A Time When Autumn Ripens in Wonju: The Warm Rural Scenery Encountered at the Samto Festival

The Breath of the Earth Encountered in Wonju, the Season of Harvest

When the scent of autumn begins to mingle with the chill in the air, a corner of my heart feels strangely soft. This weekend, I visited the 'Samto Festival (Samto Festival)', the warmest festival where the land and people of Wonju come together. Held around 170, Dangu-ro, Wonju-si, Gangwon-do, this festival was not just a place to sell agricultural products, but a precious space where one could feel the care and dedication that goes into the food on our tables.

As soon as I stepped inside, the pleasant smell of well-dried rice straw and the savory aroma of roasted agricultural products brushed against my nose. Just seeing the piles of radishes and cabbages freshly pulled from the soil, alongside the glossy Wonju Totomi (Wonju rice), made my heart feel abundant. Along the roadside, small busking stages decorated by local artists were set up, and a faint smile spread across the citizens' faces every time the melody of a guitar scattered into the autumn breeze.

Enjoying the Sincerity of Rural Life with All Five Senses

As the name 'Samto (Three Earths)' suggests, the Samto Festival is a place where soil, agriculture, and people harmonize. The experience of meeting producers and making eye contact while facing the precious agricultural products they grew themselves was a warmth that can never be felt in the sleek aisles of a supermarket. I truly loved the simple yet friendly dialect shared while picking out fresh food.

I also remember the rural experience booths where family visitors stood in lines. Children learned the process of how crops grow like a game by touching the soil, while parents watched them with pleased expressions. Some understood the heart of a sweating farmer by threshing rice, and others recalled the taste of the season they had forgotten while sharing freshly steamed corn. Rather than artificial decorations, the simple spaces that revealed the inherent identity of Wonju agriculture made me feel more at ease.

My Personal Records for Enjoying the Festival More Deeply

If you want to fully enjoy the Samto Festival, I hope you make sure to bring a sense of 'leisure'. It is most beautiful when the sun is slowly setting and the glow turns the festival grounds red. I recommend sitting on a bench and looking around when the sound of people's laughter softens and the performances on stage deliver deeper melodies. Even if you don't buy anything, simply being a part of that scenery is comforting enough.

When looking around, it is also a good idea to plan a course that includes enjoying the nature of Wonju. Since the area around Dangu-ro is a place where Wonju's city center and nature are well-balanced, I recommend visiting nearby parks or local cafes before or after the festival to slowly enjoy the autumn of Wonju. The parking lots or festival entrances can be crowded at certain times, so visiting in the early morning or late afternoon is the secret to a much more pleasant experience.