Haman Nakhwa Nori Festival Returns This October with “Falling Flower Fireworks”

Travelers heading to South Korea this autumn will have a dazzling new highlight on their itinerary. On October 16, 2025, the historic Haman Nakhwa Nori Festival will once again illuminate the skies of Gyeongsangnam-do with its signature “falling flower fireworks.”

The festival’s name, Nakhwa (meaning “falling flower”), comes from the breathtaking effect created when Nakhwabong—cylinders filled with oak charcoal powder and wrapped in traditional Korean paper—are set alight, scattering sparks that drift like flower petals. Once banned during the Japanese colonial era, the centuries-old tradition was revived in the 1980s and, in 2008, was officially recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Gyeongsangnam-do.

This year, the celebration holds added significance as it commemorates 60 years of diplomatic relations between Japan and Korea. More than 1,000 Japanese visitors are expected to attend, with major travel agencies in Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka, Sendai, and Sapporo offering exclusive tour packages.

Beyond the fireworks, festivalgoers can enjoy a wide array of cultural experiences, including:

• Hanbok try-ons

• Writing wishes on traditional Nakhwabong papers

• Crafting keychains inspired by Korean patterns

• Sampling local delicacies accompanied by traditional music

Getting There: Haman is easily accessible via KTX and Mugunghwa trains from both Seoul and Busan, with convenient shuttle buses from Haman Station. Visitors will find a range of accommodations, from charming guesthouses to modern hotels. Nearby attractions include the Mujinjeong Pavilion, the ancient Marisan Tumuli tombs, and the Haman Museum.

The Nakhwa Nori Festival is part of the Korea Tourism Organization’s expanding line-up of cultural experiences, which also includes the upcoming Kimchi-making event in Pyeongchang later this year.