Heungseon Daewongun's Phrase "Munbulyeojangseong" Inspires Flower Story Zones
Trot Star, Master Chefs, and Running Program Highlights
Jangseong County in South Jeolla Province announced on September 26 that it will host the Hwangryonggang Autumn Flower Festival for nine days from October 18 to 26. This year's festival will feature sophisticated content and programming.
The theme is "Hwangryonggang Autumn Flower Story, A Path Colored by Light." During the day, visitors can enjoy flowers and nature, while at night, light and art will create Jangseong's unique "cultural narrative."
The festival grounds will be divided into five zones, each with its own content. The county drew inspiration from the phrase "Munbulyeojangseong" ("No place for learning like Jangseong") written by Heungseon Daewongun, and named the zones: Culture Flower Story Zone, Light Flower Story Zone, Leisure Flower Story Zone, Marketplace Flower Story Zone, and Growth Flower Story Zone.
The Culture Flower Story Zone, located near the Healing Herb Garden, will focus on culture, art, and exhibitions. Visitors can enjoy art displays, bonsai exhibitions of chrysanthemums and wildflowers, poetry and painting exhibitions, and a rose fragrance exhibition. There will also be a guided garden tour program.
The Light Flower Story Zone is near the Hwangryong Garden outdoor stage, which will serve as the main festival venue. Here, visitors can fully enjoy the festival's excitement, including the opening ceremony and performances by popular singers. There will also be a miniature art exhibition and a wooden play area for children.
The Leisure Flower Story Zone, located near the Culture Bridge, is designed as a space for healing and relaxation. The special exhibition "Emptying and Healing" is especially anticipated. Participants will find comfort and healing through the process of writing down their emotional burdens, erasing them, and letting go.
At the Marketplace Flower Story Zone, as the name suggests, visitors can purchase local delicacies, specialty products, and souvenirs from Jangseong. This zone will be set up at the ground golf course and will also feature street performances and other attractions.
The Growth Flower Story Zone is perfect for families with children. At Hwangmir Land, located upstream along Hwangryonggang, there will be children's play facilities and a pet playground, as well as hands-on activity booths such as Kapla block stacking for the whole family to enjoy together.
Major events during the festival will also draw attention. On the opening day, October 18, the Millennium Symphony Orchestra, composed of 40 musicians, will perform music from Studio Ghibli and Disney animations. A celebratory performance by trot star Song Gain is also highly anticipated.
On the evening of October 19, the "J-Light Run" will take place. This is a story-based night running program along the Hwangryonggang riverside, where participants must avoid zombies that disrupt the peaceful run to achieve their goals and experience a thrill. This is the festival's signature participatory event. An EDM dance party and a celebratory performance by singer Park Jihyun will follow.
On October 21, the "Master Chefs of Food" event will feature renowned local chefs Kim Bonghwa from Jangseong, known for Jipjang, and Cheon Subong from Naju, famous for Hongeo. They will share fascinating stories behind their dishes, and visitors can taste the completed dishes on site. Jipjang is a type of gochujang (red chili paste) made with glutinous rice, originally prepared by scholars at Pilam Seowon during the Joseon Dynasty.
On October 24, rock and blues bands will heat up the Hwangryonggang stage. Performers include Rolling Quartz, Transfixion, Wednesday Off, and A Grab. On October 25, comedian Lee Hongryul will host "Memory Theater," featuring comedy acts and performances by singers Hye Eunyi and Park Sangmin.
On the final day of the festival, October 26, the "Secret Audition: All-Army Singing Contest" will be held at the Hwangryong Garden outdoor stage. Contestants will compete solely with their voices and talent, singing behind a screen, which adds an element of intrigue. Applications will be accepted from October 1 to 17, with preliminary rounds on October 22 and the finals on the last day of the festival.
Alongside performances and activities, the Hwangryonggang nightscape is a must-see highlight. Themed gardens and scenic lighting installations throughout the riverside enhance the romantic atmosphere of autumn nights. Visitors can also enjoy riding the moon-shaped "Moon Boat" while taking in the nighttime views of Hwangryonggang.
County Governor Kim Hanjong stated, "We invite everyone to the Hwangryonggang Autumn Flower Festival, which will be filled with flowers, light, art, and stories for nine days," adding, "I hope you will join your loved ones and become the main characters in a story that will be remembered for a long time."
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