Changwon City is taking bold steps to restructure the Masan Gagopa Chrysanthemum Festival, one of Korea’s leading autumn flower events, shifting from traditional flower viewing to a more immersive, age-inclusive festival experience.
Now in its 25th year, the festival is scheduled to run for nine days starting in early November, with a tentative opening date of November 1.
The city and the Masan Chrysanthemum Festival Committee will finalize details by the end of July.
The shift from the usual October schedule comes after recent years saw delayed blooming due to extreme weather, earning the event criticism as a “flowerless flower festival.”
This year’s festival will divide venues by theme and age group:
Venue 1: 3·15 Marine Park will become a “Retro Zone” featuring traditional chrysanthemum displays, live performances, and activities aimed at older visitors.
Venue 2: Happo Waterfront Park will host a “Newtro Zone”, with dynamic, interactive programs for youth and families, including food vendors, creator pop-ups, and hands-on content developed with local merchants and influencers.
Festival staples such as the fireworks show, drone light show, and the popular Dream Parade will return, alongside expanded programs like the Dance Cheerleading Festival and Indie Music Festa.
New features include outdoor movie screenings, adding nighttime charm to the city’s waterfront.
