Although temperatures remain below freezing, early signs of spring have begun to appear in Hampyeong as the seasonal marker of Ipchun arrives.
In early February, amid sharp winter winds, butterflies that had spent the winter as pupae began emerging one by one inside the greenhouse of the Hampyeong Agricultural Technology Center’s butterfly breeding facility. Despite the lingering cold of early spring, the newly emerged butterflies fluttered actively among the plants, giving a vivid sense that spring is drawing closer.
These movements also signal the start of full-scale preparations for the 28th Hampyeong Butterfly Festival, which will open on April 24. The Hampyeong Agricultural Technology Center is maintaining optimal temperature and humidity conditions while carefully raising 17 species of butterflies, including the festival’s representative species, the Long Tail Spangle.
The butterflies nurtured at the center will be showcased during the 28th Hampyeong Butterfly Festival, to be held from April 24 to May 5 at Hampyeong Expo Park and its surrounding area. This year, the Long Tail Spangle has been selected as the representative butterfly, and tens of thousands are expected to take to the sky in a spectacular display. The festival will also feature hands-on programs that allow visitors to observe butterflies up close, along with a variety of attractions.
Moon Jeong-mo, director of the Hampyeong Agricultural Technology Center, said, “As butterflies take flight at the start of spring, I hope their wings will herald a bright year ahead for our county and the festival. We will make thorough preparations so that visitors can feel hope and happiness through the fluttering of butterflies.”
※ Photos in the Photo News are available in high resolution.
Source: Hampyeong-gun Office© Korea.info