Buyeo County in South Chungcheong Province said it will hold the 23rd Buyeo Chrysanthemum Festival for 10 days from October 30 to November 8 around Gungnamji Pond in Seodong Park. This year's festival theme is 'Chrysanthemums, Piecing Together the Fragments of Autumn.'
Gungnamji, where the festival takes place, is known as Korea's first artificial garden. The county plans to arrange various chrysanthemum works and sculptures against the backdrop of the waterside space with its pond and willow trees.
The festival grounds will consist of 5 themed spaces: Pieces of History, Pieces of Scenery, Pieces of Connection, Pieces of Fragrance and Pieces of Healing. Sculptures depicting Buyeo's symbols, such as the Gilt-bronze Incense Burner (Geumdong Daehyangno) and Sabimun Gate, in chrysanthemums will be on display, and a 60m-long chrysanthemum tunnel and flower paths will also be created.
Programs for visitors to take part in include hanging wish lanterns, chrysanthemum photo zones, a chrysanthemum tea ceremony experience, busking performances and hands-on booths. Sales stands for agricultural and local specialty products, food trucks and promotional spaces will also be set up, and an opening ceremony will be held.
Early in the festival, from October 30 to November 1, the Button Mushroom and Shiitake Mushroom Festival will run during the same period. Visitors can view the chrysanthemums and also taste and buy local Buyeo agricultural specialties such as mushrooms.
A county official said they hope visitors will walk the chrysanthemum flower paths, enjoy the various attractions and experiences, and make autumn memories with family, partners and friends. Inquiries about the festival can be made at 041-830-2591.
The detailed schedule is available on the festival details page.