The Fragrance of Chestnut Blossoms in June
As June arrived, I found myself eagerly awaiting the dawn.
Opening the window for some fresh air fills my home with a floral scent that makes me envious of the outside world.
Starting from May, the night flowers begin to bloom, allowing me to enjoy a fragrance that no expensive perfume can match for nearly a month,
which has led me to greet the day earlier than ever.
▲ Night Flower
I have never experienced eating night flowers before the chestnut burrs form in May and June.
However, traditionally, they are brewed into tea and are said to have benefits against muscle aging.
It’s advisable to consult experts and exercise caution,
but personally, I recommend enjoying the scent rather than consuming them.
While the night flowers delight my ears and mouth, wouldn’t it be even better if I could also enjoy them visually?
On June 10th, as the fragrance of night flowers was at its peak, I visited Shinyoung-ri in Sagu-myeon, Gongju.
I heard about the night flower festival taking place in Gongju, known for its chestnut production,
and I was particularly curious about the 'Night Flower Festival' hosted by the Shinyoung-ri Chestnut Farmers Association, now in its third year.
▲ Shinyoung-ri Village Sign
The festival was held in Shinyoung-ri, Sagu-myeon, Gongju.
The event location was not far from the village entrance, accessible by a local bus that runs six times a day.
If driving, there is no public parking, so you must park in nearby open areas or follow the stream into the village to find parking before walking to the venue.
Address: 30 Masanggol-gil, Sagu-myeon, Gongju
Parking Information: Driving is possible to the top, but it's recommended to park near the village rest area and walk.
Public Transport: Bus numbers 700, 770, etc.
▲ The festival venue is visible from the entrance of Shinyoung-ri Village.
As I approached the village entrance, I spotted the yellow night flowers blooming beyond the rice paddies that had just been planted.
At the entrance, there was also a factory producing chestnuts and processed products.
The blue tent adorned with night flowers easily indicated the festival location, even for newcomers.
The scale of the event was smaller than expected, partly because most members attended a training session at the Gongju Agricultural Technology Center in the morning.
▲ Lee Geun-eop, President of the Shinyoung-ri Chestnut Farmers Association, is greeting the attendees.
The event began with introductions and remarks from Lee Geun-eop.
The Chestnut Farmers Association was formed over ten years ago and currently has 89 active members.
The festival aims to strengthen community ties and share valuable information during the crucial harvest season.
I had always enjoyed the beauty and fragrance of the flowers but realized the challenges of harvesting chestnuts when I visited the festival.
I hope the Night Flower Festival becomes a significant event in Gongju, allowing the public to appreciate the value of chestnut products.
After leaving the festival, I noticed a sign about a tragic incident from 1978 involving armed infiltration.
I learned about this event from a local elder a few years ago.
According to records, three armed infiltrators from North Korea entered the area and caused significant distress.
This tragic history prompted me to explore Shinyoung-ri further a few days later.
As I followed the Shinyoung Stream, I discovered various paths leading to notable sites in the village.
I found markers indicating the locations of significant historical and community sites.
After resting at a pavilion, I continued my exploration, appreciating the village's charm and the beautiful native flowers.
My visit to Shinyoung-ri, drawn by the night flowers, also revealed a poignant part of history.
I would recommend taking a stroll through this lovely village, especially in June.
Source :https://blog.naver.com/sinmunman/224327571046
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