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Gimje Horizon Festival
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Agriculture
The Gimje Horizon Festival is a prominent annual cultural event held in Jeollabuk-do Province, specifically designed to celebrate South Korea's agricultural heritage and rice farming culture. The festival is centered around the Byeokgolje reservoir, which is the oldest known irrigation system in Korea, dating back to 330 AD during the Baekje Kingdom. Gimje is unique in South Korea for its vast plains, being the only location on the Korean Peninsula where the horizon can be seen directly over the rice fields. Visitors can participate in various traditional activities, including kite flying, harvesting rituals, and making local rice-based dishes. The festival has been designated as a national top-tier festival for several consecutive years by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. It serves as an important platform for preserving ancient traditions while attracting millions of tourists to the rural heartland of the country.
- Location: South Korea
- Top sights: Kaemkojeonbukdaerijeom Exhibition Hall · Gimje Art Hall · Dongjinsuri Museum
- Nearby: Buan (18 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -1 | 1 | 5 | 11 | 17 | 22 | 25 | 26 | 21 | 15 | 8 | 1 |
| Rain mm | 27 | 39 | 50 | 85 | 85 | 136 | 317 | 261 | 134 | 56 | 45 | 32 |
📋 Practical info
What is this place?
The Gimje Horizon Festival is an annual event in South Korea's largest rice-growing region. It celebrates the country's agricultural heritage and attracts visitors with cultural performances and field activities.
Visiting
The festival grounds are open to the public during the event days. Outside the festival, the agricultural landscape can be explored from the surrounding roads.
Where to view it
From the observation tower in Byeongsan or Geumsan park, there is a wide view over the rice fields. The elevated main roads also offer panoramas of the green rice terraces.
Local products
Rice is the main product of the region, often in processed forms like rice cakes or rice wine. During the festival, local specialties such as kimchi and fresh produce are sold.
Active season
The festival is held in autumn, during the rice harvest in September and October. The rice fields are then golden yellow and provide a spectacular backdrop.
Nearby
Combine the visit with the city of Gimje, which has a traditional market and the Geumsansa temple. The nearby Byeonsan Bando National Park is also worth a trip.
Geography
Facts
- The Byeokgolje reservoir was built in 330 AD.
- Gimje is the only place in Korea where the horizon is visible over fields.
- The festival attracts more than 1 million visitors annually.
- It has been designated a National Representative Festival of Korea.
- The event features a massive kite-flying competition.
- Byeokgolje is considered the birthplace of Korean irrigation.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
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Sights in the town Gimje Horizon Festival (7)
Byeokgolje Museum of Agriculture and Culture🏛 museum
A museum showcasing ancient Korean farming techniques and local rice culture traditions.
🌐 gimje.go.kr🕒 Tu-Su 09:00-18:00
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Why is it called the 'Horizon Festival'?
In Gimje, heaven and earth meet at the vast horizon of the rice fields, which is a unique sight in Korea.
When does the festival take place?
The festival is celebrated annually during the autumn harvest season (usually September or October).
What activities are offered?
Visitors can harvest rice, fly kites, and experience traditional Korean agricultural customs firsthand.
Is the festival easy for tourists to reach?
During the festival period, special shuttle buses often run from Gimje train stations to the festival grounds.
Are there entrance fees for the festival grounds?
Access to the general festival grounds is often free, but a small fee is charged for some hands-on activities.
Gimje Horizon Festival: where is it located?
Gimje Horizon Festival is located in South Korea.
Gimje Horizon Festival: what is there to see?
Highlights include Kaemkojeonbukdaerijeom Exhibition Hall, Gimje Art Hall, Dongjinsuri Museum.
Gimje Horizon Festival: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.
Gimje Horizon Festival: why is it worth visiting?
The Gimje Horizon Festival is a prominent annual cultural event held in Jeollabuk-do Province, specifically designed to celebrate South Korea's agricultural heritage and rice farming culture.
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