A light jacket or blanket as the venue is next to the lake, a portable chair/mini mat, light snacks and water, comfortable shoes, bug spray

CAR

The Sejong Falling Flower Festival—also known as Nakhwa Nori (낭화놀이) is a breathtaking traditional fireworks display where tiny charcoal embers are ignited and released from elevated positions, cascading downward in a mesmerizing shower of golden sparks. The effect resembles petals gently drifting from a tree in bloom, creating the illusion of falling flowers. This ancient art form dates back to the Joseon Dynasty (15th–16th centuries), when Koreans reimagined fireworks—not as explosions that soared into the sky, but as embers that floated gracefully down into streams at night. Unlike conventional fireworks, Nakhwa Nori tries to create a meditative experience, avoiding the use of gunpowder. Instead, small pouches filled with a mixture of charcoal made from salt and burnt mulberry are carefully strung onto ropes, suspended over water, and set ablaze manually using torches. As the flames spread through the charcoal, they create an ethereal, cascading glow that reflects beautifully on the water’s surface, evoking a dreamlike sense of peace and introspection. Held annually in the city of Sejong in May, this festival is a prayer for well-being, peace, prosperity, and a bountiful year ahead. Its timeless beauty has also inspired modern artists—most notably, BTS’s Kim Namjoon (RM), who featured Nakhwa Nori fireworks in his music video ‘Wildflower.’ Having experienced it firsthand, I can say that the sight of these falling embers truly feels like stepping into a dream.✨🌸