On the 16th, Gwangyang City announced the successful hosting of the 23rd Gwangyang Plum Festival through a committee meeting held at the Gwangyang City Tourism Cooperation Center. Approximately 30 committee members and relevant government officials attended the meeting, discussing festival details such as the basic plan, festival period, entrance fees, and the festival name.
The 23rd Gwangyang Plum Festival is scheduled to take place for 10 days from March 8th to 17th. The festival aims to provide citizens and tourists with a unique and enhanced experience under the theme of 'Gwangyang Plum Blossom, Containing K-Culture.'
Distinguished as the first 'spring representative festival' in Korea, where four local governments collaborate, the festival seeks to evolve from merely appreciating the scenery to becoming a Korean cultural and tourism event featuring special experiences and culture.
Unlike charging a fee for the festival site, organizers plan to support the local economy by reimbursing the entire amount in the form of local gift certificates. The festival also aims for sustainability through innovative initiatives, including creating a 'car-free street' within the festival site.
Various exclusive programs are being prepared, such as a plum farm party, a stay-in program, a plum highball experience, and specific plum blossom viewing times.
Efforts will be continued to strengthen the voluntary participation and capabilities of local residents, positioning it as an eco-friendly ESG festival.
Despite a proposal to introduce 'Seomjin River' in the festival's name, the majority opinion favored retaining the existing well-recognized name 'Gwangyang Plum Festival.' Chairman Kim Jong-ho expressed determination to maximize local resident participation and economic effects.
Lim Chae-gi, Director of Tourism, Culture, and Environment, emphasized the opportunity for the Gwangyang Plum Festival to implement changes, expand core contents, increase local resident participation, introduce eco-friendly programs, and enhance the transportation system. The goal is to transform it into a cultural and tourism festival that captures national and international attention.
Gwangyang City has finalized the festival program and detailed implementation plan, focusing on creating a pleasant and safe festival environment and ensuring readiness for tourism.
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