Royal Azalea Festival
- CNN’s PICK Rank 03. Darangee Village
- CNN’s PICK Rank 05. Kyeonghwa station
- CNN’s PICK Rank 06. Upo Wetland
- CNN’s PICK Rank 13. Haein Temple
- CNN’s PICK Rank 14. Chungwang Peak
- CNN’s PICK Rank 17. Cherry blossom road
- CNN’s PICK Rank 29. Terraced fields
- CNN’s PICK Rank 34. Royal Azalea Festival
- CNN’s PICK Rank 49. Chokseongnu Pavilion
CNN’s PICK Rank 34.
Royal Azalea FestivalHwangmaesan Mountain was once called Hanmoesan, meaning “a wide mountain,” and is the last peak of the Taebaeksan Range. Muhakdaesa, a great monk who died protecting the Goryeo Dynasty, practiced asceticism here. Mysterious-looking cliffs stretching in an east-west direction are centered round Hwangmaebong Peak. Hwangmae Mountain is so beautiful that it is generally referred to as “Small Geumgangsan.”
- “Hwang” means prosperity and “Mae” means preciousness or dignity, so put together “Hwangmae” means abundance. In the past, if anyone prayed here with ultimate sincerity and devotion, people believed that their wishes would come true. Many people have come to this mountain since ancient times to pray.
- The appearance of Hwangmaesan changes each season. Azaleas and royal azaleas paint the mountain pink in spring, while the water flowing in the valleys creates an abundant scenic view in summer. Silver grass produces white blossoms in autumn, creating a dazzling scenic view as if lit by a multitude of candles; and beautiful snowy scenery is typical in winter. The Hwangmaesan Azalea Festival is held every May to wish for prosperity and abundance for the town’s inhabitants and to promote the excellence of azaleas nationwide. Various events are staged including a hiking contest, a singing contest, and a nature-cleaning movement.
In front of the azalea colony in Hwangmaesan
is a movie theme park where the movie The Legend of Gingko was filmed. Many tourists visit the mountain to enjoy hiking and the many other things to see and do there. During the festival, visitors can enjoy delicious local foods such as steamed pork, soup, and banjeonju (rice wine), as well as local specialty crops.
