{
  "id": 15853975,
  "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",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-21T06:37:03.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Korea Times",
    "slug": "the-korea-times",
    "url": "https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/southkorea/20261021/japanese-tourists-flock-to-haman-county-for-unique-cultural-experiences"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "On the evening of October 15, a unique cultural spectacle unfolded at Mujinjeong Pavilion in Haman County, South Gyeongsang Province, Japan. The scene was described as \"truly beautiful\" by the Japanese phrase \"Metcha kirei.\" Local residents set ablaze approximately 3,000 nak-hwa sticks, traditional Korean paper lanterns wrapped around oak charcoal powder. As dusk descended, these sticks released a cascade of crimson sparks that danced upon the water's surface of a nearby pond. The shimmering embers blurred the line between heaven and earth, producing a surreal, dreamlike ambiance.\n\nTraveler Sato Mio, 44, from Osaka, Japan, expressed her amazement at the phenomenon. \"I've never witnessed fireworks falling downwards rather than shooting upwards into the sky. They are truly magical,\" she remarked. \"I am in awe of the ingenuity of Koreans from the past who devised such exquisite displays of fire.\" Her companion, Suzuki Ren, 47, nodded in agreement, expressing his appreciation for the experience. Although he had visited Seoul and Busan numerous times, this was his initial encounter with Haman County. \"I would certainly return if given the opportunity,\" Suzuki stated.",
  "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": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "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",
        "published": "2026-10-21T05:42:04.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}