*This content was translated by AI.
"- Waves of English lavender spread across 20,000 pyeong of land
"- Free admission for elementary school students... Product and accommodation events prepared
Cheongnongwon in Gochang, Jeollabuk-do, is set to become a nationwide hotspot with vibrant purple waves swaying from May to June. This is because the '6th Gochang Cheongnongwon Lavender Festival' will be held at Cheongnongwon starting on the 22nd for about a month. Now in its sixth year, the festival has grown significantly, attracting over 100,000 visitors last year, and has matured into a more refined flower festival. As a result, it is emerging as a representative healing destination in Gochang during this season.
Located in Gong-eum-myeon, Gochang-gun, Jeollabuk-do, Cheongnongwon features English lavender as its main attraction. A representative of Cheongnongwon explained, "English lavender is an herb known for its excellent stress-relieving and calming effects; simply strolling through the garden offers visitors a journey that heals their weary bodies and minds from daily life." They added, "Additionally, Cheongnongwon has also planted French lavender and various spring flowers, allowing visitors to enjoy a harmony of colors and scents."
The peak blooming period for this year's lavender is expected to be from early to mid-June. It is a sight to behold, intoxicated by the fragrant scent of lavender carried by the wind blowing from the West Sea. To enhance visitor convenience, operating hours (9 a.m. to 6 p.m.) will be flexibly managed. In particular, on Saturdays during the full bloom period (June 6 and 13), operating hours will be extended to allow visitors to enjoy lavender amidst a dreamy morning fog and the deepening evening glow.
The seasonal admission fee is 5,000 won. Unusually for domestic tourist sites, elementary school students are admitted free of charge.
Furthermore, there are abundant benefits and activities for family visitors. During the festival, ticket and photo events will be held for visitors, with winners receiving products handmade from English lavender.
In particular, this year introduces a 'Lavender Cutting Experience' where visitors can harvest lavender themselves. Visitors can preserve their own unique fragrance using the lavender they cut themselves. Additionally, targeting the upcoming summer hydrangea season, a Hanok accommodation event at 'Sulamje' is also prepared, allowing guests to enjoy a night in a tranquil Hanok alongside a magnificent hydrangea garden. Sulamje is a five-and-a-half-room double-structure building that can accommodate up to 10 people. It retains five bedrooms, three storage areas and a large central hall, two attics, and a traditional fireplace in their original form, while a former pantry space has been converted into a bathtub and bathroom. The traditional tiled-roof structure has been enhanced with modern conveniences. Additionally, at 'Cafe Cheong ()', visitors can enjoy a relaxing atmosphere where the aroma of carefully selected coffee beans blends with products made from lavender grown on-site.
While Cheongnongwon currently provides a space for rest and healing, learning about its history can evoke a sense of solemnity toward nature and deepen the healing experience.
Nam-gye Bae Hwan-jeong, a descendant of the Dalseong Bae family who established a residence here long ago, was among the first to lead the Donghak Peasant Revolution in 1894 alongside Jeon Bong-jun and Son Hwa-joong, leaders of the agricultural peasant movement. He was later elected as a commander and participated in several battles, including the Battle of Ugeumchi, but was eventually arrested and endured immense suffering. The bamboo forests remaining around Cheongnongwon are also historical traces, as they were used as weapons by the Donghak Peasant Army.
Bae Jong-hyeok, the grandson of Bae Hwan-jeong, built a memorial pavilion in 1943 using pine trees from the Jangseong area of South Jeolla Province and local materials to honor his grandfather.
Bae Tae-hoo, the grandson of Bae Jong-hyeok and current representative of Cheongnongwon, stated, "Cheongnongwon is striving to contribute to the revitalization of the local economy as a sixth-industry space that grows with the region and as a privately certified garden recognized by Jeollabuk-do." He added, "We hope visitors will experience deep healing, abundant events, and hands-on activities, prepared with great care."
Meanwhile, this year's lavender season is scheduled to run from May 22 to June 28, though the schedule may be adjusted slightly depending on blooming conditions. Detailed event information and experience reservations can be confirmed through the official SNS of Gochang Cheongnongwon.
Near Cheongnongwon, there is the green barley field of 'Borinara Academy Farm' and Byeongbawi, a 35-meter-high rock formation shaped like an inverted bottle. Recommended nearby tourist attractions include the beautiful Seonun Mountain, Seonunsa Temple, Gochang Eupseong Fortress, Gochang Dolmen Site, Gusipo Beach, Ungok Ramsar Wetland, and Sangha Farm. If you fill your stomach with raspberries, wind-eel, and Gochang Hanwoo beef, it promises to be an even more generous journey.
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*This content was translated by AI.
