[Travel Bits] Festivals, sights around Korea

Donggang International Photo Fest

The annual DongGang International Photo Festival features events such as the DongGang Photography Award Exhibition, International Open Call, Photojournalists Exhibition and Gangwon Province Photographers Exhibition.

Visitors can enjoy 10 exhibitions and workshops during the festival, which runs till Sept. 21.

Admission is 3,000 won for adults, 1,500 won for teenagers and 1,000 won for children. The event is open to visitors of all ages.

For more information, call the travel hotline at 1330 for information in Korean, English, Japanese or Chinese. The website (www.dgphotofestival.com) is only available in Korean.

Gwangju Tomato Festival

The Gwangju Toechon Tomato Festival takes place in Toechon, Gyeonggi Province, which has been growing tomatoes since the 1970s. The festival is held to promote and sell organic tomatoes grown from areas near Paldang Lake. During the festival, visitors can enjoy activities such as a tomato pool, tomato fight, treasure hunt, tomato cooking contest, writing contest and other programs.

It will be held from June 22-24. The festival has no admission charges and is open to visitors of all ages, although there are separate charges for hands-on activities.

Visit the homepage at www.gjcity.go.kr for more information in Korean, English, Japanese and Chinese.

Hansan Ramie Fabric Festival

The Hansan Ramie Fabric Cultural Festival is an experiential venue to learn about the historical value of UNESCO-recognized Hansan ramie fabric (mosi), a traditional Korean natural fiber.

Visitors can gain a better understanding of the traditional culture of creating Hansan ramie fabric that has continued for 1,500 years in Seocheon-gun.

The event is open to visitors of all ages, free of charge.

For more information, call the travel hotline at 1330 for information in Korean, English, Japanese or Chinese. The website (www.hansanmosi.kr) is only available in Korean.

Welcome to Joseon

The cultural theme park of the Korean Folk Village is hosting the “Welcome to Joseon” Variety Festival.

Programs include parades and performances as well as hands-on activities and in-character staff members wandering freely throughout the park to interact with visitors. Travel in time back to the Joseon era with the characters putting on an interesting comedy act.

The event is open to visitors of all ages, and the durations of the performances vary. It is held from 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., until June 24.

Visit www.koreanfolk.co.kr for more information in Korean, English, Japanese and Chinese.

Herb Island Lighting & Illumination Festival

Herb Island in Pocheon, Gyeonggi Province, is hosting the annual Lighting & Illumination Festival until Oct. 31.

The festival uses lighting to create a romantic atmosphere. It features a pink wish tunnel, sparkling buildings, Santa Village, photo zone and other places for visitors to enjoy.

Admission ranges from 4,000 won to 6,000 won, and is open to visitors of all ages.

For more information in Korean English or Chinese, visit www.herbisland.co.kr.