33rd Hamann Nakwa Festival Public Event
SNS Reporter Kim Myung-hoon, 14th Term
33rd Hamann Nakwa Festival Public Event
Date: May 24, 2026
Location: Mujinjeong Area
Event Time: 1:00 PM - 10:00 PM (Nakwa Ignition around 7:00 PM)
Entry Tickets: Online Pre-reservation
Every year in early April, Hamann is painted red with the vibrant flames of the 'Hamann Nakwa Festival'. This year, the 33rd Hamann Nakwa Festival will be held on May 24, showcasing its beautiful spectacle once again.
Tickets for the Hamann Nakwa Festival were available through local government offices for 800 people and via Yes24 for 4,000 people in advance. For the first time, an additional 1,000 people were recruited in connection with the hometown love donation program. As soon as reservations opened, tickets sold out within minutes due to high interest.
Those who successfully secured tickets received their entry and parking passes by mail. With approximately 5,800 attendees expected, ample attention was given to parking and transportation. Temporary parking lots were set up in each area, and shuttle buses operated to facilitate easy access to Mujinjeong.
Arriving around 2 PM, I found that the front rows and prime viewing spots were already filled. It seemed that many attendees were eager to secure good seats for the Hamann Nakwa Festival.
The Nakwa Festival takes place throughout the year in the beautiful Mujinjeong area. Numerous ropes were set up on-site to hang the Nakwa candles, demonstrating the meticulous preparations involved. On the day of the 33rd event, although the wind blew slightly, it was a perfect day for enjoying the stunning Nakwa display.
Before the ignition ceremony began, various side events and performances were prepared for early arrivals, along with experiential booths. Free activities included making Hamann mother-of-pearl keyrings and fans.
The Hamann Saemaul Restaurant sold prepared food, and food trucks were also available. On another side of the festival grounds, young entrepreneurs and startup companies showcased their products, offering samples of Nakwa liquor and seafood soup, along with various items for sale.
A comprehensive information center was set up at the parking lot entrance, making it easy to address any inquiries right at the entrance.
At the Nakwa Candle Experience Booth near the Nakwa Heritage Center, attendees could create their own Nakwa candles while learning about the production process and writing their wishes on dedicated papers. This experience promises unique enjoyment not only for children but also for adults.
As time passed, I could see the Nakwa candles being hung. The candles are crafted with great care over a long period. Pure charcoal is used, with the oak charcoal production alone taking three months. It is said that using black charcoal instead of white results in better fireworks.
The Nakwa candles are made by filtering the charcoal into fine powder, sprinkling it onto traditional paper, and rolling it with a cotton string in the center. Two of these are twisted together and tied to form the final Nakwa candle.
Originally, 3,000 candles were expected, but with the addition of experiences and purchases, 4,000 candles were densely hung, providing plenty of reasons to witness the fireworks.
Finally, the ignition ceremony began, with the Hamann Nakwa Preservation Association members igniting the candles from a sailboat. As flames were lit on numerous Nakwa candles, the beauty of the fireworks gradually emerged.
As the darkness deepened and the flames reached their peak, the sight of the fireworks dancing in the wind became mesmerizing. If you attend the Hamann Nakwa Festival, be mindful that sparks and ashes may fly, so it’s advisable to avoid wearing flammable or white clothing. Wearing masks and protective glasses is also recommended.
The Nakwa fireworks, which are beautiful even when falling, burn for about two hours once ignited. The highlight is the moment when flames burst forth with the shout of 'Nakwa!' eliciting gasps of awe from the crowd.
The Hamann Nakwa Festival was designated as an intangible cultural asset of Gyeongsangnam-do in October 2008, and the production method for Nakwa candles was patented in August 2013. It is said to have started during the Joseon dynasty by Jeong Gu, who prayed for the well-being and bountiful harvest of the people.
Having been interrupted during the Japanese occupation, the festival was restored in 1985 and has continued to this day. After a three-year hiatus due to COVID-19, the festival is back, allowing us to enjoy the current Nakwa Festival.
The Hamann Nakwa Festival, held in Mujinjeong, illuminated the beautiful night sky with fireworks, leaving us eagerly anticipating the next festival.
Source :https://blog.naver.com/arahaman/224296043251
No comments yet.
