About the Festival
Nestled in the rolling tea fields of Boseong, South Korea, the Boseong Tea Plantation Light Festival is a luminous wonderland that has captured the hearts of visitors from all around the globe. This annual extravaganza is more than a mere light festival; it’s a transformative experience that invites you to walk through ethereal landscapes meticulously crafted from thousands of lights.
Here, outdoor lighting takes on an artistic form, blending seamlessly with nature to create an otherworldly realm. Imagine the aura of twinkling stars descending to Earth and gently wrapping around tea bushes, trees, and pathways, and you’ll have an inkling of what to expect.
Featured Lighting Displays
- Fairy Lights: Strung delicately on trees and bushes, these create an ethereal atmosphere that’s like walking through a fantasy world.
- Twinkling Light Trees: Picture whole trees wrapped in twinkling lights, their branches shimmering against the night sky like sparkling constellations.
- Glowing Plants: The tea bushes themselves become luminous sculptures, bathed in colorful lights that showcase their natural beauty.
- Hanging Lanterns: Suspended in the air, these glowing orbs lend a festive charm and provide a cozy, soft light that complements the twinkling surroundings.
- Tunnels of Lights: Walk through entrancing tunnels illuminated by a blend of fairy lights and curtain lights, making each step feel like a journey through a glowing galaxy.
- Fields of Lights: Large expanses of the tea plantation are transformed into radiant seas of lights, offering ample opportunities for awe-inspiring photos and serene moments of reflection.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned festival-goer, the Boseong Tea Plantation Light Festival promises a breathtaking fusion of natural beauty and masterful lighting that you won’t soon forget.
Festival Dates
If you’re keen to visit this radiant spectacle, you’ll want to earmark some time during the winter months. The Boseong Tea Plantation Light Festival typically takes place from December to January each year. This winter time frame offers an enchanting contrast of cold air and warm lights, creating a cozy atmosphere that’s perfect for strolling through fields and tunnels of brilliant illumination. So go ahead and clear your holiday schedule; this is one festival of lights you won’t want to miss.
Where It’s Located and How to Get There
We bet you’re already reaching for your GPS, so allow us to guide you to the celestial wonder that awaits. The Boseong Tea Plantation Light Festival is held at the Korea Tea Culture Park, located at 775 Nokcha-ro, Boseong-gun, Jeollanam-do Province, South Korea. This location doesn’t just play host to the festival; it’s a year-round symbol of Korea’s rich tea culture. The park itself is a blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage, making it an ideal backdrop for a festival that celebrates both light and nature.
Getting to the Festival
Wondering how to get your light fix? The nearest airport to the festival location is Yeosu Airport, approximately 39 miles (63 km) away. From there, you’ve got several options to reach this luminous haven.
- By Bus: The most direct route is by taking a bus from Yeosu to Boseong, which will drop you near the Korea Tea Culture Park.
- By Train: Alternatively, you could hop on a train to Boseong Station and then take a local bus or a taxi to the festival location.
- By Car: If you prefer to set your own pace, car rentals are available at the airport. Just plug the address into your GPS, and you’re good to go.
Here are other enchanting lights festivals in Asia:
Festival Hours
When it comes to making the most of this glowing spectacle, timing is everything. The Boseong Tea Plantation Light Festival opens its luminescent arms to visitors from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM. These evening hours are carefully selected to ensure you experience the full impact of the outdoor lighting in all its resplendent glory.
It’s not too early that the sky steals the limelight, and not too late that Cinderella would have to rush back to her carriage. Perfect for a leisurely walk among twinkling light trees and fairy-lit pathways, wouldn’t you agree?
Cost to Visit the Festival
Ah, the moment of truth—what’s the damage to the wallet? Fortunately, the Boseong Tea Plantation Light Festival is as gentle on your pocket as its lights are on your eyes. The admission fee is a modest 3,000 won (approximately $2.22) for adults aged 19-64. For teens 18 years old and under, as well as seniors aged 65 and above, the cost is even lighter at 2,000 won (around $1.48). Groups also enjoy the same discounted rate of 2,000 won per person.
We should note, though, that prices may vary or change. It’s always wise to double-check the festival’s official website for the most current information on admission prices. After all, we’d hate for you to miss out on a sea of twinkling lights over a couple of won.
Weather and What to Wear
Ready to be dazzled by a myriad of lights? Hold on; you might want to check the forecast first. Boseong’s weather from December to January tends to be quite chilly, with temperatures ranging from 28°F to 46°F (-2°C to 8°C). The skies are generally clear, which means the lights will not have to compete with clouds for your attention. However, that cold air can be crisp, and when you’re meandering through fields and tunnels of twinkling lights, you’ll want to be bundled up appropriately.
Recommended Clothing
- Thermal Layers: Start with a good base of thermal clothing to trap that body heat.
- Insulated Jacket: A down jacket or a synthetic insulated jacket is essential to keep the winter chill at bay.
- Beanie and Gloves: Don’t forget your head and hands. A warm beanie and a pair of insulated gloves are a must.
- Scarf: A scarf is not just a fashion statement; it’s a neck warmer that you’ll be grateful for.
- Comfortable Footwear: As you’ll be doing a lot of walking, ensure your shoes are not only warm but also comfortable. A pair of waterproof boots is a great choice.
Where to Sleep – Hotels Nearby
As your eyes feast on a glorious festival of lights, you’ll eventually need a cozy place to rest your head—and we’ve got some bright suggestions for you.
Golmangtae Pension
Location: Just 3 miles away from the Korea Tea Culture Park, Golmangtae Pension offers a convenient stay for festival-goers.
Description: This charming pension is designed with a blend of modern and traditional Korean elements, making it a cozy retreat amid the natural beauty of Boseong.
Amenities: Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a kitchenette in each room, and even a small garden where you can unwind after a day of visual splendor at the light festival.
Boseong Green Tea Field Self Check-in Hotel
Location: Situated a mere 1.5 miles from the festival venue, you can practically smell the tea leaves from this hotel.
Description: As the name suggests, this establishment specializes in self check-in, offering a hassle-free experience for those who prefer to skip the usual front-desk formalities.
Amenities: Besides free Wi-Fi, the hotel also provides flat-screen TVs, air conditioning, and close proximity to local tea shops, where you can sample some of Boseong’s famous green tea.
Boseong Greenville Pension
Location: Located 4 miles from the Korea Tea Culture Park, Greenville is another excellent option for visitors.
Description: Offering a more laid-back, homey vibe, this pension is perfect for families or groups looking for a quiet and comfortable stay.
Amenities: Free Wi-Fi is a given, and the pension also features fully equipped kitchens, a barbecue area, and even a fishing pond for those who’d like to engage in a different kind of “light” activity.
What to Eat
After wandering through fields of glowing beauty, you’re bound to work up an appetite—luckily, Boseong offers a delectable array of dining options that are almost as captivating as the lights themselves.
Bot Jae Garden
Location: Situated about 5 miles from the Korea Tea Culture Park, Bot Jae Garden is a culinary escape worth the short drive.
Description: This rustic yet elegant restaurant is set amidst a lush garden, providing a serene backdrop for your meal.
Foods Served: They specialize in traditional Korean dishes with a focus on locally-sourced ingredients. Don’t leave without trying their green tea-infused dishes, like green tea bibimbap and green tea pork belly.
Cheong Gwando Ye Won
Location: Conveniently located just 2 miles from the festival venue, Cheong Gwando Ye Won is an easy stop for festival-goers.
Description: The restaurant is a modern, clean space that serves as a relaxing haven where you can unwind and enjoy a hearty meal.
Foods Served: They offer a variety of Korean comfort foods, from sizzling bulgogi to a wide range of banchan (Korean side dishes). Seafood options are also abundant here, featuring local catches like grilled fish and seafood stews.
Teuk Mi Restaurant
Location: If you don’t want to stray far from the glowing fields, Teuk Mi Restaurant is just a mile away from the Korea Tea Culture Park.
Description: With its cozy and inviting atmosphere, this restaurant feels like a home away from home.
Foods Served: Their menu is a mix of traditional and modern Korean cuisine, and they also offer an array of green tea desserts that you won’t find anywhere else. The green tea ice cream is a must-try after a night of strolling through twinkling light trees.
More Things To Do in The Area
Between your nightly journeys through this enchanting lights festival, you’ll find the Boseong area offers a host of daytime delights to keep you entertained.
Yulpo Beach
Location: Just a 20-minute drive from the Korea Tea Culture Park, Yulpo Beach is conveniently situated for a daytime escape.
Description: This scenic beach offers golden sands and gentle waves, providing a perfect counterpoint to the vibrant colors and spectacle of the light festival.
Activities to Explore: You can soak up the sun, take leisurely strolls along the shoreline, and perhaps even enjoy a picnic. It’s an ideal spot to recharge and reflect before another night of dazzling light displays.
Boseong Green Tea Field Daehan Dawon
Location: Remarkably close to the festival grounds, Boseong Green Tea Field Daehan Dawon is just a 5-minute drive away.
Description: This sprawling tea plantation is a sight to behold during the daytime, with endless terraced fields of tea plants creating a breathtaking natural tapestry.
Activities to Explore: Aside from walking through the stunning green tea fields, you can also participate in tea tasting sessions and purchase some of the finest green tea products to take home.
Korean Tea Culture Park
Location: This is the same location as the Boseong Tea Plantation Light Festival, so you won’t have to travel far to enjoy what the park has to offer during daylight hours.
Description: The Korean Tea Culture Park aims to educate visitors about the deep-rooted tea culture in Korea.
Activities to Explore: You can take part in hands-on tea-making experiences, watch traditional tea ceremonies, and visit the tea museum. It’s a chance to steep yourself in Korean tea culture while awaiting the evening’s curtain lights and twinkle lights trees.
A Final Sparkle: Wrapping Up Your Unforgettable Visit to the Boseong Tea Plantation Light Festival
As the last twinkling light fades from view and you take that final sip of green tea, we hope you’ll carry the radiant glow of the Boseong Tea Plantation Light Festival in your heart. This magical event offers not just a visual feast of twinkling trees and curtain lights, but an entire experience that tantalizes all the senses. From the cozy hotels and scrumptious eateries to the enriching daytime activities, Boseong promises an unforgettable journey through a world illuminated by tradition, culture, and yes—a whole lot of fabulous lights.
FAQ
1. Is there parking available at the festival?
Yes, there is a designated parking area near the festival grounds. However, space can fill up quickly, especially during peak festival days, so it’s advisable to arrive early.
2. Can I smoke at the festival?
Smoking is generally prohibited in the festival area to ensure a comfortable and healthy environment for all guests. There are designated smoking areas located away from the main attractions.
3. Are pets allowed?
While we all love our furry friends, pets are not allowed at the Boseong Tea Plantation Light Festival. This is to ensure the safety and comfort of all attendees.
4. Is the festival wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the festival grounds are mostly wheelchair accessible. However, please note that some areas with uneven terrain may be challenging to navigate.
5. Are there food and drink stalls?
Yes, there are various food and beverage stalls within the festival grounds where you can purchase snacks, meals, and drinks, including local green tea products.
6. Can I bring my own food and drinks?
While you can bring your own food and non-alcoholic beverages, alcohol is not allowed inside the festival grounds. There are designated picnic areas where you can enjoy your own snacks.
7. What if it rains?
The festival typically goes on rain or shine. However, in the case of severe weather conditions, certain activities or displays may be canceled for safety reasons. It’s best to check the festival’s official website for real-time updates.
8. Can I take photographs and videos?
Absolutely, photography and videography are encouraged! Capture the twinkling lights, glowing fields, and all the magical moments to your heart’s content.
Sources:
https://boseong.go.kr/english/tour/festival/tea_light
https://gone2korea.com/check-out-the-boseong-green-tea-plantation-light-festival/
