Gyeongju Turns 4,700-Square-Meter Wasteland in Front of Gameunsaji into Cosmos Garden; Hosts Weekend Pet Festival, Gyocheon Busking and More

Munmudaewang-myeon Employees Personally Watered the Flowers to Create a Stunning Garden
A "Pet Dog Festival" for the Happiness of People and Animals
"2026 Gyocheon Busking" Kicks Off with Views of Woljeonggyo Bridge at Night
Water Pollution Response Drill Held; 39 Projects Selected for the Policy Project Disclosure System

Gyeongju is bringing new life to downtown areas across the city this fall.

After transforming a large neglected lot into a flower garden, the city is preparing to welcome residents and tourists with a variety of cultural and tourism events, including a dog festival and Gyocheon Busking.

It is also stepping up efforts to strengthen its administrative capacity by selecting projects for its Policy Project Disclosure System, which promotes transparent city administration.

A wasteland in front of the Gameunsa Temple Site in Gyeongju transformed into a flower garden. Photo provided by Gyeongju City.

Gyeongju City announced on October 15 that it had renovated a 4,700-square-meter vacant lot in front of Gameunsaji in Yongdang-ri, Munmudaewang-myeon, and created a flower garden for tourists.

The project was launched to improve the scenery around Gameunsaji and provide tourists with a new attraction and a place to rest.

Starting in March, Munmudaewang-myeon prepared the site and plowed the land, then created flower beds, planted golden euonymus and crape myrtles, and installed a palm-fiber walking path.

The project faced challenges, including a severe drought that prevented the sown rapeseed seeds from germinating properly. However, employees of Munmudaewang-myeon devoted themselves to watering the site with a wildfire suppression vehicle, and yellow cosmos have been in full bloom since September.

The city expects the flower garden to contribute significantly to local tourism by linking it with nearby attractions, including the Royal Tomb of King Munmu and Girimsa Temple.

Gyeongju Mayor Joo Nak-young said, "Despite the difficult conditions, our employees' sustained efforts enabled us to create a beautiful flower garden. We will continue to maintain it so that visitors can enjoy a variety of attractions."

Gyeongju City will hold the 2026 Gyeongju Pet Dog Festival at Querencia at The-K Hotel Gyeongju from October 17 to 18.

Organized by Animal Welfare Solidarity Gonggam, the event aims to promote a mature pet culture.

On the first day, October 17, activities will include a pet knowledge true-or-false quiz and a mini agility course, as well as a special lecture by veterinarian Lee Sewon on caring for dogs at different stages of life.

On the second day, October 18, the program will feature a dog race and talent show, followed by a lecture on animal behavior by veterinarian Chae Mingyeong.

The event will also include a drawing contest for kindergarten and elementary school students, an opportunity to meet Donggyeongi dogs, and photo zones to raise awareness of the Gyeongju Donggyeongi, a natural monument designated No. 540. Anyone may attend for free, whether or not they have a pet.

The 2026 Gyocheon Busking series will take place in the courtyard of the Gyeongju Gyocheon Village information center every Friday and Saturday from October 16 to 24.

Hosted by Gyeongju City and organized by the Gyeongju Cultural Foundation, the event will be set against the atmosphere of a traditional hanok village and the beautiful night view of Woljeonggyo Bridge.

Twelve groups from across the country will perform a wide range of genres, including classical music, jazz, pop, hip-hop, acoustic music, and popera.

In addition to piano, guitar, and saxophone performances, unusual instruments such as the matouqin and loop station will help make Gyeongju's autumn nights even more enchanting.

Separately, on October 14, Gyeongju City conducted a joint public-private disaster response drill in the Geumjangdae area of Seokjang-dong. The drill simulated an accident involving an oil transport vehicle and tested initial response procedures and the ability to prevent the spread of pollution.

Also on October 14, the city held a City Administration Coordination Committee meeting and selected and disclosed 39 projects under the "2026 Priority Projects for the Policy Project Disclosure System." The projects include major city administration issues and large-scale initiatives, such as the Citizens' Roundtable Conference and restoration work in the area around the Royal Tomb of King Munmu. The city is working to improve administrative transparency and accountability.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.