KOREA
Chrysanthemum

Chrysanthemum (Photo courtesy of haps Magazine Korea)

The Hwasun Dolmen Autumn Flower Festival, Hwasun County’s signature autumn celebration, will be held from October 17 to October 26, at the Hwasun Dolmen World Heritage Site in Jeollanam-do.

This beloved festival, which originated as a downtown chrysanthemum festival in 2013, has been held annually at Namsan Park since 2017, bringing together the beauty of autumn blooms and the cultural heritage of the Dolmen Site.

A Festival of Flowers and Heritage

Visitors can enjoy chrysanthemums in full bloom, creating a breathtaking autumn landscape complemented by grand floral sculptures, art exhibitions, performances, and hands-on experiences. After the main festival ends, the venue will remain open for seven additional days (October 27–November 2) for scenic viewing.

Admission is 5,000 won, which is fully refundable in Hwasun Love Gift Certificates. Free entry is available for Hwasun residents, preschoolers, and eligible national merit holders upon presentation of valid identification.

Music and Performances Under the Autumn Sky

The highlight of the festival is the “DM Concert Series”, held at the Dolmen Site’s Lawn Plaza, featuring a diverse lineup of popular Korean artists:

  • DM Ballad – October 18 (Sat), 3:30–5:00 pm: Jeongyeop, Harim, Casey

  • DM Retro – October 19 (Sun), 2:30–5:30 pm: Gunjo Crew, Space A, Jaja, Chaeyeon, Kim Bo-kyung, K2

  • DM Dance – October 25 (Sat), 3:00–4:30 pm: Kendrix, Kindergarten, Jay Black

  • DM Trot – October 26 (Sun), 4:00–5:30 pm: Moon Hee-ok, Wooyeon, Kim Hong-nam

In addition to these special concerts, the festival will feature 45 main stage performances and 19 performances at the Chunyang Lawn Square, showcasing local talent, cultural displays, and traditional music throughout the ten-day period.

Exhibitions and Experience Zones

The festival grounds will be filled with flower installations and exhibitions, including:

  • Autumn Flower Sculpture Exhibition

  • Chrysanthemum Bonsai and Dolmen Art Displays

  • Golden Dolmen Exhibition

  • Moving Dinosaur Exhibit (Jurak Park)

  • Colorful Dolmen Art Zone

Visitors can also enjoy a range of hands-on experiences, from prehistoric costume photo zones and stone painting to dolmen cookie decorating, soap making, and VR postcard creation. The Hwasun Dolmen Naming Room and Song of Stones Across Time will offer unique ways to connect with the area’s ancient heritage.

Local Flavors and Market Zone

Food lovers can explore local and gourmet cuisine at over 30 food booths, including local specialties, a la carte menus, and food trucks, as well as agricultural and specialty product stalls showcasing Hwasun’s rich local produce.

A Fusion of Nature, Culture, and History

Set against the backdrop of the UNESCO World Heritage Dolmen Site, the Hwasun Dolmen Autumn Flower Festival beautifully intertwines nature, culture, and tradition, offering visitors an unforgettable autumn experience filled with color, music, and community spirit.

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