The Haenam Minam Festival: A Taste of Korea's Beautiful South

Haenam, sitting at the southern tip of Korea, is a region known for its peaceful landscapes, rich agriculture, and deep cultural heritage. Surrounded by mountains, coastline, and endless fields, it’s a place where life feels slower in the best way. Haenam is famous for its top-quality rice, sweet potatoes, seaweed, napa cabbage and fresh seafood, ingredients that shape the local cuisine and give the area its proud “taste of the south.” With historic temples like Daeheungsa, scenic trails on Dalmasan or Ttangkkeut Village, the southernmost tip of the Korean peninsula, and charming spots like the Duryun maze park, Haenam blends nature, history, and local flavor into a destination that’s just as relaxing as it is memorable.

Every autumn, as kimchi season reaches its peak and the Korean landscape glows with colorful foliage, Haenam celebrates its abundance with one of its most remarkable events: the Minam Festival (해남미남축제).

The flower garden at the Minam Festival 2025. Photos by Melline Galani

Let’s start with the name itself. “Minam” (미남) carries a fun double meaning. On one hand, it refers to 맛남, which points to the “taste of the south”,  Haenam’s famous agricultural and marine products. On the other hand, it echoes 미남, meaning “handsome man.” Combine them and you get a festival that’s both delicious and beautiful, a perfect summary of Haenam’s character. It’s clever, warm, and a little playful, just like the county itself.

The moment you step into the festival grounds, you’re greeted by a massive chrysanthemum garden, different every year but always bursting with color. Giant floral sculptures, winding paths, and bright autumn petals create the perfect backdrop for photos or for simply taking a slow stroll with friends. The air feels light and cozy, and once the sun starts setting, the LED-lit displays give the garden a soft, dreamy glow.

Enjoying a warm tea.

Sausage barbeque.

Tteokguk.

Then, of course, there’s the food , one of the biggest highlights. At the festival, you’ll find everything from traditional side dishes to local products. Depending on the year there’s free kimchi-making event or free steaming bowls of tteokguk (김떡국) to enjoy, made with Haenam rice and laver. There’s also sausage barbecue grilling away, local specialties on display, and pop-up stalls offering tastes you won’t easily forget. If you’re someone who loves discovering regional flavors, this place is basically a playground.

The Minam Festival 2023. Kimchi making and the flower garden. Photos by Melline Galani

The festival is also a celebration of community. People from different towns come together proudly showcasing their specialties, and you’ll see families, visitors, and even travelers from abroad comfortably blending into the crowd. It’s welcoming, warm, and surprisingly relaxing despite the festive atmosphere. Many visitors wander into Duryun Maze Park as I did, right nearby, a charming space where you can get “accidentally lost” with your friends and laugh your way through finding the exit.

The Duryun Maze Park. Photo by Melline Galani

And if you want to explore beyond the festival? Haenam has some amazing nearby attractions. Daeheungsa Temple, resting calmly in the forest, offers beautiful trails and a peaceful atmosphere and just 5 minutes’ drive by car. On the other side, Mihwangsa Temple on Dalmasan gives you sweeping views that feel like a postcard. The region is also known for its coastal scenery and slow-paced countryside charm, making it a great weekend getaway.

An old pavilion at Daeheungsa Temple. Photo by Melline Galani.

So why should you come to the Haenam Minam Festival? Because it wraps everything good about autumn in Korea into one place: flowers, flavor, music, friendly people, and a warm sense of tradition. It’s the kind of festival that doesn’t just entertain you; it recharges you.

If you’re looking for a festival that blends delicious food, autumn colors, local culture, and a whole lot of good vibes, the Haenam Minam Festival, proudly sponsored by Haenam County, is one of those events you’ll talk about long after you leave. It’s the kind of festival where you can try an authentic taste of Korea and come for a quick look… and somehow end up staying the whole day, lost between flower gardens, music, and endless snacks.

Group photo with our sponsor from the Haenam County. Photo courtesy of @genie_culture24 (our trip organizer).