Spring and Summer Festivals in Jeollanam-do: A Guide to Celebrations, Culture and Must-Visit Events – March 2025

• Background: Held annually in late July to early August, this festival takes place in Jangheung County, utilizing the pristine waters of the Tamjin River, Jangheung Lake, and nearby cypress forests.

• Specialty: Centered around the theme of water, the festival offers various programs, including the Salsu Battle Street Parade and the World’s Largest Water Fight, where participants engage in lively water battles to beat the summer heat.

• Why Visit: To enjoy refreshing water-themed activities and experience the communal spirit of the festival.

• Attractions: Water fights, parades, cultural performances, and hands-on programs in the cypress forest.

• Date: Late July to early August annually

• Location: Tamjin River area, Jangheung-gun, Jeollanam-do.

Muan White Lotus Festival

Yeosu Night Sea Fireworks Festival

Gurye Sansuyu Festival

• Background: Set in the hot springs resort area of Jiri Mountain, this festival celebrates the blooming of yellow sansuyu (cornelian cherry) flowers.

• Specialty: With the theme “Finding Everlasting Love,” the festival features performances, fireworks, and hands-on experiences. Attendees can also enjoy foods and drinks made from sansuyu.
• Why Visit: Experience vibrant spring colors and participate in unique cultural activities.

• Attractions: Jirisan Hot Springs, cultural performances, and local cuisine.
• Date: March annually
• Location: Jirisan Hot Springs Resort area, Gurye-gun, Jeollanam-do.

Sinan Daffodil Festival

• Background: Celebrated in March, this festival showcases the blooming daffodils on Seondo Island in Sinan County.

• Specialty: The island is adorned with golden daffodils, creating picturesque scenery.
• Why Visit: To enjoy the serene beauty of the daffodil fields and engage in related cultural activities.

• Attractions: Flower exhibitions, cultural performances, and local delicacies.
• Date: Late March to early April annually

• Location: Seondo-ri, Jido-eup, Sinan-gun, Jeollanam-do.

Yeongchwi Mountain Azalea Festival

• Background: Held annually in late March, this festival celebrates the blooming of azaleas on Yeongchwi Mountain in Yeosu.

• Specialty: The mountain is blanketed with vibrant pink azaleas, offering breathtaking panoramic views.

• Why Visit: To experience the stunning natural beauty of azalea-covered landscapes and participate in various cultural events.

• Attractions: Hiking trails, cultural performances, and local food stalls.
• Date: Late March annually
• Location: Yeongchwi Mountain, Yeosu, Jeollanam-do.

Jindo Miracle Sea Road Festival

• Background: Due to a unique build-up of pebbles and silt, during the lowest point of the ebb tide, a three-kilometer-long pathway appears in the seabed between Modo Island and Jindo Island at Hoedong-ri.

• Specialty: This sea-parting phenomenon is well known both domestically and internationally, drawing visitors to witness this miraculous sight. The miracle path can only be seen for one hour a day. While waiting for the tide to ebb, visitors can participate in various cultural and hands-on programs.

• Why Visit: To experience the rare natural phenomenon of the sea parting and engage in cultural activities.
• Date: Late March to April annually
• Location: Jindo-gun, Jeollanam-do.

Sinan Tulip Festival

• Background: Celebrated in April, this festival showcases a vast array of tulips in full bloom.
• Specialty: Visitors can stroll through expansive tulip gardens, capturing the vibrant colors and unique varieties.

• Why Visit: To witness one of Korea’s largest tulip displays and enjoy the spring ambiance.
• Attractions: Tulip gardens, photo zones, and local food vendors.
• Date: April annually
• Location: Sinan Tulip Park, around Daegwang Beach, Imja-myeon, Sinan-gun.
  

Yeongam Wangin Culture Festival

• Background: This festival honors Wangin, who traveled to Japan during the Baekje Kingdom era to spread knowledge, culture, and art.

• Specialty: Held in April, when cherry blossoms are in full bloom, the festival includes traditional performances and a highlight street parade open to all visitors and citizens.

• Why Visit: To delve into historical cultural exchanges and enjoy the scenic cherry blossoms.

• Attractions: Traditional performances, cultural exhibitions, and a vibrant street parade.
• Date: April annually
• Location: Yeongam-gun, including Wangin’s Historic Site, Gurim Village, and the Pottery Museum.

Damyang Bamboo Festival

• Background: Damyang is renowned for its lush bamboo forests, and this festival highlights the cultural and ecological significance of bamboo.

• Specialty: The festival offers participatory programs where visitors can engage in traditional bamboo crafts and art, reflecting the local heritage.

• Why Visit: To immerse oneself in the serene beauty of bamboo groves and appreciate traditional crafts.

• Attractions: Bamboo craft workshops, cultural performances, and local bamboo-inspired cuisine.

• Date: May annually

• Location: Jungnogwon Bamboo Garden, Damyang-gun, Jeollanam-do.

Gokseong World Rose Festival

• Background: Held every May in Gokseong, this festival celebrates the beauty of roses from around the world.

• Specialty: Features a vast array of rose species displayed in beautifully curated gardens.
• Why Visit: To immerse oneself in the fragrant and colorful world of roses and enjoy various themed activities.

• Attractions: Rose gardens, photo zones, and cultural performances.

• Date: May annually

• Location: Gokseong Train Village, Gokseong-gun, Jeollanam-do.

Boseong Aromatic Tea Festival

• Background: Boseong is Korea’s largest producer of green tea, with picturesque fields often featured in dramas.

• Specialty: Visitors can participate in tea leaf picking, tea making, and sampling green tea snacks. Traditional tea ceremonies and photography exhibitions are also part of the festival.
• Why Visit: To experience Korea’s rich tea culture amidst scenic plantations.

• Attractions: Tea fields, cultural performances, and tea-related workshops.

• Date: May annually

• Location: Korea Tea Culture Park, Boseong-gun, Jeollanam-do.

The Author

A native of India, Neha Bisht is pursuing her PhD research at Chonnam National University’s School of Materials Science and Engineering. She loves to meet new people and make new friends. Neha endeavors to contribute to the wellbeing of society in whatever way she can.