Masan Gagopa Chrysanthemum Festival

The Masan Gagopa Chrysanthemum Festival is Changwon's representative autumn festival, held since 2000 to promote the excellence of Masan chrysanthemums and boost their consumption. Masan is the region where Korea's first commercial chrysanthemum cultivation began in 1961, and where the country first exported chrysanthemums to Japan in 1972. Visitors can experience the history of Masan's chrysanthemum industry, which has grown based on its mild climate and cultivation techniques, as well as encounter various chrysanthemum artworks at the festival. Centered around chrysanthemum exhibitions, the festival features a variety of events including a multimedia fireworks show, a maritime fireworks display, and the Gukhyang Song Festival. Indie Music Festa, cultural performances by local artists, a chrysanthemum bonsai exhibition, chrysanthemum dance cheerleading, and hands-on experience programs are also prepared, allowing visitors to enjoy chrysanthemum artworks, performances, and food together against the backdrop of the sea.

This is Changwon's signature autumn festival, running since 2000 to celebrate Masan's chrysanthemum industry, the region where Korea's first commercial chrysanthemum cultivation began in 1961 and where exports to Japan first began in 1972. Beyond chrysanthemum displays and artworks, the festival adds maritime and multimedia fireworks, the Gukhyang Song Festival, Indie Music Festa, and local performances set against the sea, and admission is free.

Take a KTX or regular train from Seoul to Masan Station via the Gyeongjeon Line (roughly 3 to 4 hours, depending on transfers), or a direct express bus from a Seoul terminal, which takes about 4 hours. From Masan Station, the festival grounds at Haeyang Nuri Park and Happo Waterside Park in Masanhappo-gu are a short local bus or taxi ride away.