for visitors with mobility challenges-will be expanded to the general public. Visitors can enjoy reading in book and relaxation spaces nestled within the silvergrass fields, and a “book cinema” will screen films on a large screen.
Every weekend, a variety of cultural and artistic performances, including fusion Korean traditional music and saxophone concerts, will take place. At the direct sales market near the main parking lot, local specialties from Hapcheon such as mushrooms, apples, and wild greens will be available, adding to the festival’s abundance.
With Hapcheon County selected for the 2025 Accessible Tourism Development Project, the county is creating a barrier-free environment in the Hwangmaesan County Park area so that visitors with limited mobility can comfortably enjoy the autumn silvergrass and nature. Major routes are being equipped with accessible ramps for wheelchair and stroller users, and “Sharing Cart” (electric cart) tours will be provided for those with mobility difficulties.
Additionally, the county aims to expand forest interpretation and experiential programs so that people with disabilities, seniors, and families with young children can all participate, creating a truly inclusive tourist destination. In partnership with the Korea Tourism Organization, Hapcheon County plans to complete the project within the year and develop Hwangmaesan into a national model for barrier-free tourism.
As the old saying goes, “Seeing once is better than hearing ten times.” The silvergrass fields of Hwangmaesan are truly nature’s finest stage. Take a walk with your parents or children and fully experience the peak of autumn amid the shimmering silver of Hwangmaesan. At sunset, the silvergrass bathed in crimson light creates unforgettable memories for families, couples, and friends alike.
Kim Yooncheol, Mayor of Hapcheon County, stated, “The Hwangmaesan Silvergrass Festival has established itself as the representative autumn festival of Hapcheon. I hope many people will visit Hwangmaesan to experience the power and healing of the silvergrass and gain new vitality together with nature.”
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