Wonju Yongsugol Red Poppy Festival

The Wonju Yongsugol Red Poppy Festival, held in the Yongsugol area of Wonju, Gangwon-do, is a representative local festival that originated from the residents' love for flowers. It began in 2005 when a resident who moved to the countryside planted red poppies on a field of about 300 pyeong, attracting more visitors than expected and gaining community attention. Since 2007, the village corporation and residents have systematically participated, establishing it as a representative festival of the region. Notably, it is the only festival in the country hosted by residents at the 'Ri' (village) level, carrying significant symbolic meaning. Celebrating its 19th anniversary in 2026, the festival features red poppies and 43 other varieties of flowers blooming across a 13,000-pyeong site, offering visitors beautiful natural scenery. Furthermore, it has enhanced the region's status as a 'Red Poppy Star Village,' included in the 'Top 20 Star Villages' selected by the public and recognized by experts among 1,200 villages. This festival is an important event that promotes not only the beauty of red poppies but also the values and culture of the local community.