The 15th Busan Hydrangea Cultural Festival, organized by the Busan Facilities Corporation, will take place over nine days from July 5 at Taejongsa Temple in Yeongdo.
Recognized as a signature event marking the start of summer in Busan, the festival offers a wide range of performances and hands-on programs under four themes: performance, sharing, experience, and memory.
Opening day festivities on July 5 will include a brass quintet performance by the Busan City Arts Group at 2 p.m., followed by a variety of acts such as fusion gugak, acoustic guitar, performance art, and trot music.
On weekends from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., visitors can explore a sentimental shopping market featuring local small business vendors, photo printing booths, and other interactive experiences.
Family-friendly events include a treasure stamp tour and DIY art market crafts.
A special horseback riding experience provided by the Korea Racing Authority will be offered on July 5 and 6.
A dedicated photo zone surrounded by hydrangea fields and themed photo panels will allow visitors to capture memorable moments.
About 5,000 hydrangea shrubs in 30 varieties from around the world are nestled amongst the temple grounds.
For those in search of unusual sights, check out Buddha’s sari (small crystals sometimes found among cremated remains of monks and regarded as sacred relics), the Bodhi tree (a gift from the State Secretary of Sri Lanka) and olive trees donated by the Director of the Greek National Museum at the temple.
How to get there: Get off at Busan Station and go out exit 7. Walk straight about 150 meters to find a bus stop. Take bus No. 88 or 101 and get off at the Taejongdae bus stop. Walk toward the Taejongdae entrance and take the Danubi Train to Taejongsa, or walk toward Taejongsa Temple for 15 minutes.
