Yangsan's Hwangsan Park, adorned with blooming autumn chrysanthemums, will transform into a cultural space showcasing the works of Gyeongnam artisans.
Visitors to the Chrysanthemum Festival can admire a variety of crafts, including pottery, woodworking, and textile art, and even participate in hands-on experiences. This event offers local artisans a chance to connect with new customers and promote their creations.
Gyeongnam Province announced that the 23rd Gyeongnam Craft Fair will take place from November 4 to 11 at a special venue in Yangsan's Hwangsan Park.
More than 60 local craft businesses will participate, operating over 70 booths for exhibitions, sales, and experiential programs.
This year's fair is themed "Visit Yangsan Year, Together with Gyeongnam Crafts." It coincides with the Yangsan Chrysanthemum Festival (October 30 to November 15) and the Egg Festival (November 7-8), providing a variety of attractions for families and tourists during the fall season.
Gyeongnam Province has set up the craft fair space near the main parking area of the Chrysanthemum Festival, ensuring easy access for festival-goers to explore the artisans' displays.
A representative from the Gyeongnam cultural industry stated, "The craft fair is an event designed to provide local artisans with opportunities to sell their works and meet the public. This year, we coordinated with Yangsan City to hold it during the popular Chrysanthemum Festival period."
Last year's fair, held at Samcheonpo Bridge Park in Sacheon, featured 48 participating businesses. This year, the number has increased to over 60, expanding both the variety and scale of showcased crafts. Participants were selected through a competitive process and receive support for exhibition and sales space without any participation fees.
At the fair, attendees can find a diverse range of works from Gyeongnam artisans, including pottery, woodcraft, textiles, metalwork, and hanji (traditional Korean paper). The event will feature everything from traditional crafts to practical everyday items.
Free experiential programs for families will also be available, offering over 20 activities such as making leather wallets, hat-shaped keychains, knot bracelets, and accessories, allowing children and teenagers to enjoy the craft experience.
Live demonstrations by artisans will be a highlight, allowing visitors to closely observe the process of creating large pottery pieces and wheel-throwing techniques. Attendees can also view works by award-winning artists from various competitions at no charge.
The opening ceremony will take place on November 4 at 4 p.m. at the event stage, featuring celebratory performances. This year's event is expected to significantly aid local artisans in expanding their market reach.
The previous fair in Sacheon saw improved sales compared to past indoor events. Gyeongnam Province plans to continue promotional efforts to ensure more tourists can discover and purchase crafts during the Chrysanthemum Festival.
A provincial official remarked, "Gyeongnam artisans have been recognized for their exceptional craftsmanship, achieving notable results in national craft competitions. We hope this fair will help promote their works widely and create real sales opportunities."
Initiated in 2004, the Gyeongnam Craft Fair has become an established event for local artisans to showcase their works and engage with the community.
This year, it is expected to highlight the beauty of Gyeongnam crafts and the value of handmade artistry, coinciding with Yangsan's signature autumn festival.
For more details about the event, visit the Gyeongnam Province website or the Gyeongnam Craft Cooperative website.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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