Ten Million Chrysanthemum Festival

A representative chrysanthemum festival in South Korea held every autumn in Iksan, Jeollabuk-do, where visitors can enjoy ten million chrysanthemums and various cultural events.

Ten Million Chrysanthemum Festival

Overview

The Ten Million Chrysanthemum Festival (Korean: 천만송이국화축제) is a representative chrysanthemum-themed festival in South Korea held every autumn in Iksan-si, Jeollabuk-do. Starting in 2009, it presents large-scale flower sculptures, exhibitions, performances, and hands-on programs using more than ten million chrysanthemums at the Iksan Ten Million Chrysanthemum Theme Park and surrounding areas. It has established itself as a cultural tourism festival that contributes to revitalizing the local economy and attracting tourists along with the autumn atmosphere.

Main Contents

History and Background

Iksan has long been an area active in chrysanthemum cultivation, and since the first festival in 2009, it has expanded in scale every year. In the early days, it was closer to an exhibition centered on local farms, but it gradually grew into a nationwide festival by creating a theme park and introducing large sculptures and nighttime landscape lighting. During the COVID-19 pandemic, it was operated on a reduced scale or canceled, but since 2022 it has normalized and is being held on a large scale again.

Main Programs

Chrysanthemum sculpture exhibition: Large topiaries made from ten million chrysanthemums, animal and figure sculptures, and flower-path walking trails are representative.
Chrysanthemum variety exhibition: An exhibition hall is operated where chrysanthemum varieties of various colors and forms can be seen in one place.
Cultural and artistic performances: Opening eve events, autumn concerts, local artist performances, fireworks, and more take place.
Hands-on programs: Experiences for family visitors, such as making chrysanthemum pots, tasting flower tea, and traditional craft experiences, are provided.
Night scenery: A nighttime chrysanthemum garden combining lighting and media art is popular.

Operation Information

The festival usually runs for about two to three weeks from mid-October to early November. The venue is Iksan Ten Million Chrysanthemum Theme Park (around Sin-dong, Iksan-si, Jeollabuk-do), and admission is paid, though some sections are open free of charge. Transportation access is possible by bus or taxi from Iksan Station, and shuttle buses operate during the festival. Parking space is available, but it may be crowded on weekends.

Local Economic and Social Effects

During the festival, tourists flock from across the country, creating positive economic effects for local lodging, food, and agricultural product sales. It also contributes to enhancing the image of Iksan-si and increasing income for chrysanthemum farms, and is evaluated as a cultural event that raises the pride of local residents. Recently, with the expansion of promotion through SNS, the number of young visitors is also increasing.

Latest Trends

The 2024 festival was held under the theme "Autumn, Dyed in Chrysanthemums," and a new photo zone combining digital media art and chrysanthemum sculptures was introduced. In 2025, eco-friendly festival operation considering carbon neutrality and the introduction of a smart reservation system are scheduled. In addition, as part of non-face-to-face content after COVID-19, online chrysanthemum exhibition halls and virtual experience services are being expanded, and night markets and food zones linked with local commercial districts are being strengthened. In line with the government's policy to foster cultural tourism festivals, multilingual guide services are also being expanded to attract foreign tourists.