The Sweet Winter Scent of Mountain Villages: Travelogue of the Jirisan Hamyang Gojongsi Dried Persimmon Festival
Introduction
I’m waiting for the day when the sweet scent of dried persimmons will rise in the crisp winter air. With the clear breeze blowing from the ridges of Jirisan and Deogyusan, and the orange glow of dried persimmons filling Gowoon Plaza in Sangnim Park, this winter feels like it will be remembered a little more warmly.
Table of Contents
- Guide
- Program Information
- Thoughts on My (Planned) Visit
- Where to Stay
- Restaurants & Cafés
- Nearby Attractions
- Getting There
- Closing
- Photo Snapshots
- Videos
- Related News
Guide
- Festival Name — Jirisan Hamyang Gojongsi Dried Persimmon Festival
- Dates — January 16 (Fri) – January 18 (Sun), 2026
- Hours — 10:00 – 17:00
- Venue — Gowoon Plaza, Sangnim Park, 1041 Gyosan-ri, Hamyang-eup, Hamyang-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do
- Admission — Free
- Hosted by — Hamyang Gojongsi Dried Persimmon Festival Committee
- Organized by — Jirisan Hamyang Dried Persimmon Farming Association Corporation
- Inquiries — 010-9308-2994 (Hamyang Gojongsi Dried Persimmon Festival Committee)
- 10:00 Arrive at the festival grounds, take a walk around Gowoon Plaza in Sangnim Park, and slowly browse the local agricultural products booths.
- 11:00 Visit the special discounted sale booths for Hamyang dried persimmons and local specialties to purchase dried persimmons and regional products in advance.
- 13:00 Enjoy hands-on programs such as making dried persimmon desserts or peeling persimmons, and spend a leisurely time at the interactive experience zones.
- 14:30 Move to the main stage to watch performances such as the Dried Persimmon New Year Concert and the Residents’ Harmony Concert.
- 16:00 Wrap up your visit with the surprise dried persimmon auction, stringed dried persimmon exhibition and competition, and the stamp tour, taking another walk through the festival grounds.
- 17:00 As the sun sets, stroll along the walking paths of Sangnim Park to finish your winter walk, then head to a nearby restaurant or café.
It’s easier to get around if you first check the locations of the agricultural products booths and the performance stage and plan your route.
Hamyang Gojongsi dried persimmons are made by some 700 farming households who carefully peel persimmons from November and dry them in the clear winds that blow from Jirisan and Deogyusan. With their soft texture and high sugar content, they are a beloved winter snack. Centered around these dried persimmons, the Jirisan Hamyang Gojongsi Dried Persimmon Festival is held over three days at Gowoon Plaza in Sangnim Park, offering a chance to savor the sweet flavor of dried persimmons along with the crisp air of a mountain village in winter.
During the festival, you can not only taste and purchase Hamyang Gojongsi dried persimmons on-site, but also enjoy local agricultural product sales, hands-on experiences, and performance programs that add both fun and emotion. The festival is filled with the wish that Jirisan Hamyang Gojongsi dried persimmons will bring you a warm and cozy winter, making it a great destination for a winter trip with family, partners, or friends.
Program Information
This sales event brings together Hamyang Gojongsi dried persimmons and other local specialties in one place. It’s a popular corner where many visitors come to purchase winter snacks and gift sets of dried persimmons at reasonable prices.
The festival kicks off with an opening ceremony followed by a New Year concert themed around dried persimmons, wishing for good fortune in the coming year. Enjoy the festive atmosphere and the excitement of a winter evening along with the performances.
This performance program brings together local residents and visitors. Through music and stage performances, you can share the warmth of Hamyang and create fond winter memories.
A surprise auction program that offers a unique way to enjoy Hamyang dried persimmons. Join the on-site auction for a chance to get high-quality dried persimmons at an excellent price if you’re lucky.
Enjoy the Jirisan Tiger “Good Fortune” event along with traditional activities such as rice cake pounding and sharing dried persimmon rice cakes. These experiences are perfect for families with children looking to make winter vacation memories.
A hands-on program where you can make desserts using dried persimmons, such as dried persimmon sandwiches and dried persimmon rice cake balls. Experience the moment when sweet dried persimmons are reborn as unique snacks.
Stringed dried persimmons, carefully tied and hung, are put on display, and a competition is held to judge their beauty and quality. Rows of hanging orange dried persimmons enhance the charm of the winter festival.
A stamp tour program where you collect stamps as you walk around the festival grounds. The tour route naturally guides you through major programs and booths, making it especially popular with families.
If you visit from the opening to closing hours (10:00–17:00), you can enjoy both performances and hands-on programs at a relaxed pace. Mornings tend to be less crowded, making it a good time to visit sales booths and participate in experiences.
Dried persimmon sales and auctions can attract large crowds, which may lead to long lines at peak times, so it’s best to stop by in the morning. The agricultural products promotion hall, experience booths, and performance stages are spread out, so checking the program schedule in advance and planning your route will make your visit much more comfortable.
Check the schedule for hands-on programs in advance and see if reservations are required.
It’s recommended to grab a spot near the main stage at least 10 minutes before performances begin.
Thoughts on My (Planned) Visit
Today is December 25, 2025. The Jirisan Hamyang Gojongsi Dried Persimmon Festival is scheduled to take place from January 16 to 18, 2026, so I’m recalling this winter trip in the form of a plan rather than a past visit. With the upcoming festival just around the corner, my heart is already racing as if it were standing in Gowoon Plaza in Sangnim Park. Imagining the moment when I’ll feel the clear wind from the slopes of Jirisan against the cold winter air and the sweet, chewy scent of dried persimmons tickling my nose, I can almost taste the sweetness in my mouth already.
I can almost hear the sounds of performances and people’s laughter echoing from Gowoon Plaza in Sangnim Park where the festival will be held, making the winter atmosphere feel even richer. Hamyang-gun has announced that next year will mark the 10th Hamyang Gojongsi Dried Persimmon Festival and that they are preparing local specialty sales, hands-on activities, and various performances, which raises my expectations even more. With dried persimmon shipments also about to begin in earnest, and news that the large temperature difference and clear weather have resulted in a particularly good crop this year, I find myself all the more eager to meet the bright orange dried persimmons at the festival.
What I’m looking forward to the most are the sweet scent of dried persimmons filling the festival grounds, the sight of dried persimmons strung along wooden skewers, and pumpkin pancakes and roasted chestnuts browning nicely. As I imagine the sound of fallen leaves scattering under people’s footsteps and the rich colors of abundant produce glowing in the warm air, the winter festival appears vividly before my eyes. As the festival draws closer, I imagine the scenery, scents, and laughter all becoming more abundant, and I slowly begin to prepare for a winter trip to Hamyang.
Where to Stay
Since the festival takes place at Gowoon Plaza in Sangnim Park in central Hamyang-eup, it’s convenient to base yourself at accommodations near Hamyang if you have access to a car. Choosing a place to stay surrounded by nature near Jirisan will let you fully enjoy the winter mountain village atmosphere.
39-2 Gaepyeong-gil, Jigok-myeon, Hamyang-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do
A quiet, farm-style stay at the foot of Jirisan, ideal for relaxing in nature.
It’s convenient for planning an itinerary that combines the festival with nearby attractions by car.
Distance: 6.0 km
If you are driving, check travel times between your lodging and the festival grounds, as well as any snow forecasts.
Restaurants & Cafés
Around Hamyang-eup where the festival grounds are located, you’ll find both cafés perfect for a light stop after a walk and restaurants where you can enjoy a hearty meal. From spots near Sangnim Park to cafés along the road to Jirisan, it’s nice to choose places that match your travel route.
26 Sangnim 1-gil, Hamyang-eup, Hamyang-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do
A roastery café near Sangnim Park, great for a short break before or after the festival.
On weekends it can get busy with walkers, so if you want a quieter time, consider visiting earlier in the day.
Distance: 0.3 km
36 Haksaru-gil, Hamyang-eup, Hamyang-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do
A restaurant in the center of Hamyang-eup, convenient for a meal after the festival.
Easily accessible on foot or by car, making it easy to fit into a relaxed itinerary.
Distance: 0.7 km
31-3 Yongpyeong-gil, Hamyang-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do
A restaurant close to Hamyang-eup, suitable for those who want to try local dishes.
It can get crowded at mealtimes, so allow some extra time for travel.
Distance: 1.0 km
Hamyangjip Eotang, 22 Yongpyeong 5-gil, Hamyang-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do
A good place to stop by when you’re craving a warm bowl of soup.
On cold days, visiting before the dinner rush allows for a more relaxed meal.
Distance: 1.1 km
225 Daesil-gil, Hamyang-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do
A café-style rest area where you can relax while enjoying natural scenery.
Easily accessible by car, making it perfect to combine with a drive course.
Distance: 1.3 km
621 Geoham-daero, Sudong-myeon, Hamyang-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do
A good spot to warm up with a spicy hot pot dish.
It’s a nice choice for a late lunch or early dinner after visiting the festival.
Distance: 5.6 km
27 Gyeongho-ro, Sancheong-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do
A café located in nearby Sancheong, perfect to add to a drive course from Hamyang.
Since it’s a bit of a drive, it’s best to leave some leeway in your schedule.
Distance: 9.5 km
Jomang Park Rest Area, 534 Jirisan-ganeun-gil, Hamyang-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do
A café where you can enjoy a cup of coffee while taking in the scenery on the way to Jirisan.
On clear days, it’s worth checking for seats with a good view first.
Distance: 9.6 km
For cafés in the Jirisan direction, plan your drive course so that you finish your travels before sunset.
Nearby Attractions
Because Hamyang borders Jirisan, it’s easy to combine the dried persimmon festival with visits to places like forest recreation areas, a wine valley, and seowon (Confucian academies). You can enjoy the festival during the day and then make a short trip to nearby attractions, or add an extra day and take your time exploring.
331 Byeonggok Jigok-ro, Byeonggok-myeon, Hamyang-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do
A recreational area at the foot of Daebongsan, featuring facilities and walking trails where you can enjoy nature.
If snow is forecast, check road conditions in advance when planning your visit.
Distance: 4.8 km
Mokhyeon-ri, Hyucheon-myeon, Hamyang-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do
A place where you can enjoy a village landscape dotted with old pine trees.
It’s perfect for a short walk while soaking in the quiet atmosphere of a rural village.
Distance: 5.7 km
333 Byeonggok Jigok-ro, Byeonggok-myeon, Hamyang-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do
A natural recreation forest with well-maintained trails and forest retreat facilities.
If you’d like to walk through a winter forest, dress warmly and enjoy it as a light walking course.
Distance: 5.9 km
7-12 Sudong Naedong-gil, Sudong-myeon, Hamyang-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do
A quiet seowon where you can take a brief break for your mind amid serene surroundings.
It’s nice to stop by for a short visit, take some photos, and stroll around the nearby village.
Distance: 6.0 km
Hyucheon-myeon, Hamyang-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do
A driving course where you can enjoy the road leading to Jirisan along with the surrounding scenery.
On clear days, it’s a great idea to add a short drive before or after the festival to take in the winter mountain views.
Distance: 6.0 km
74 Sudong 2-gil, Sudong-myeon, Hamyang-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do
A place where you can enjoy the quiet atmosphere of a seowon and appreciate traditional architecture.
Even a short visit is enough to fully feel the tranquil mood of winter.
Distance: 6.1 km
442-14 Sambong-ro, Hamyang-eup, Hamyang-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do
A tourist spot where you can enjoy wine-related facilities along with the surrounding scenery.
If you visit during the day in line with the festival schedule, your movements will be smoother.
Distance: 7.7 km
635 Jirisan-ganeun-gil, Hyucheon-myeon, Hamyang-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do
A grand gate marking the entrance to Jirisan, also known as a popular photo spot.
It’s a great point to include in your drive course, stopping briefly to take photos.
Distance: 9.2 km
Since days are short in winter, we recommend visiting outdoor attractions before sunset.
Getting There
Public Transportation — Gowoon Plaza in Sangnim Park (1041 Gyosan-ri, Hamyang-eup, Hamyang-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do) is located in the center of Hamyang-eup. From Hamyang Intercity Bus Terminal, you can easily reach the festival grounds by local bus or taxi.
By Car — From the Gyeongbu Expressway or Namhae Expressway, take the nearest interchange and follow national and local roads in the direction of Hamyang/Saengcho to enter Sangnim Park in Hamyang-eup. During the festival, roads near the park may be congested, so it’s best to leave early and check parking information around the park in advance.
If snow is forecast in winter, bring snow chains and other winter driving gear for a safer trip.
Closing
The Jirisan Hamyang Gojongsi Dried Persimmon Festival is a place where you can experience the sweet scent of dried persimmons and the scenery of a winter mountain village in the crisp air. The orange dried persimmons adorning Gowoon Plaza in Sangnim Park, the sound of laughter, and the warm performances and hands-on programs all come together to deepen the charm of a winter’s day.
Strolling through the festival with family, a partner, or friends, tasting dried persimmons, and then slowly exploring nearby cafés and attractions will make this winter feel a little cozier in your memory. It might be worth planning a trip to Hamyang this winter, where a single bite of sweet dried persimmon lingers like a gift.
