Inje County in Gangwon said it has extended the run of the '2026 Inje Autumn Flower Festival', under way around Yongdae Tourist Site in Buk-myeon, by 1 week. The festival, which opened on September 24, was originally scheduled to close on October 11 but will now continue until October 18.
The county explained that it decided on the extension after considering the blooming condition of the autumn flowers and visitor response. As a result, visitors can come to the festival grounds to see the autumn flowers for 1 more week.
The county is also using drones to manage traffic during the festival. During hours when vehicles are concentrated, it flies drones to check traffic flow from above on the main access roads and around the parking lots, and uses information on congested sections that are hard to identify from the ground to guide the response of on-site traffic control staff. The county said it aims to improve the flow of vehicles entering the festival grounds and make it easier for visitors to get around.
A highlight of this year's festival is a set of literature-themed gardens created to mark the 100th anniversary of the birth of poet Park In-hwan. The festival grounds are divided into themed paths: 'Haenghaboksagil' ('Path of Happiness'), with the Park In-hwan Romantic Garden, a flower rest area and the Good Luck Observatory; 'Saranghagil' ('Path of Love'), with a wildflower garden and a chrysanthemum bonsai exhibition hall; 'Sotonghagil' ('Path of Communication'), with a waterside walking trail and a slow mailbox; and 'Hillinghagil' ('Path of Healing'), with a forest cafe and artist and community gardens.
On 'Hillinghagil', tree climbing, a treehouse, singing bowl meditation, a children's forest and bookmark-making activities are offered. The 'Wellbeing Market' features sales of local agricultural specialties and chrysanthemums, craft activities, food trucks and performances, and a flower path stamp tour, a rock-paper-scissors contest, a drawing contest and visitor review and survey events are also held.
The festival is hosted by the Inje County Cultural Foundation. General admission is free, while some hands-on programs charge a fee. Inquiries can be made at 033-460-8900.
The detailed schedule is available on the festival detail page.