{
  "id": 15850188,
  "title": "Japanese tourists flock to Haman County for unique cultural experiences",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/21/japanese-tourists-flock-to-haman-county-for-unique-cultural",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-21T05:42:04.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Korea Times",
    "slug": "the-korea-times-koreatimes",
    "url": "https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/southkorea/20261021/japanese-tourists-flock-to-haman-county-for-unique-cultural-experiences"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "On October 15, the evening sky over Mujinjeong Pavilion in Haman County, South Gyeongsang Province, was illuminated by a breathtaking display of traditional Korean fireworks. Locals ignited around 3,000 nak-hwa sticks, creating a mesmerizing spectacle of red sparks that danced upon the water's surface. The ethereal glow blurred the line between heaven and earth, leaving visitors in awe of the unique cultural experience.\n\nSato Mio, a 44-year-old tourist from Osaka, was struck by the downward-falling fireworks, describing them as \"truly magical.\" \"I’ve never seen fireworks that fall downward rather than shoot up into the sky. They’re truly magical,\" she remarked. Her travel companion, Suzuki Ren, 47, echoed her sentiments, sharing that he'd visited Seoul and Busan multiple times, but this was his first time in Haman. \"I've definitely wanted to come back if the opportunity arises,\" he added.",
  "summary": "“Metcha kirei!” The Japanese exclamation, which means \"it's really beautiful,\" rang out at Mujinjeong Pavilion in Haman County, South Gyeongsang Province, as dusk settled on the evening of Oct. 15. When local residents set fire to around 3,000 nak-hwa sticks — made by wrapping oak charcoal powder in hanji, traditional Korean paper, and twisting it into long wicks — a torrent of vivid red sparks…",
  "key_points": [
    "3,000 nak-hwa sticks lit in Mujinjeong Pavilion's evening sky",
    "Tourist Sato Mio describes downward-falling fireworks as magical",
    "First-time visitor Suzuki Ren plans to return to Haman County"
  ],
  "editors_take": "The popularity of these traditional downward-falling fireworks signals a shift toward regional cultural tourism as international visitors seek specialized experiences beyond the standard metropolitan hubs of Seoul and Busan.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Korea Times",
        "title": "Japanese tourists flock to Haman County for unique cultural experiences",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/21/japanese-tourists-flock-to-haman-county-for-unique-cultural-15853975",
        "published": "2026-10-21T06:37:03.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}