Hyoseok Cultural Festival (평창효석문화제)

The Hyoseok Cultural Festival is one of Korea’s best-known fall cultural tourism festivals, held in Bongpyeong-myeon, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon-do. First held in 1999, the festival takes place around September every year in Bongpyeong-myeon, the real-life setting of When the Buckwheat Flowers Bloom, a classic modern Korean short story by Lee Hyo-seok (pen name: Gasan). The festival is best known for its vast fields of white buckwheat flowers, which bloom so densely that they look as if they have been dusted with salt. Visitors can experience firsthand the natural scenery of Bongpyeong that serves as the backdrop to the story. The program includes literary events honoring Lee Hyo-seok and his work, traditional folk games, a food market featuring local specialties, and a variety of cultural and artistic performances by local residents and artists. In doing so, the festival helps promote the region’s literary heritage and rural traditions while also supporting the local economy.

Event Program

Madanggeuk Performance (When the Buckwheat Flowers Bloom), 47th National Hyoseok Writing Contest, 4th Pyeongchang Buckwheat Flower Song Festival, Lee Hyo-seok Literary Award Ceremony, Live Radio Broadcast, and more  

Start date

2026-09-04  

End Date

2026-09-13  

Performance Time

10:00~17:00  

Venue

Hyoseok Culture Village area, Bongpyeong-myeon  

Fee

Free  

Host Company

Lee Hyoseok Literature Enhancing Association  

Host's Contact Information

+82-33-335-2323  

Introduction

Hyoseok Cultural Festival is held to commemorate Korean writer Lee Hyo-seok and his popular novel "When Buckwheat Flowers Bloom," which mainly takes place in Bongpyeong. The festival offers diverse programs inspired by the book, allowing visitors to explore the author's work as well as the beauty of Bongpyeong with its buckwheat flowers in full bloom. Visitors can also get to know more about the author by visiting the Lee Hyo-seok Culture Village and the Lee Hyo-seok Memorial Hall located near the festival venue.