The name Samsu in Samsudong, Taebaek refers to three rivers that trace their origins to the same highland: the Han River, which flows westward along the Baekdudaegan mountain spine through Seoul and into the Yellow Sea; the Nakdong River, which heads south past Busan's Eulsukdo islet to meet the South Sea; and the Osipcheon, which winds through the Gyeongdong massif on the eastern side of the Baekdudaegan 50 times before reaching the East Sea through Samcheok's coastline.
All three rivers have their source in Taebaek. Climbing above Samsuryeong ridge in Samsudong, visitors reach Maebongsan's Baramui Eondeok — the Hill of Wind. Where the Baekdudaegan splits toward the Yeongnam Alps and Jirisan, it forms a vast highland plateau swept by strong winds. Atop the hill stands a large wind farm, the Maebongsan Wind Power Plant.
Maebongsan is also home to a recently popular forest retreat known as the "Heavenly Forest."
A pinwheel festival is held in Samsudong, a place whose very name evokes the birthplace of three great rivers. It is a celebration where visitors can feel the area's singular energy in body and spirit — with performances by a trot competition champion and generous food offerings adding to the occasion.
The Taebaek Samsudong Festival Committee announced Tuesday that the fourth Samsu Pinwheel Festival will be held Saturday and Sunday.
Held under the theme "Laugh with the Wind, Heal with the Sunshine," the festival will welcome visitors with a variety of programs at the Geomnyongso Cheoulmul Ecology Garden in Changjuk-dong, Taebaek — the source of the Han River.
On the festival's opening day Saturday, singer Ahn Sung-hoon — winner of "Mr. Trot 2" — will headline a large opening concert expected to set a lively tone for the event. Musical performances will continue throughout both days, including saxophone recitals, 1970s and '80s acoustic guitar sets, and shows by local singers.
Other programs include a trekking course to Geomnyongso, an experience zone themed around travel through a "land of wind," and audience-participation stage events designed to appeal to all generations. Lucky-draw raffles with product prizes will be held daily.
Food stalls will add to the festival atmosphere. The "Pinwheel Restaurant" will serve traditional bibimbap, yukgaejang (spicy beef soup) and muk-sabal (acorn jelly soup), alongside a variety of snacks, and a makgeolli tasting and sales event will also be held.
Choi Chang-su, chairman of the Samsudong Festival Committee, said the fourth edition of the Samsu Pinwheel Festival had been prepared more thoroughly than ever so that everyone could enjoy Taebaek's pristine natural surroundings in comfort. "We hope you will visit with family and loved ones, laugh with the wind and heal in the sunshine, and take home the pure energy of Geomnyongso," he said.
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