As the representative festival of South Jeolla Province, the Maehwa Festival attracts more than a million visitors during the month-long festival period. This year, the International Maesil Symposium will introduce the medicinal and nutritional benefits of maesil. Maesil is the fruit of the maehwa tree, originally from China. It made its way to Korea about 1500 years ago, and since then Koreans eat it or use it for medical purposes. The trees grow only in Northeast Asia and in the warm southern regions of Korea. This warm-climate fruit proved its remedial effects in Japan and is loved as a sweet- flavored health food. Korea has developed an alcoholic drink and a beverage laced with maesil.
Event Period : March 17-25, 2012
Venue : Seomjin Village, Gwangyang-si
Transportation : Suncheon Station (KTX) or, Gwangyang Bus Terminal (intercity bus)