If you’re a nature enthusiast, a wellness seeker, or simply someone intrigued by the wonders of the natural world, you’re in for a treat. Join us on a journey as we dive into the heart of one of South Korea’s most captivating celebrations of nature’s bounty – the Hamyang Wild Ginseng Festival.
This year, the festival takes place from September 7th to 12th, 2023 at Sangnim Park in Hamyang. Get ready to be captivated by the beauty of nature, the depth of culture, and the vitality of ginseng. The Hamyang Wild Ginseng Festival is a celebration that brings these elements together in harmony, and we’re here to be your guides on this adventure of discovery.
1. Introduction to the Festival
Hamyang County is home to the iconic Jirisan and Deogyusan mountains, which are considered the spiritual mountains of our nation. Stretching along the Baekdudaegan Mountain Range, the region boasts over 15 mountains that rise above 1,000 meters, creating a quintessential mountainous landscape. While once known as a remote and rugged area, Hamyang has transformed from being synonymous with isolated mountainous terrain to becoming a haven of valuable natural resources, particularly in the realm of health and well-being, due to changing environmental conditions.
Harnessing these resources, Hamyang County proudly presents the Hamyang Wild Ginseng Festival, a grand celebration of health, well-being, and anti-aging.
The Hamyang Wild Ginseng Festival, through its diverse program of events centered around the history and culture of ginseng, aims to rekindle the significance and historical value of this precious plant. By utilizing rich festival content, it aspires to cultivate a global appreciation for the culture of ginseng, contributing to the cultural tourism experience and overall well-being of citizens.
In the enchanting embrace of autumn, you are invited to join the festival at Hamyang Sangnim Park, where flowers bloom exuberantly and memories linger.
2. Events
1) Opening Ceremony
Get ready to witness a burst of energy, music, and tradition at the opening ceremony of the Hamyang Wild Ginseng Festival on September 7th.
- Date: Sep 7 (Thu), 7PM~9PM
- Venue: Gowoon Square Main Stage
- Performances: So Chan-whee, Choi Hyeonsang, Myeong Opera, Dabyeol Wind Youth Orchestra
2) Discover the Golden Wild Ginseng
Join this interactive event program that combines a heartwarming Simmani journey with four dramatic storytelling elements, taking place at the Ginseng Forest (Pilbongsan Mountain). Be the lucky one to discover the golden ginseng, which is known as the ultimate ginseng.
- Date: Sep 8 (Fri)~Sep 11 (Mon), 11AM, 2PM, 4PM (3 times a day)
- Venue: Ginseng Forest (Pilbongsan Mountain)
- Giveaway: Hamyang Love Gift Certificate, Hamyang Wild Ginseng (5-year-old) & more
3) Wild Ginseng Digging Experience
Find your own wild ginseng by participating in the “Wild Ginseng Digging Experience” at the festival! You can take home the ginseng you dug as a souvenir.
- Date: Sep 7 (Thu)~Sep 12 (Tue), 10AM~12PM, 1:30PM~5PM
- Venue: Ginseng Forest (Pilbongsan Mountain)
- How to register: Register on-site by cash or bank transfer
- Participation fee: 10,000 won per person (If you present receipts for expenses of 50,000 won or more incurred within Hamyang County on the day of the event, the participation fee will be waived.)
- Events: Photo zone (FREE photoshoot & print), Wild ginseng you dug for the experience (individual packaging)
4) Sanmak Festival
Sanmak Festival showcases the excellence of Hamyang’s wild ginseng, offering a unique cultural experience that breaks down generational barriers. With the opportunity to taste both ginseng makgeolli (rice wine) and Hamyang’s specialty black pork dishes, this distinctive cultural content fosters the Hamyang Wild Ginseng Festival as a festival that brings people together, bridging the gap between generations.
- Date: Sep 8 (Fri)~Sep 9 (Sat), 7PM~9PM
- Venue: Gowoon Square Main Stage
- Entrance fee: 10,000 won (ginseng makgeolli & basic menu)
- Sep 8 (Fri) Line-up: Heo Sol, Bit Narae, Kim Do Hoon, Mr. Tae
- Sep 9 (Sat) Line-up: Fusion Gugak (Sejong Gugak), 7080 EDM Ddanddara Family. DJ Party
Nurture your well-being amidst the beauty of nature at the 18th Hamyang Wild Ginseng Festival 2023 which harmonizes health, tradition, and the spirit of ginseng! To find out the latest and trendiest things to do in Korea, check out Trazy.com, Korea’s #1 Travel Shop!
[Photo Credits]
- Hamyang Wild Ginseng Festival Official Website
- Hamyang Wild Ginseng Festival Official Blog
