Gapyeong County Opens 'Jara Island Flower Festival' on 13th with Gratitude and Consolation

[Suwon Ilbo=Reporter Um In-yong] Gapyeong County held the opening ceremony of the 'Jara Island Flower Festival' at Jara Island Namdo on the 13th, which was selected as Gyeonggi Province's representative tourism festival for three consecutive years, officially launching the festival.

Approximately 50 officials attended the opening ceremony, including County Governor Seo Tae-won, County Council Chair Kim Gyeong-su, council members, and heads of local organizations and civic groups. The ceremony began with a North Korean traditional drum performance sounding the drums of hope. County Governor Seo and Chair Kim then held a ribbon-cutting ceremony, which embodied residents' earnest wishes to overcome flood damage.

County Governor Seo Tae-won said in his remarks, "This flower festival is an occasion where all residents can demonstrate the hope that we can overcome flood damage and rise again with one heart. With the warm support from many people, I will do my best so that Gapyeong can grow stronger and more solidly."

This year's festival was organized under the theme of "Flowers blooming from pain; we are grateful for your warm hands."

At the entrance of the Namdo venue, a "Tree of Consolation and Gratitude" was installed, allowing visitors to convey messages of thanks to those who helped overcome flood damage and leave words of consolation for affected residents.

In addition, diverse autumn flowers have been planted, including bougainvillea symbolizing connection, penstemon signifying grace, and morning glory embodying hope.

Meanwhile, the flower festival, running until October 12, is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., with exit at 7 p.m. Gapyeong residents and children five years old and younger are admitted free, while outside visitors pay an admission fee of 7,000 won and receive 5,000 won back as Gapyeong Love Gift Certificates.