Where Orange Autumn Lingers: An Emotional Journey to the Cheongdo Bansi Festival

Cheongdo on an Autumn Day Painted in Orange

The landscape brushing past the window has begun to take on a deep autumn hue. As someone who particularly loves autumn, I visit Cheongdo, Gyeongsangbuk-do, around this time every year when the sweet scent of persimmons fills the air. Autumn in Cheongdo, famous for its seedless persimmons called 'Bansi', is truly filled with a golden orange glow. As soon as I heard the news that the 'Cheongdo Bansi Festival' will be held around the Cheongdo Outdoor Theater (Cheongdo Ya-oe Gongyeonjang) from October 17th to 19th this year, my heart has already raced to Cheongdo.

This year's festival is held under the cute title 'Cheongdo Fun(Ban) See(Si) Festival' alongside the World Comedy Art Festival, so I expect a non-stop sequence of spectacles and laughter. I can already feel a smile spreading across my face as I imagine the faint, sweet scent of ripe persimmons (Hongsi) carried on the cool autumn breeze.

The Charm of Bansi Enjoyed with All Five Senses

Upon arriving at the festival grounds, the first thing that catches your eye will likely be the endless stalls selling premium Cheongdo Bansi. Just looking at the glossy orange Bansi makes one feel a sense of abundance. Beyond just eating, the experience of picking persimmons yourself or dyeing fabric with persimmon juice becomes an unforgettable autumn memory for both children and adults.

What's interesting is the unique program called the 'Human Bansi Vending Machine.' The scene of people smiling and sharing Bansi in this venue, which is full of ingenious ideas, is heartwarming just to think about. Creative desserts using persimmons await at the Bansi Food Zone, so you should leave some room in your stomach. The band festival and the melodies of local artists echoing throughout the festival grounds will surely heighten the autumn atmosphere to the fullest.

Friendly Tips to Enjoy the Festival 200%

The festival runs for three days from Friday to Sunday in October. Personally, I would recommend visiting on a Friday afternoon or Saturday morning when it is not too crowded. If you find a spot at the venue around 2 PM when the sun is warm and enjoy the passionate performances of singers Kim Da-hyun and Park Seo-jin during the closing ceremony, it will be a perfect autumn day.

The location is around the Cheongdo Outdoor Theater (Cheongdo Ya-oe Gongyeonjang) at 1846 Cheongnyeo-ro, Hwayang-eup, Cheongdo-gun, Gyeongbuk. There are many quiet attractions nearby, such as Cheongdo Eupseong Walled Town (Cheongdo Eupseong), so it is a great place to enjoy a leisurely walk before or after visiting the festival. Please make sure to bring a light outer layer in preparation for the chilly evening air. A cup of warm tea, a sweet Bansi, and a precious person by your side—isn't that what happiness is?

Autumn in Cheongdo is short, which makes it even more precious. This weekend, I hope you have a time that sweetens your heart in Cheongdo, dyed in shades of orange.