The 26th annual Love for Nature Blue Heart Art Festival, open to kindergarteners (ages 3-6) and elementary students nationwide, will be held on April 20th at the Huvis Jeonju Factory. Following the tradition of hosting the event each spring, it returns after seven months since its last iteration in September.

The Love for Nature Blue Heart Art Festival, co-hosted by the Samyang Group's Soodang Foundation (Chairman Kim Yoon), Samyang Corporation, Samyang Hwasung, and the chemical fiber specialist Huvis and supported by the Ministry of Environment, was initiated in 1996 to raise awareness of environmental importance. Last year, after switching back to an in-person format following four years of virtual events due to the pandemic, the festival drew a crowd of over 3,000 attendees.

Similar to last year, this year’s art contest will be divided into three categories for kindergarteners, lower grades, and upper grades of elementary school, running from 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM. To ensure a level playing field, the theme for the drawings will be clearly defined and disclosed on the day of the competition, with meticulous oversight in place.

The total prize money for the art contest amounts to 16.8 million KRW. Three grand prize winners (Minister of Environment Award) will each receive 1 million KRW, six gold winners (Soodang Foundation Chairman Award, Jeonbuk Special Self-Governing Province Superintendent Award) will each receive 700,000 KRW, followed by △six silver winners (500,000 KRW each) △six bronze winners (300,000 KRW each) △nine honorable mentions (200,000 KRW each) △and 100 commendations (30,000 KRW each), totaling 130 winners. All participants submitting drawings will receive a commemorative gift.

Aligned with the event’s focus on environmental conservation, various interactive programs will be offered, including crafting pots and keychains from recycled coffee grounds, adorning eco-conscious pouches, and producing framed environmental art pieces.

A new ‘Eco Flea Market’ will also be available for participants and their families. This market encourages recycling by selling affordable household items such as toys, books, clothes, and shoes. Flea market participation can be applied for during pre-registration for the art contest.

Pre-registration for the Love for Nature Blue Heart Art Festival is currently open on the website (http://www.naturelovefestival.com). Unlike last year, this year’s event will operate entirely through pre-registration. Detailed registration methods and the event schedule can be found on the website.

Bae Yong-jun, the head of Samyang's Jeonju EP Factory, stated, "The Love for Nature Blue Heart Art Festival has established itself as an environmental festival where the community can come together to learn about the importance of nature and create joyful memories. We anticipate more participation this year as we have prepared various engaging and entertaining activities."