Spring festivals cut back nationwide in aftermath of wildfires

Charred persimmon trees at a farm in Sancheong, South Gyeongsang Province, Monday. Yonhap

Massive wildfires that swept across the southeastern parts of the country have forced local governments to cancel, postpone or scale back spring flower festivals, which typically attract large crowds. Events linked to these festivals, including fireworks displays, have been completely canceled as a safety measure.

In North Gyeongsang Province, one of the hardest-hit regions, consecutive festivals are being canceled.

Bonghwa County canceled its annual Sansuyu flower festival, originally scheduled for March 29, as well as a cherry blossom festival planned for May 11 to 13. The county also indefinitely postponed a walking tour program that was set for April 12 alongside the cherry blossom festival. Andong, another city impacted by the wildfires, canceled three major spring events.

The cancellations highlight the urgent need to prioritize public safety and recovery, as residents who evacuated to shelters continue to face ongoing challenges, including water and power outages and communication failures.

In Uiseong County, where the initial wildfire broke out, the Sansuyu Village Festival, originally set to run for nine days starting March 22, was canceled. Goryeong County also canceled its spring festival.

Ulsan, known for its bustling spring festival season also called off all events, including the Uljoo Jakcheonjeong Cherry Blossom Festival, which was set to open on March 28.

Visitors enjoy cherry blossoms near Gyeonghwa Station in Changwon, South Gyeongsang Province, during Jinhae Gunhanghje Festival, the country's largest cherry blossom event, Friday. Yonhap

Amid the wave of cancellations, Changwon in South Gyeongsang Province has decided to proceed with the country's largest cherry blossom festival, the Jinhae Gunhangje Festival, but in a scaled-down format.

Changwon announced last Thursday that the festival, scheduled to run from Friday to Sunday, will proceed but in a reduced format due to wildfire damage. The city said that a full cancellation was not feasible, citing the potential impact on the local economy.

In response to the disaster, the city will hold the festival in a subdued atmosphere, with a moment of silence observed at official events to honor the wildfire victims. The fireworks display scheduled for Wednesday has also been canceled.

"We have decided to cancel the fireworks show and conduct the festival in a calm and respectful manner, considering the wildfire damages," a city official said.

Nevertheless, even the scaled-back festival is facing criticism.

Critics argue that holding the event in the current circumstances is inappropriate. However, the city insists that it cannot afford to cancel the festival entirely after months of preparation.

The impact of the wildfires is being felt even in areas outside the directly affected regions. Icheon, in Gyeonggi Province south of Seoul, announced it will scale down the Icheon Baeksa Sansuyu Flower Festival. The event will proceed without a large opening ceremony or performances, to prevent overcrowding and prioritize safety.

However, visitors will be able to view the blooming sansuyu flowers in Baeksa-myeon, where small-scale programs such as food stalls, experiential activities and exhibitions linked to local businesses are continuing as scheduled.

Cherry blossoms are in full bloom along the Seomjingang riverside in Gurye, South Jeolla Province, Monday. Gurye held its cherry blossom festival from Friday to Sunday, but canceled the opening ceremony and drastically scaled down the program due to the wildfires. Yonhap

On top of the wildfire crisis, uncertainty over President Yoon Suk Yeol's looming impeachment ruling is causing further disruption to spring festivals.

Local governments are closely monitoring the Constitutional Court ruling, as an early presidential election triggered by Yoon's impeachment would prevent public officials, including mayors and governors, from organizing or supporting events for 60 days leading up to the vote, according to the election law.

Such activities could be viewed as giving an advantage to candidates affiliated with the incumbent mayor or governor's political party.

Local election commissions have seen a surge in inquiries from municipalities seeking clarity on the legal risks associated with hosting spring events. Additionally, local governments are considering whether to cancel or postpone events funded by municipal budgets.

In Gyeonggi Province, Suwon and Yongin are considering postponing or canceling events. Suwon originally planned to support the Saebit Sale Festa, a discount event for traditional markets and small businesses in May, but decided to postpone it to June if an early presidential election takes place. Yongin is also considering whether to proceed with events scheduled for April and May.