The Dawn of the Geochang Tourism Renaissance
Geochang County in South Gyeongsang Province announced on the 24th that it held a grand opening ceremony for the 5th Gamaksan Flower Star Journey at the Gamaksan Star Wind Hill outdoor stage and proclaimed its vision for a leap forward in tourism, leading up to the “2026 Year of Visiting Geochang.”
The event was attended by County Mayor Koo Inmo, Lee Jaewoon, Chairman of the Geochang County Council, council members, Kim Ilsu and Park Jueon from the South Gyeongsang Provincial Council, as well as over 200 guests and tourists. Together, they celebrated a new beginning for Geochang tourism amid the purple-hued scenery of Gamaksan Mountain.
Now in its fifth year, the Flower Star Journey was held under the theme “Into the Purple Sunset.” A spectacular display was created by 300,000 asters planted across 5 hectares and 400,000 Chrysanthemum zawadskii on 4 hectares. Seasonal flower festivals, including Aster yomena in August, Chrysanthemum zawadskii from September to October, and Aster scaber in November, offer visitors a unique and colorful autumn experience throughout the season.
Last year alone, the Flower Star Journey attracted 460,000 visitors and has established itself as one of Korea’s premier autumn travel destinations. This year, it continues to draw large crowds, solidifying its status as Geochang’s flagship event.
The significance of this year’s opening ceremony went beyond that of a simple festival. The natural beauty and culture showcased through the Flower Star Journey serve as the foundation for the upcoming “2026 Year of Visiting Geochang.” County Mayor Koo Inmo emphasized, “The Gamaksan Flower Star Journey is a symbolic event that demonstrates Geochang’s year-round tourism appeal. Building on this success, we will make 2026 the inaugural year for Geochang’s tourism renaissance.”
Geochang County aims to achieve 10 million visitors, build an eco-tourism city blending forests, wellness, and culture, and expand infrastructure for extended-stay tourism. The county plans to usher in a tourism renaissance centered around signature local festivals like the Flower Star Journey.
A local resident who visited the site said, “Whenever the Flower Star Journey is held, tourists from all over the country flock here. Thanks to this, restaurants, cafes, and accommodations become lively, and the atmosphere of the entire village changes. The festival is a major driving force for the local economy.”
Tourists visiting with their families also expressed satisfaction. One parent strolling the event grounds with their children said, “Seeing the kids running freely among the flowers and enjoying themselves while taking photos makes me truly happy. Experiences like this have made Geochang a destination we want to visit again.”
Younger visitors commented, “There are many stylish photo spots perfect for sharing on social media, allowing us to create special memories. It’s even better than expected because we can relax in nature while enjoying fun programs at the same time.”
Geochang County is developing an integrated tourism belt by organically connecting major attractions such as Gamaksan Star Wind Hill, Geochang Changpowon, Anti-Aging Healing Land, Suseungdae, and Geochang Forest Leisure Sports Park. In particular, the natural charm offered by the Gamaksan Flower Star Journey is providing a solid foundation for Geochang to become the center of healing tourism in Korea.
This year, the county plans to further enhance its readiness to accommodate tourists by improving its tourism information system, expanding convenience facilities, and upgrading transportation and information services in the second half of the year.
Additionally, by next year, the county will introduce a variety of new projects, including night tourism programs and hands-on experiences tailored for families and young people, and will actively link these to the “2026 Year of Visiting Geochang.” Through these initiatives, Geochang aims to usher in the era of 10 million visitors and realize its vision of becoming a healing tourism city created together with its residents.
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