The Cheongsong Apple Festival, the signature annual event of Cheongsong-gun in North Gyeongsang Province, marks its 20th edition this year with an expanded lineup of attractions and activities for visitors.
The 20th Cheongsong Apple Festival opens Wednesday and runs through Sunday at Yongjeoncheon Stream in Wolmak-ri, Cheongsong-eup — near Hyeonbiam — for five days, according to Cheongsong-gun.
Held under the theme "Right Now, Cheongsong! Painted in Apples," the festival aims to showcase the quality of Cheongsong apples, widely regarded as among South Korea's finest, and to offer visitors memorable experiences through hands-on programs and cultural events.
The festival opens with the 29th Cheongsong Cultural Festival, organized by the Cheongsong Cultural Center, featuring a Cheongsong Dohobu magistrate parade, a ritual ceremony and an opening ceremony. Celebratory performances by singers Kim Yong-bin, Jin Hae-seong and Cheon Rok-dam will follow, capped by a fireworks display.
Throughout the festival, visitors of all ages can take part in interactive programs including a golden apple hunt, apple nanta drumming, an apple-sorting lottery and an apple olympics.
The Cheongsong Apple Promotion Hall will introduce various apple varieties and past apple-king award winners, and will feature dishes and desserts made with apples.
The festival's closing day on Sunday will feature an air show by the Black Eagles, the South Korean Air Force's aerobatic demonstration team.
Alongside these events, a Cheongsong Apple Parade and the National Cheongsong Apple Flower-Garland Weaving Competition will also be held.
"We hope people from across the country will visit the festival grounds this deep autumn to enjoy delicious Cheongsong apples and a wealth of things to see and do, and take home cherished memories," Cheongsong-gun Mayor Yun Gyeong-hui said.
kbj7653@heraldcorp.com
