Changwon City reports that its Children's Day Special Experience at the Persimmon Theme Park drew big crowds over three days, running from May 2–5 (the park was closed on the 4th).
The festivities took place on the park’s lawn plaza and in its hands-on education hall, offering a lineup of family-friendly activities designed for kids and their caregivers.
Guests got hands-on with Changwon’s signature fruit, crafting persimmon drinks and dani cookies in a lively, Instagram-ready workshop. The persimmon experiences highlighted local flavor while delivering equal parts fun and deliciousness, earning enthusiastic feedback from visitors.
At the thatched-roof area, families gathered to blow giant soap bubbles in a natural setting—an easy, tactile activity that left kids with sweet, sun-soaked memories.
Strengthening post-project oversight of protected-horticulture support programs — stepping up efforts to block fraudulent subsidy claims
The Changwon Agricultural Technology Center said it’s tightening post-project oversight of nationally funded programs in protected horticulture. Inspectors conducted field checks during the post-management period to prevent improper subsidy use.
The inspections targeted programs such as the Smart Farm ICT Convergence Initiative (facility distribution, energy savings, and modernization of protected horticulture) and the Agricultural Energy Efficiency Project. Teams focused on facilities that require ongoing management, verifying how they’re operated and whether subsidy spending was appropriate after project completion.
Inspectors paid close attention to whether facilities were running properly, being used only for their intended purposes, and not removed or transferred without authorization. They also evaluated whether projects actually boosted farm income and operational efficiency. Feedback and suggested improvements gathered from farmers will be forwarded to relevant government agencies.
Kang Jong-sun, director of the Agricultural Technology Center, said, "Because these protected-horticulture support programs involve significant public funds, rigorous post-project management is essential. We will maximize project benefits through continuous field inspections and ensure subsidies are used transparently."
24th Changwon National Folk Ox Strength Competition draws thousands
The Agricultural Technology Center reports that the 24th Changwon National Folk Ox Strength Competition, held April 29–May 3 in the Magumsan Hot Spring area of Buk-myeon, Uichang District, attracted roughly 4,000 spectators per day on average and about 20,000 attendees across five days.
Preliminaries ran April 29–May 1, with the main tournament kicking off after the opening ceremony on May 2. A total of 157 renowned contest oxen from across the country competed, delivering impressive displays of strength. Fans kept filling the stands through the finals, keeping the atmosphere electric.
Competitors were divided into Baekdu, Hangang, and Taebaek weight classes, with matchups set by lottery and contested in head-to-head format. In the Baekdu class, Jeil from Cheongdo County took first place.
Cheongdo County’s Hwarang won the Hangang class, and Gangseong from Daegu captured the Taebaek crown—each victory greeted by standing ovations.
Eventgoers also enjoyed side attractions, including a Nanta percussion show, booths promoting livestock products, and prize raffles, ensuring plenty of entertainment beyond the ring.
Kang Jong-sun said, "I hope this competition provided an approachable way for people to connect with our traditional culture. I invite residents and visitors to continue enjoying Changwon's festivals and to create many beautiful memories."
Major bridge railings to bloom with Shapinia flowers
The Agricultural Technology Center announced plans to plant Shapinia along the railings of major bridges across Changwon, Masan, and Jinhae to create vibrant, flower-lined routes.
The project will outfit 14 sites totaling 2,115 m in Changwon, six sites totaling 1,952 m in Masan, and three sites totaling 537 m in Jinhae with Shapinia, adding distinctive floral accents to the urban landscape.
Unlike flat, conventional flowerbeds, these railing installations will add a three-dimensional visual element to cityscapes. The city will maintain the plantings through October with regular watering and weeding to keep the displays fresh and the urban environment pleasant.
Kang Jong-sun said, "By installing Shapinia along bridge railings across Changwon, we aim to create vibrant scenery that brings energy and joy to residents' daily lives and help make Changwon an even more beautiful, flower-filled city."
Recruiting farms for the second-half 2026 seasonal foreign worker program
The Changwon Agricultural Technology Center is recruiting employers through the 20th for participation in the second-half 2026 seasonal foreign worker program.
The program addresses agricultural labor shortages by inviting family members of marriage immigrants who live abroad to come work on farms in need of seasonal help.
Eligible applicants are farmers registered as agricultural operators with addresses in Changwon. Depending on cultivated area, farms may apply to hire up to six seasonal foreign workers.
Participating farms must provide suitable housing, pay wages at or above the statutory minimum hourly rate, comply with labor standards, and enroll workers in required seasonal-worker insurance.
After assessing demand from farms, the city plans to recruit locally based marriage immigrants as seasonal workers in June. Once allocations are finalized through the Ministry of Justice screening process, the city will support entry procedures to help farms secure necessary labor.
Interested farms should submit applications at their local town, township, or neighborhood administrative welfare center. Details are available on the Changwon City website, and applicants can contact the Agricultural Policy Division at the Agricultural Technology Center for more information.
