POCHEON — The Pocheon Hantangang Garden Festa, held by the city of Pocheon in Gyeonggi Province across the Hantangang River ecological landscape complex, has drawn a surge of visitors since its opening and is establishing itself as a signature autumn festival.
A total of 17,171 people visited the Garden Festa during its opening weekend on the 12th and 13th of this month, the city said on the 24th. That is 1.5 times the figure from the same period a year earlier, while admission revenue jumped 86.3% to 97.96 million won. The city said it will focus on attracting visitors during the upcoming Chuseok holiday to build on the strong turnout.
The festival, which runs through Nov. 1, features seasonal flower gardens planted with purple verbena, gaura, silver grass and chrysanthemums, along with an exotic tropical garden thick with banana and papaya trees. It also offers walking trails set against the columnar basalt cliffs of the Hantangang River, including the Y-shaped Hantangang suspension bridge, one of the longest of its kind in the country, a metasequoia path and a barefoot red-clay healing garden.
Hands-on programs and performances have been expanded for the Chuseok holiday. Weekend busking and balloon shows will be staged, along with craft programs such as worry stone and key ring making, animal interaction sessions and special horseback riding experiences. A dedicated playground and walking trail for pet owners have also been set up, though dogs are admitted only in carriers or pet bags for safety reasons.
The city also expects synergy with its nighttime attractions. Terra Fantasia, the country's largest night-walk media art park, has become a signature nighttime draw along the Hantangang River and was named one of Gyeonggi Province's best night-view destinations by the Gyeonggi Tourism Organization.
Visitors can enjoy flowers and gardens at the Hantangang Garden Festa during the day, then take in light displays and media art at Terra Fantasia after sunset. During the Chuseok holiday, Terra Fantasia will extend its hours from 11 p.m. to midnight and host special busking performances. The city plans to offer cross-discount packages between the two attractions to keep visitors on site longer.
Benefits for local merchants are also on offer. Adults who buy the 7,000-won admission ticket receive an immediate 4,000-won refund in Pocheon Love gift certificates, while children and teenagers paying 5,000 won receive 3,000 won. The certificates can be used at the river market inside the festival grounds or at shops in the city.
Pocheon Mayor Baek Young-hyun said the festival was designed as a stay-and-explore event that combines the Hantangang River's natural scenery with food and hands-on activities rather than flower viewing alone. He said he hopes visitors will make unforgettable autumn memories in Pocheon with their families, partners and pets over the Chuseok holiday.
