Gumi City, located in North Gyeongsang Province, is offering a vibrant and culturally rich experience during this year’s Chuseok holiday season. The city has transformed the Nakdong River Sports Park into an autumn garden spanning 16,600 square meters (approximately 5,000 pyeong), where aster chrysanthemums and pink muhly grass are in full bloom. This stunning display of nature provides visitors with a picturesque setting to enjoy the beauty of autumn.
The aster chrysanthemum, named after the Greek word “astron” meaning star, is a flower that reaches its peak in October. Its leaves resemble a star shape, making it a unique and eye-catching addition to the landscape. The pink muhly grass, which harmonizes beautifully with the autumn sunlight and evening glows, has become a popular photo spot on social media platforms like Instagram.
During the Chuseok holiday, Gumi City will continue to operate bicycle rental facilities within the park, allowing tourists to explore the autumn scenery, including the flower fields, by cycling along the Nakdong River. The city has also announced plans for next spring to create a separate rapeseed flower field covering approximately 5,000 pyeong, transforming the Nakdong River Sports Park into a space where flowers bloom throughout all four seasons.
Traditional Performing Arts Festival and Art Event
From the 6th for two days, the “Gumi Chuseok Traditional Performing Arts Festival” will take place at the Geumosan Fountain Plaza. This annual event, held since 2010, showcases traditional Korean music performances and experiential programs, making it a highlight of the Chuseok celebrations in Gumi.
On the first day of the festival, visitors can enjoy a samulnori performance by the Kim Deok-su Samulnori Troupe and a performance by Oh Jung-hae, a traditional Korean musician and lead actor of the film Sopyonje. On the 7th, various performances by the Min Jin-ki Traditional Music Art Troupe, Uri Sori Traditional Music Institute, Gumi Cultural Center Wind and Percussion Ensemble, and Han Dulema Performance Art Troupe will follow. Additionally, interactive programs such as traditional tea tasting, hanji craft, natural dyeing, and musical instrument experiences will be available for visitors to participate in.
From the 10th to the 12th, the final days of the holiday, the Geumosan Art Festival will take place at the Geumosan Fountain Plaza. This event combines performances, exhibitions, and experiences, featuring fire shows, a citizen orchestra, puppet theater, and a national pop song contest. Admission to the performances is free, making it accessible to all visitors.
Refunds for Purchases at Traditional Markets… Park Golf Courses Also Free
In addition to cultural events, Gumi City is promoting a refund event for the local currency, Onnuri Gift Certificates, until November 9th, including the Chuseok holiday. This initiative aims to revitalize the local economy by encouraging spending in traditional markets.
Tourists who purchase a certain amount or more at designated stores in the Gumi Saemaul Central Market, as well as the Munhwa-ro and Jungang-ro Dongmun Shopping District, can receive 20% of their purchase amount back as Onnuri Gift Certificates by visiting designated refund centers with their receipts and identification. For purchases between 50,000 Korean won and less than 100,000 Korean won in a day, the refund amount is 10,000 Korean won. For purchases of 100,000 Korean won or more, 20,000 Korean won will be refunded.
The maximum daily refund amount is 20,000 Korean won, and individuals can receive up to 140,000 Korean won in refunds during the event period. During the holiday period, if a team of four purchases accommodations, food, or tourism products worth 50,000 Korean won or more in Gumi, they can use the park golf courses in Seonsan, Dogae, Haepyeong, and Oksung areas of Gumi without a separate reservation.
Gumi Mayor Kim Jang-ho expressed his hope that everyone visiting Gumi during this year’s Chuseok holiday would enjoy a romantic and generous time.
