Every autumn, Changwon welcomes one of its most iconic flower events, the Masan Gagopa Chrysanthemum Festival 2025. This is the perfect season to enjoy the vibrant chrysanthemums blooming under the mild southern coastal climate and gentle sea breeze. Attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, this festival has become a signature fall celebration in the city of Masan, Changwon.
For 2025, the festival returns with even richer programs and new exhibition layouts. Visitors can stroll through fragrant chrysanthemum displays, participate in citizen-friendly activities, and enjoy night-time illuminations, making it a full sensory experience.
Festival Overview
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Event Name: Masan Gagopa Chrysanthemum Festival 2025
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Dates: November 1 (Sat) – November 9 (Sun), 9 days
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Location: 3.15 Marine Nuri Park & Happo Waterfront Park, Changwon
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Admission: Free
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Organizer: Changwon City
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Contact: Masan Chrysanthemum Festival Committee
The festival is guided by four main themes: Autumn, Chrysanthemums, Sea, and People. This year’s theme, “Cheonhyang Yeosim (天香餘心)”, symbolizes the lingering fragrance of chrysanthemums in the heart.
Festival Mascot
A new mascot character inspired by this year’s theme, Cheonhyang Yeosim, has been introduced to make the festival even more engaging, especially for families and children.
Main Programs and Schedule
The 2025 festival features a variety of programs, including exhibitions, performances, hands-on activities, and photo zones. Daily displays are complemented by special weekend performances and night-time illumination ceremonies.
Featured Program Zones
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Chrysanthemum Exhibition Zone: Large sculptures, character chrysanthemum towers, bonsai displays
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Citizen Participation Zone: Chrysanthemum planting, DIY flower pot making
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Cultural Performance Zone: Local art troupe performances, busking stages
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Nightscape Zone: Coastal light festival, media facade displays
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Experience & Sales Zone: Scented experiences, chrysanthemum tea tasting, local specialties
At the beginning of the festival, the opening ceremony and lighting event will take place, followed by citizen parades and weekend fireworks in the middle of the festival. The chrysanthemum tunnel lit at night is especially popular as a social media photo spot.
Festival Layout & Visitor Flow
The visitor route has been improved for more intuitive navigation. Starting from the main gate, the suggested path flows through:
Exhibition Zone → Experience Zone → Photo Zone → Local Specialty Sales Zone → Nightscape Area
For families, a rest zone near the central lawn is convenient. Accessibility has also been improved for visitors with disabilities and those with young children.
Transportation and Parking
Parking
Parking spaces near Masan Port Pier 1 are limited. Visitors are encouraged to use temporary city parking lots (such as near the Free Trade Zone or the old Masan Fish Market). Free shuttle buses are expected to operate similarly to 2024, connecting major festival sites with Masan Station and Changwon Seongsan Art Hall.
Public Transport
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Train: Masan Station → approx. 15 min walk
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Bus: Masanhapogu Office or Odong-dong Culture Square → approx. 10 min walk
Using public transport or visiting during weekday daytime hours is recommended, as traffic congestion is expected during weekend evening events such as fireworks and light ceremonies.
Nearby Attractions
Visitors can combine their festival trip with other local attractions:
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Odong-dong Culture Square: Lively street performances and food alley
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Changdong Art Village: Ideal for photography and art experiences
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Masan Marine New City: Scenic coastal walks and night views
Changwon hosts multiple fall festivals during this season, making it convenient to plan a full Changwon autumn festival tour.
Experience the Fragrance of Chrysanthemums in Changwon
The Masan Gagopa Chrysanthemum Festival 2025 is more than just a flower exhibition—it is a healing walking path in the city, full of visual and sensory delights. With free admission, it’s perfect for families, couples, and friends.
This autumn, immerse yourself in the lingering fragrance of Cheonhyang Yeosim, and enjoy the colorful chrysanthemums along the Masan coastline.
