• Journal of the Korean association of regional geographers
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• v.9 no.3
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• pp.233-247
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• 2003

The purpose of this study focuses on the spatial evolution and characteristics of cultural tourism festivals in Chonnam province of Korea. More than 58 community festivals functioned with hallmark events are held annually in the Chonnam province. Most of community festivals were mainly established since 1995, and more than 48 percents of festivals are held in October and May. Spatial diffusion process of festival are divided into three phases: a primary stage before 1995, a diffusion stage from 1995 to 1999, and a condensing stage since 2000 Cultural tourism festivals began at some areas such as Mokpo, Yesu, and Gurye in 1960's, and spread all over the counties of Chonnam province. During diffusion stage, 51.7 percent of all festivals were newly held. The themes and purposes of festival, and the typology of community festivals were transformed with diffusion stage. In festival purpose, community reconciliation and unity festivals were held in primary stage, tourism oriented festivals were held in diffusion and condensing stage. In the festival themes, community culture and folk arts festival were held in primary stage, however, community history and environment & ecological festivals are held in condensing stage. In addition, the typology of community festivals was transformed according to diffusion stage. Thus it was transformed from indigenous festivals of primary stage to commercialized indigenous festivals of condensing stage.