Chrysanthemum Festival

Autumn is a season full of natural beauty and one of them is the blooming Chrysanthemum. For those who visiting Korea this fall, you can't miss the beautiful and elegant Chrysanthemum festivals across Korea.

Masan Gogopa Chrysanthemum Festival, first held in 2000, celebrates its eighth year under the theme 'Flower & Island & Sea' from Oct. 24 to Nov.2 at Dotseom (island) Ocean Recreation Park this year, promoting not only the Chrysanthemum but a comprehensive festival that could enjoy the green ocean and islands of Namhae. A total of 5 billion Chrysanthemum will delight the visitors around Dotseom and the downtown of Masan City.

Ten Million Chrysanthemum Festival at Iksan Joong-ang (main) Sports Park in Iksan City (North Jeolla Province) welcoming visitors from Oct. 29 to Nov. 8. The flowers will be displayed in the shape of famous characters including famous Korean figures and animation characters. The whole town is in a festival mood decorated with chrysanthemums around Iksan station, traffic station and here and there.

Gochang Chrysanthemum Festival, claimed to be the nation's biggest Chrysanthemum Festival where the organizer will set up a special promotion booth and offers visitors free tea and drinks made by using chrysanthemum cultivated in Gochang. The festival will take place for a whole month from Oct. 22 to Nov. 23.

Chrysanthemum Fragrance Festival at Daechengho Lake in Daejeon city (Dong-gu district) will exhibit more than 100 million Chrysanthemum from Oct. 20 to Nov. 8.

(Source: Korea.net)

A taegeukgi, Korea's National flag made of Chrysanthemums in Daejeon.

(Picture courtesy of : The Chosun Ilbo)

The beauty of autumn

The beauty of Autumn leaves is on the way.. but be patient since it's coming a bit late this year. The Korean Meteorological Administration said that the autumnal tint this year will appear 1-8 days later than usual, which means that the middle regions of the country and Mt. Jirisan will see the colors of autumn leaves from October 20th to November 5th. (source: Korea Tourism)

For you who visiting Korea this autumn and wish to enjoy the warm foliage of reds and yellows may check the timing on Korea Tourism web as well as the best spot's list. The schedule shows the first foliage and peak time on each region. If you are visiting Seoul only and don't have much time to visit the mountains, don't worry.. there are some famous spots to enjoy the beauty of autumn in the city. The Palaces in Seoul including Changdeokgung has its own special walking tour to enjoy the autumn foliage while Hyang-wonjeong pavilion at Gyeongbokgung is a place you shouldn't miss. If you choose to have romantic walks, Deoksugung will open till late to give you the autumn warm when the night is getting cold.

(Picture courtesy of Korea Tourism)