VISIT JEJU

“Nakwhanori” refers to traditional fireworks on water. Its Korean name, which translates into English as ‘watching falling flowers’, reflects how the fireworks resemble flowers drifting in the wind as they fall onto the water.

It is made by hanging firecrackers made of oak ash between lanterns. When lit, the fireworks descend onto the water like falling petals.

In this form, Nakhwanori is considered one of Korea’s traditional folk games.

Typically, Nakwhanori can only be found in Haman-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do, but in Jeju, there is a place where you can enjoy this fireworks festival for a limited time: Flowave, in Hallim-eup, Jeju City. 

This festival will be held just over 100 days, starting on June 1.

Flowave is a café with a lava theme. 

Before it became famous for hosting the Nakwhanori Festival, Flowave gained viral attention for its unique concept of enjoying coffee amid the illusion of flowing lava. 

When you look out from inside the café through the large window, it appears as if lava is flowing just outside the building.

While the lava display is a rare sight, the Nakhwanori Festival, which Flowave is now hosting, is even harder to find in Jeju. Since it’s only open for 100 days, it’s worth a visit to see what the buzz is about.

You don’t have to pay extra to see the Nakwhanori. 

You can see the event for free if you visit the café. 

Many visitors choose to go outside to see the fireworks up close.

Another thing you can do is write a wish on a piece of paper and let it float on the water. To do this, you need to buy the wish paper. 

However, be sure to check Flowaves’s Instagram page for updates as the fireworks may not be available depending on weather conditions, such as heavy rain or wind.

If you want to reserve a private room, you must do so through Naver Reservation. 

You must order at least one drink or one menu item per person. 

Once you order your menu, you will receive a wristband to watch the festival. You can even eat in a separate space closer to the fireworks.

Flowave’s menu includes both food and drinks. 

For example, you can enjoy Deungppyeo Oreum (Roman-style braised pork backbone), Lava Tteokbokki, Jeju Red-banded Lobster Risotto, or Jeju Bracken Cream Pasta, as well as drinks such as Aurora Ade and Unripe Tangerine Affogato. 

Deungppyeo Oreum in particular, is Flowave’s signature dish. It was created by an Italian chef as a reinterpretation of the Roman-style braised oxtail (coda alla vaccinara) using Jeju pork backbone.

Note that if you write a review, you will receive a coupon for a free cafe Americano or a wish lantern.