The Only Horizon in Korea Is in Gimje—Rice Harvesting Experience + Eating Korean Beef, a Perfect Match!

▲ The only horizon in Korea can be seen in Gimje. (Photo / Reporter Zhang Manni)

Reporter Zhang Manni / Reported from Korea

If you want to see the only horizon in all of Korea, this is the place to come to. Golden rice stalks sway in the wind, stretching into one line with the blue sky. Located in North Jeolla Province, Gimje City boasts this uniquely breathtaking view. The rice fields here were developed from reservoir land, and the fertile soil produces some of the highest-quality horizon rice. Known as Korea’s largest granary, the annual “Gimje Horizon Festival” held in the Byeokgolje area not only showcases the region’s traditional farming culture but also brings a vibrant and colorful feast.

▲ On the vast fields of Byeokgolje, you can always see everyone holding a kite. (Photo / Reporter Zhang Manni)

The 17th Gimje Horizon Festival, which just ended in October, has been selected as Korea’s representative festival for three consecutive years. Each year, the Horizon Festival sets new records: in 2009, the most people flew kites; in 2010, the longest rice cake was made; in 2012, as many as 2,042 people participated in the torch event to light up the night together, and so on. This year’s scale was even larger than before. In addition to offering 70 activities across 7 themes that allow visitors to personally experience rice harvesting, riding ox carts, and other rural traditions, there was also a new “Challenge: The Taegeuk Flag Soars” event, where 1,770 people flew kites simultaneously on Byeokgolje—a truly spectacular scene.

▲ The Horizon Festival features numerous farming and playful experiences that both adults and children absolutely love. (Photo / Reporter Zhang Manni)

Gimje, where you can take in the breathtaking view of “where heaven and earth meet,” was originally an irrigation embankment, but during the Japanese colonial period, the Japanese government converted it into rice paddies, as it still remains today. With its vast plains and the 1,700-year-old Byeokgolje Reservoir, it produces the largest amount of rice in Korea. Gimje is not only famous for its “Horizon Rice,” but its Korean beef—raised on organic barley—is known for its rich red color and tender, juicy texture, leaving an unforgettable impression after just one bite.

%Even if you’re not usually into farms, you’ll still have a great time at the Horizon Festival. (Photo / Reporter Zhang Manni)

▲ %In addition to experiencing farm life, visitors can also learn about local farming culture. (Photo / Reporter Zhang Manni)

At the Horizon Festival, in addition to trying your hand at rice harvesting, riding ox carts, wearing straw capes and conical hats, and taking photos in traditional Hanbok, parents can also bring their kids to the Farming History Theme Hall and Experience Hall, where they can learn about farming culture through fun mini-games. The “Tale of the Two Dragons” at Byeokgolje is also a major highlight of the festival. In addition to large sculptures of a green dragon and a white dragon set up on the embankment, there’s also a performance on the square reenacting the white dragon fighting the green dragon, which was trying to destroy the embankment. Visitors feel as though they’ve been transported back in time. When night falls, Byeokgolje becomes even livelier, with dazzling light shows and music, along with torches held by people, illuminating the night.

%Children especially love the dragon-themed performances. (Photo / Reporter Zhang Manni)

▲ %The green spaces on the embankment are decorated with giant dragon sculptures, and the plaza becomes a stage for dynamic performances. (Photos / Reporter Zhang Manni; bottom photo provided by the Korea Tourism Organization)

%The lights and music by the river create a magical atmosphere. (Photo / Korea Tourism Organization)