Festivals Calendar - May 2019

SEOUL, May 2 (Yonhap) -- The following are the major cultural and tourist festivals to be held in South Korea in May.

* Hampyeong Butterfly Festival

When: April 26-May 6

Where: Hampyeong Expo Park

Hampyeong, South Jeolla Province, becomes a "land of butterflies and flowers" each spring. During the festival, the 21st of its kind, about 120,000 butterflies are released over flower gardens spread across an area of 1 million square meters. The program includes releasing butterflies, butterfly-themed crafts and mask making, a bug race, a beetle wrestling competition, and various performances and exhibitions for visitors. Eco-friendly farm produce will also be sold. For further information, go to http://www.hampyeong.go.kr/butterfly/ or call 061-322-0011.

* Damyang Bamboo Festival

When: May 1-6

Where: Damyang-gun, South Jeolla Province

Bamboo has long been a major source of craft items in Korea. Damyang, South Jeolla Province, is famous for its abundant bamboo forests. The program includes crafting various bamboo items, making traditional liquor in bamboo containers, martial arts competitions using bamboo swords and bamboo raft rides, as well as various music and dance performances using instruments made of bamboo. For more information, go to www.bamboofestival.co.kr or call 061-380-3150.

* Boseong Green Tea Festival

When: May 2-6

Where: Boseong, South Jeolla Province

Boseong is considered the birthplace of the commercial tea industry and is the largest producer of tea in the country. Tourists will have the chance to enjoy various experiences, such as picking green tea leaves at a plantation of the largest producer of green tea in South Korea and tasting various teas from around the world in the picturesque setting of Mount Illim covered in royal azalea blossoms. For further information, call 061-850-5211 or go to dahyang.boseong.go.kr.

* Jeonju Hanji Culture Festival

When: May 4-6

Where: Korea Traditional Culture Center, Hanji Industry Support Center and Jeonju Crafts Exhibition Hall

"Hanji" is traditional Korean paper made by hand from the bark of the mulberry plant. Before modern times, hanji was the only paper used in Korea. Today, it is used for handicrafts and costumes. This year's hanji festival, the 23rd of its kind, will include a national hanji craft contest, a hanji fashion show, an exhibition of hanji products and hanji-making events. Jeonju, North Jeolla Province, is an ancient city famous for its rich cultural legacy. For more information, go to www.jhanji.or.kr or call 063-271-2503.

* Gokseong International Rose Festival

When: May 17-26

Where: Gokseong, South Jeolla Province

Gokseong, famous for its train village, annually holds the festival at the Rose Park located within the train village. Different kinds of rose from all around the world will entertain visitors. Attendees can also take a ride on a rail bike or by participating in various hands-on activities. For further information, go to http://www.gokseong.go.kr/tour, call 061-363-8379.

* Hadong Wild Tea Cultural Festival

When: May 10-13

Where: Hadong, South Gyeongsang Province

Hadong, famous for being the first tea plantation site about 1,200 years ago, will hold a wild green tea festival in Hwagae Valley and the vicinity of Ssanggye Temple. Various events during the four-day festival will include picking tea leaves, making tea and experiencing a tea massage. Visitors can also sample a variety of Hadong's tea for free and purchase their favorites at bargain prices. For more information, call 055-880-2052 or go to festival.hadong.go.kr.
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