Overview
The Hwangmaesan Royal Azalea Festival is a representative spring local festival held at Hwangmaesan County Park in Gahoe-myeon, Hapcheon-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do. The 30th Hwangmaesan Royal Azalea Festival, taking place in 2026, will be held for 10 days from May 1st to May 10th. The royal azalea colony at Hwangmaesan County Park, where the festival is held, is the largest of its kind in the country, boasting an area of approximately 30 hectares (ha). The royal azaleas native to this area are 'Sancheoljjuk' (mountain royal azaleas), a representative native species of the Korean Peninsula that is distinct from common azaleas or rhododendrons. During the festival, various experience programs such as sharing cart tours, docent tours, busking performances, and wooden games are operated near the tourist rest area between the royal azaleas and silver grass fields. In addition, cultural performances and local specialty markets are held, providing visitors with a wealth of entertainment. The Hwangmaesan Royal Azalea Festival has established itself as a spring tourist destination where natural scenery and cultural experiences harmonize.
