Sancheong’s 41st Hwangmaesan Azalea Festival to bloom from May 1 to 11

(Sancheong-gun)

The 41st Hwangmaesan Azalea Festival will take place from May 1 to 11 at Hwangmaesan Mountain in Sancheong County, Gyeongnam province, a site often called the “Little Geumgangsan” for its stunning cliffs and floral landscapes.

This year’s festival, held under the theme “Sancheong, Flowers Blooming Spring,” begins with an azalea harvest ceremony on May 1 and will feature a variety of nature-based experiences, specialty product markets, and local food vendors.

Unlike previous years, large-scale performances and entertainment programs have been scaled back due to recent forest fires in the region. Organizers have chosen a more modest approach, focusing on quiet appreciation of nature.

Festival activities will center on three themes: “Following the Scent of Azaleas,” “Following the Waves of Azaleas,” and “Following the Path of Azaleas.” Visitors can enjoy aromatherapy sessions, foot bath experiences, and a Sancheong tourism photo exhibition. The venue will also host 14 booths selling local agricultural and specialty goods and two restaurants serving regional cuisine.

To ease traffic congestion, vehicle flow will be restricted to one-way from Manam Village entrance to Sinchon Village exit, with buses carrying 13 or more passengers prohibited from entering Manam Village. Large vehicles should park in Sinchon Village’s bus lot or the Geumpo-rim reserve lot.

Hwangmaesan Mountain, rising to 1,113 meters, is the final peak of the Taebaek Mountain range and historically known as the retreat of Monk Muhak, a spiritual figure of the Goryeo Dynasty.

The southeast cliffs, including Hwangmaebong Peak, are a famous natural landmark and contribute to the area’s nickname, “Little Geumgangsan.”

Please note that the azaleas are currently only at about a 20% blooming rate, so it may be advised to visit towards the latter part of the festival.

Kunsan Air Base