In the late 1990s, numerous reports described Suncheon Bay as the best wetland area in Korea. Suncheon Bay, home to Korea's best foreshore, is called the reed kingdom of Korea.

Held in Suncheon Bay, the Reed Festival celebrates its 11th anniversary this year and continues to offer beautiful scenic views of the bay as well as numerous things for visitors to see and do. The festival's main attraction is the spectacular reeds growing in an area of almost 37 acres, not to mention 140 species of rare birds, which include 110 species designated as protected species such as the hooded crane, stork, blackfaced spoonbill, and oysterbird.

Festival Program: Major hands-on programs include the Suncheon Bay Expedition (visitors journey by boat to explore the bay); the Among-the-Reeds Ecological Experience in which visitors walk among the reeds; Environmental Protection Kite Flying, which is sure to revive some childhood memories; the Reed Hut Experience, reed crafts, twisting straw rope, rice cake pounding, and clay crafts programs.

There will also be a Suncheon Bay photo exhibit, painting exhibit, family exhibit of illustrated poems, as well as a permanent exhibition of reed craftworks, hwangpo sailboat, and farm machines. In the Namdo Gimchi Specialty Food Exhibition, visitors can purchase Namdo salted fish, Suncheon Bay wild rice and Suncheon sweet persimmons at inexpensive prices.

Throughout the festival, there will be a variety of things to see, but the first stop should be the Nature Ecology Pavilion. A one- to two-hour visit gives visitors a general understanding of the foreshore and ecology of Suncheon Bay. In addition to a pleasant walk through the reed fields after crossing the Mokgyo Bridge, festival-goers can enjoy the Suncheon Bay exploration boat or take a bike ride. Such options will allow them to see the most innermost part of the bay, which is accessible only by boat.

They will also see suaeda japonica flowers when they turn red. The suaeda japonica is said to change colors seven times throughout the year. At their peak, petals turn deep purple in late fall. The deep purple flowers and abundant reed tassels are striking, and form one of the best vistas of Suncheon Bay.

Festival Highlights
Nestled within a reed field, Daedae-dong village is the largest community near the wharf. There is an embankment along its foreshore, making it the best place to view the reeds. The thick early-morning fog in late fall also creates a memorable view of the bay.

Other nearby tourist sites include Songwangsa Temple, Seonamsa Temple, Naganeupseong Folk Village, Nagan Hot Spring, Sangsaho Lake, and Juamho Dolmen Park, so a visit to the festival could easily be combined with visits to one or more of these sites.