CreatripTeam

Cheongsong County’s vast ‘Oxygen Cafe Cheongsong Garden’ has become Korea’s largest zinnia (baekilhong) garden, covering about 148,000 m² and drawing over 100,000 visitors each autumn. Once damaged by Typhoon Kong-rey in 2018, the reclaimed hillside was transformed by local residents and officials into a four-season flower park—spring barley, summer poppies, and autumn zinnias—now praised as a symbol of regeneration. The garden offers photo spots, facilities, and plans to expand paths, parking, night lights, and plant hydrangeas and lavender for year-round blooms. To boost the local economy, the county will convert admission fees into a local currency ('Cheongsong Love Money') that can be spent at nearby shops and accommodations. Concurrently, the 19th Cheongsong Apple Festival celebrates the region’s famed apples (e.g., Fuji and Sinano Gold) with exhibits, tasting, hands-on programs, hybrid online events, and nightly performances by popular singers. Officials hope the garden and festival reinforce community recovery, attract tourism, and stimulate local spending.