Travel
Sancheong Oriental Medicine Herb Festival in Korea to be held Sept. 27 – Oct. 6
haps magazine korea
September 26, 2024
(Image: Sancheong-gun)
Get ready to embark on a wellness journey at Korea’s largest oriental medicine anti-aging theme park, as the 24th Sancheong Oriental Medicine Herb Festival offers a unique blend of traditional medicine, healing, and nature.
Whether you’re seeking practicality, relaxation, or health benefits, this festival promises to captivate travelers of all kinds.
The festival will be held from September 27 to October 6, and provides the perfect opportunity for a refreshing getaway during the cooler autumn weather.
If the lingering summer heat has left you feeling drained, now is the perfect time to enjoy the cooler weather with a rejuvenating trip. The Sancheong Oriental Medicine Herb Festival is the ideal escape for those looking to heal both body and mind while soaking in the beauty of nature. This healing festival, held in Sancheong, the birthplace of the famous Donguibogam (a classic Korean medical text), offers the perfect opportunity to relax during the long weekends of late September and October.
A Day of Wellness in Donguibogam Village
Located at the foot of Jirisan Mountain and spanning over 1.08 million square meters, Donguibogam Village is a sanctuary for health and mindfulness. As you journey towards Sancheong, you’ll leave behind the city’s hustle and bustle and feel an immediate sense of calm as you face the majestic Jirisan ridge. The village was designed to preserve its natural surroundings, allowing visitors to experience nature at its finest.
Upon entering through Donguimun Gate, you’ll be greeted by locally crafted artwork, including calligraphy and stunning Dancheong (traditional Korean decorative coloring). The village features numerous attractions, including the Soso Pung Lounge (a rest area), a café, a shared office, and a lecture hall. Visitors can also participate in activities such as herbal medicine workshops, creating herbal pouches, and sampling craft beer.
Fun for Families: Kids’ Experience Zone and Food Trucks
As you continue through the festival, you’ll come across Tiger Square, where families can enjoy the Kids’ Experience Zone. Here, children can partake in traditional Korean games like archery, tug-of-war, and jegi (hacky sack). There is also an air playground and a health club, ensuring that kids can play and explore to their hearts’ content.
The Hye-min-seo Children’s Clinic offers various interactive programs, from dressing up as a traditional doctor to making herbal medicines. Parents can relax while their children enjoy these educational and fun activities. Nearby, the Food Truck Zone offers light snacks and refreshments for a well-rounded family experience.
Capture Stunning Scenery at Scenic Photo Spots
For those who love photography, the landscape surrounding Donguibogam Village offers breathtaking views that resemble traditional sumi-e (ink wash) paintings. The Sancheong Museum of Oriental Medicine and the Sancheong Medicinal Herb Museum provide a beautiful backdrop as you wander the grounds. In particular, the observatory near the Family Healing Zone offers sweeping views of the mountain ridges, making it the perfect spot to capture unforgettable memories.
Unique Wellness Experiences Along the Way
As you explore, you’ll find numerous opportunities for relaxation and healing. The Maze Park offers a phytoncide-filled adventure through a labyrinth of 2,000 cypress trees, while the Wishing Paper Experience Zone allows visitors to write and hang their wishes for family health and happiness.
For a peaceful retreat, head to the Forest Foot Bath Experience Zone, where you can soak your feet in herbal-infused water and unwind amidst nature. For a more immersive wellness experience, the Gibawi Experience invites you to channel positive energy from the ancient rocks of Donguibogam Village.
Indulge in Local Flavors and Unique Souvenirs
The festival offers plenty of delicious food options, including Jirisan black pork, beef soup, herbal pancakes, and more at the Sancheong Food Hall. You can also explore the Herbal Medicine Market and the Agricultural and Livestock Product Market to purchase fresh herbs, herbal products, and local goods to take home.
Hosted by Sancheong-gun in Gyeongsangnam-do, the 24th Sancheong Oriental Medicine Herb Festival features a wide array of health and wellness activities. From herbal medicine-making to forest bathing and phytoncide therapy, this festival offers a complete healing experience for both body and mind. The added bonus? The stunning fall colors of Jirisan Mountain and Sancheong will enhance the joy of your trip, leaving you refreshed and revitalized.