South Jeolla Province in South Korea aims to promote its regional festivals globally by partnering with popular festivals from Thailand and Vietnam. The province plans to invite officials from Thailand's Songkran Water Festival and Vietnam's Dalat Flower Festival to participate in two major festivals in South Jeolla. Through these collaborations, South Jeolla hopes to attract more international tourists and establish itself as a global tourist destination.
South Jeolla Province Collaborates with Thailand and Vietnam to Boost Global Recognition of Regional Festivals
( Credit to: Koreajoongangdaily )
South Jeolla Province in South Korea is taking its regional festivals to a global stage through collaboration with popular festivals from Thailand and Vietnam. With the aim of boosting tourism, the province has announced a three-year plan to invite officials from Thailand's Songkran Water Festival and Vietnam's Dalat Flower Festival to participate in two major festivals in South Jeolla.
( Credit to: Koreajoongangdaily )
The Jangheung County Water Festival, one of South Jeolla's major festivals, drew around 660,000 tourists last year. Scheduled for July 27 to August 4 this year, the festival features a large-scale water parade and water gun battles using water from the Tamjin River and Jangheung Dam. It has become a significant tourist attraction, generating approximately 60.5 billion won ($45.9 million) in economic impact in 2022.
Another festival that South Jeolla aims to promote globally is the Hampyeong County Grand Chrysanthemum Festival. This annual flower festival showcases around 450 works made with real flowers, primarily chrysanthemums. Held at Hampyeong Expo Park, the festival is scheduled to begin in late October this year.
Highlighting Gastronomic Culture through the Namdo Food Festival
( Credit to: Koreajoongangdaily )
In addition to these festivals, South Jeolla plans to highlight its gastronomic culture through the Namdo Food Festival, which recently added "international" to its name. With its 30th year approaching, the festival will be held in Mokpo in the fall. It will focus on promoting locally made alcoholic beverages such as makgeolli (Korean traditional rice wine) and beer, offering visitors a taste of the region's unique culinary delights.
Offering Unique Cultural Experiences with Temple Stays and Food Experiences
To attract more overnight tourists, South Jeolla will offer temple stays and food experiences, providing visitors with unique cultural experiences. Temple stays allow tourists to immerse themselves in the serene atmosphere of Buddhist temples, participating in meditation sessions and experiencing monastic life. Food experiences, on the other hand, offer the opportunity to learn about traditional Korean cuisine and even participate in cooking classes.
Exploring the Natural Beauty and Outdoor Activities in South Jeolla
South Jeolla is not just about festivals and gastronomy; it also boasts stunning natural beauty and offers a range of outdoor activities. The province plans to collaborate with around 20 natural recreational locations, including beaches, trails, and forests, to organize events for tourists seeking relaxation and adventure. Whether it's lounging on the sandy beaches, hiking through picturesque trails, or exploring the lush forests, South Jeolla has something to offer for every nature enthusiast.
Promoting South Jeolla through Online Platforms and Travel Agencies
To further promote its festivals and attractions, South Jeolla plans to host a Global Travel YouTuber and Tiktoker Festival. This event aims to attract popular travel content creators to showcase the charms of South Jeolla to a wider audience. Additionally, the province will partner with its tourism platform and various online travel agencies to reach more potential visitors and provide them with comprehensive information and booking options.
Conclusion
Through collaborations with Thailand's Songkran Water Festival and Vietnam's Dalat Flower Festival, South Jeolla Province aims to boost the global recognition of its regional festivals. By showcasing its cultural experiences, gastronomic delights, and natural beauty, South Jeolla hopes to attract more international tourists and establish itself as a must-visit global tourist destination. With its diverse festivals and unique offerings, South Jeolla promises an unforgettable experience for visitors from around the world.