A millennium-old city, Iksan has evolved into a contemporary industrial center and supports a diverse array of industries, including agriculture, fishing, construction and transportation. Additionally, the city remains a significant transportation hub. Every year, Iksan City hosts a variety of festivals, all deeply intertwined with the city’s local history and culture.
“Embrace the Dynamic Celebrations of Spring and Autumn
Spring – Glide on the gentle breeze amid blooming flowers into a world of vibrant greenery, brimming with excitement!
Autumn – Revel in festivals adorned with colourful autumn foliage and rich tradition!
Iksan World Heritage Baekje Historical Site ~ where Seodong folk tales and songs come alive
Awakening the ancient capital of Baekje, Iksan breathes life into the story of Seodong. Through the captivating Seodongyo, he won the heart of Princess Seonhwa. Starting his journey in Iksan, Seodong ultimately ascended to the throne as King Mu, the 30th King of Baekje, fervently pursuing the unification of the Three Kingdoms. Let’s step into the soul of Iksan and discover the enchanting love story of Seodong and Princess Sunhwa at the Seodong Festival.
Iksan Seodong Festival
Resonance of
Baekje's Romantic Tale
The Iksan Seodong Festival joyously commemorates the enduring love story of Seodong and Princess Seonhwa, a narrative that transcends the historical boundaries of Baekje and Silla. The festival also serves as a tribute to the enchanting Seodong songs, embodying a symbolic celebration that characterises Iksan. Initially known as the Mahan Folk Festival in 1969, the event underwent a renaming in 2004 to honour the remarkable 1400-year history of the Baekje Kingdom, celebrated for its global inclusivity and embrace.
Immerse yourself in the captivating narrative presented through five historical dramas in ‘The Legend of Seodongyo.’ Then, test your luck in discovering gold, drawing inspiration from Seodong’s quest, at the ‘Gold Digging in Geumma Ogeum Mountain,’ where triumphant explorers are rewarded with a Gold Bar weighing 1 don. Revel in the panoramic nocturnal scenery of the festival grounds with the ‘Hot Air Balloon Experience.’ Enjoy the beautiful nights in Iksan with various performances and cultural experiences.
Date: 3rd – 6th May 2024
Venue: Seodong Park, Geumma-myeon, Iksan-si, Jeollabuk-do
Website: seodong.iksan.go.kr
A Timeless Ballad of Love and Royalty
A Love Alchemy
Seodongyo, also known as Sedong’s ballad, has garnered widespread recognition, to the extent of being featured in educational textbooks. Originally composed by Seodong, a humble commoner, this heartfelt melody was dedicated to his beloved, Princess Seonhwa.
According to the Samguk Yusa (“Memorabilia of the Three Kingdoms”) from the Silla Kingdom, Seodong, a commoner from the Baekje Kingdom, crafted the song upon learning of the beauty of Princess Seonhwa, the daughter of King Jinpyeong of Silla. The ballad narrates a tale where Seonhwa supposedly visits Seodong’s chamber every night, and the song quickly circulates across the kingdom, extending far beyond, eventually reaching the palace in Silla.
Upon discovering the song, King Jinpyeong condemns the innocent princess to exile. Undaunted, Seodong embarks on a quest to find and marry Seonhwa, bringing her back to Baekje. Together, they ascend to the throne as the royal rulers of the kingdom.
Iksan, renowned as the Jewelry Hub, remains a central focus for jewelry manufacturing
Iksan Jewelry Festival
A Jewel Celebration
The Iksan Jewelry Festival stands as the sole extensive showcase of the latest in jewelry sales, taking place either in late April or late September at the globally renowned Iksan Jewelry Museum. Recognised for its world-class scale, the event attracts premier jewelry manufacturing companies from the nation and esteemed brand companies from abroad. Serving as an annual jewelry roadshow, it not only unveils the latest products but also provides visitors with the opportunity to make on-the-spot purchases.
Website: www.iksanjewelpalace.com
Iksan Jewellery Museum
Adorned Legacies, Timeless Elegance
Nestled within the expansive Iksan Wanggung Jewelry Theme Park, spanning an impressive 160,460 square meters, the Iksan Jewelry Museum was conceived as a tourism gem, serving as a symbolic and educational nexus for the world of jewelry. Since its inauguration in 2002, this exclusive museum in South Korea has curated a collection of over 119,000 rare jewels and fossils, guiding visitors through an in-dept exploration of artifacts from the Baekje Kingdom and celebrating the exquisite artistry of Korean jewelry.
Structured with a basement floor and two above-ground levels, the museum boasts a total gross floor area of 6,215 square meters. The basement houses archives and machinery rooms, while the first floor accommodates special exhibitions and a cafeteria. Ascend to the second floor to behold permanent displays of rare jewelry and gemstones. Notably, the ‘Jewel Palace,’ unveiled in 2010, brings together approximately 60 domestic and international brands, showcasing a diverse array of high-quality jewelry, gemstones and sophisticated accessories.
Moreover, the fossil hall on display features relics spanning various epochs and life-sized dinosaurs, beckoning visitors to immerse themselves in the captivating world of the dinosaur age. The museum’s extensive repository encompasses a diverse array of specimens and fossils, including pterosaurs and plesiosaurs, providing a fascinating glimpse into Korea’s ancient geological history.
Surrounding the Jewelry Museum, enriching amenities such as restaurants, jewelry squares, outdoor stages, seven fairy statues, and other sculptures enhance the overall experience. Adjacent to Dino Kids World, dinosaur-themed parks offer delightful resting areas within the museum’s vicinity, ensuring a memorable visit for all.
Website: https://www.jewelmuseum.go.kr
Ten Million Chrysanthemum Festival: Autumn's Floral Symphony
Iksan City’s Chrysanthemum plays versatile roles in the lives of its citizens, symbolising longevity and auspiciousness. Cherished for its pristine beauty, delightful fragrance, robust reproductive capabilities, and adaptability, it embodies the city’s limitless progress and entrepreneurial spirit, endearing itself to residents.
As the colours of autumn paint the town, the Ten Million Chrysanthemum Festival in Iksan comes to life, infusing the air with the delightful scent of chrysanthemums. Held annually from October to early November at Jung-ang Sports Park, this festival stands as one of South Korea’s largest autumn celebrations of Chrysanthemums.
Experience the enchanting transition from the evening sunset to a dazzling night illuminated by captivating lights. This event, showcasing the region’s largest chrysanthemum garden, features a stunning array of chrysanthemum exhibits, cultural performances, musical fountains and a feast of food and activities.
Date: October annually
Venue: Jung-ang Sports Park
Website: www.iksan.go.kr/gukhwa
Ten Million Chrysanthemum Festival
Autumn's Floral Symphony
Iksan City’s Chrysanthemum plays versatile roles in the lives of its citizens, symbolising longevity and auspiciousness. Cherished for its pristine beauty, delightful fragrance, robust reproductive capabilities, and adaptability, it embodies the city’s limitless progress and entrepreneurial spirit, endearing itself to residents.
As the colours of autumn paint the town, the Ten Million Chrysanthemum Festival in Iksan comes to life, infusing the air with the delightful scent of chrysanthemums. Held annually from October to early November at Jung-ang Sports Park, this festival stands as one of South Korea’s largest autumn celebrations of Chrysanthemums.
Experience the enchanting transition from the evening sunset to a dazzling night illuminated by captivating lights. This event, showcasing the region’s largest chrysanthemum garden, features a stunning array of chrysanthemum exhibits, cultural performances, musical fountains and a feast of food and activities.
Date: October annually
Venue: Jung-ang Sports Park
Website: www.iksan.go.kr/gukhwa
Embark on an exploration of cultural opulence, historical charm, and the scenic allure at Iksan’s Seodong, Jewelry and Chrysanthemum Festivals. Join us in rejoicing in the festive seasons!
