🍁 A Journey Through Autumn Serenity: 3 Days at Hwaeom Cultural Festival in Jirisan

🍁 A Journey Through Autumn Serenity 3 Days at Hwaeom Cultural Festival in Jirisan If you’re looking for a fall trip that’s full of color, peace, and culture, I’ve got the perfect place for you — Hwaeomsa Temple (화엄사) in Jirisan National Park! Nestled deep in the golden autumn forest, this thousand-year-old temple became the stage for a three-day celebration called the 21st Hwaeom Cultural Festival (화엄문화제). From October 10 to 12, the temple turned into a lively cultural space where ancient tradition met modern creativity. ✨ The festival’s theme this year was “When the Wind Touches the Water” — doesn’t that already sound poetic? 🍂 The entire event felt like stepping into a scene from a Korean painting: colorful leaves falling gently, the sound of monks chanting, and the cool mountain breeze wrapping around you like a soft blanket. https://n.news.naver.com/mnews/article/047/0002490969 🏮 The Grand “Gwaebuljae” Ceremony: Where Tradition Comes Alive One of the most sacred and fascinating moments of the festival was the Gwaebuljae (괘불재) — a Buddhist ceremony where monks unveil a massive painting of Buddha, known as the Hwaeomsa Yeongsanhoe Gwaebultang, a National Treasure of Korea. This ritual happens only a few times a year, so watching it felt incredibly special. As the giant scroll was carefully unfurled, visitors became silent, joining their palms in prayer. The atmosphere was both majestic and deeply moving — like time itself had slowed down. 🕊️ https://n.news.naver.com/mnews/article/047/0002490969 🎶 A Night of Music Under the Mountain Stars When the sun went down, the temple transformed once again — this time into a concert hall under the stars. 🌙 The Hwaeom Music Festival (화엄음악제) was one of the festival’s highlights, filling the peaceful mountain night with beautiful sounds of harmony and healing. Singer-songwriter Park Kang-soo (박강수) opened the night with her gentle voice and acoustic guitar, her songs floating through the crisp air like the autumn wind itself. Then came Gil Myung-min, a member of the Phantom Singer trio, whose powerful and emotional harmony gave everyone goosebumps. 😍 The evening continued with the graceful performance of Ha Yoon-joo (하윤주), who sang Jeongga (정가), a traditional Korean vocal art. Dressed in elegant hanbok, her voice carried both elegance and soul — a perfect match for the serene temple setting. Listening to her felt like hearing the very spirit of Korea’s history whisper through the mountains. 🇰🇷 It was truly a “treat for the ears,” as Koreans like to say — 귀 호강! 🎵 https://n.news.naver.com/mnews/article/047/0002490969 🧘‍♀️ Finding Peace Through Yoga and Mindfulness But the Hwaeom Cultural Festival wasn’t just about music and ceremonies — it was also about connecting body and mind. The 5th Jirisan Hwaeomsa Yoga Competition (지리산 대화엄사 요가대회) invited people to practice yoga in the crisp mountain air. Imagine doing yoga surrounded by the calm energy of a Buddhist temple, hearing only the rustle of leaves and distant temple bells. 🍃 Participants described it as “moving meditation,” finding balance between body, breath, and the quiet beauty of nature. Hwaeomsa’s head monk, Venerable Wooseok, shared a beautiful message during the event: “Just as Buddhism teaches the unity of body and mind, yoga helps us make our stiff bodies and thoughts flexible again. May this festival be a moment of peace for all who are tired from the rush of modern life.” Honestly, I couldn’t agree more. 💛 https://www.yna.co.kr/view/PYH20251011060000054?input=1196m 🚶‍♀️ A Walk for Mothers, a Walk for the Heart Another heartwarming program was the “Mother’s Path Walking Event (어머니의 길 걷기대회)”, where families and visitors walked together along scenic forest trails. It was a simple yet powerful reminder to slow down and appreciate the little moments — the rustling leaves, the mountain breeze, and the company of loved ones. https://www.yna.co.kr/view/PYH20251011028100054?input=1196m 🌄 Why You Should Visit Next Year The Hwaeom Cultural Festival is more than just an event — it’s a celebration of Korea’s spiritual and cultural soul. Whether you come for the ancient rituals, the soulful music, or the mindful yoga, you’ll leave feeling refreshed, inspired, and connected to something greater. So next autumn, if you find yourself in Korea, take a little detour to Gurye (구례) in Jeollanam-do and visit Hwaeomsa Temple. Breathe in the mountain air, enjoy the music under the stars, and let your mind rest for a while. 🌙🍁 Who knows? You might just find your own “wind touching the water” moment. 💫 ✨ Tips for Visitors 📍 Location: Hwaeomsa Temple, Gurye, Jeollanam-do (지리산 화엄사) 🕰️ Best Time to Visit: Mid to late October for fall foliage 🚗 How to Get There: Take a bus to Gurye Bus Terminal, then a short taxi ride to Hwaeomsa Temple 🎟️ Admission: Free during festival days! #HwaeomsaTemple #HwaeomCulturalFestival #Jirisan #Gurye #KoreaTravel #TempleFestival #KoreanCulture #AutumnInKorea #FallVibes #KoreanTradition #TempleStay #BuddhistCulture #YogaFestival #Meditation #Mindfulness #HealingTrip #CulturalExperience #MusicFestival #KoreanMusic #TraditionalArt #Hanbok #KoreanHeritage #MountainRetreat #NatureLovers #TravelKorea #HiddenGem #ScenicKorea #FallInJirisan #SpiritualJourney #PeacefulEscape All rights reserved Stay14 Bespoke