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Firefly

Also known in Korean as gaettongbeolle, the firefly has a dark-colored body with a reddish-orange pronotum (the shield-like plate behind the head), marked by a central black line and protrusions on both sides of the center. The secret behind its glow lies in a chemical reaction: luciferin interacts with luciferase in the presence of oxygen, producing the iconic bioluminescent light.



Sadly, due to environmental pollution, fireflies have become rare in Korea and are difficult to spot in the wild. However, there is one place where they still thrive: the Namdaecheon stream in Seolcheon-myeon, Muju County, Jeollabuk-do. This area has been designated as a Natural Monument (No. 322) and is under special protection for firefly preservation.

As twilight gently falls, visitors embark on the Mystical Firefly Exploration, the highlight of the Muju Firefly Festival. In the stillness of the evening, one can witness the glowing courtship dance of male fireflies, flashing signals of love into the night. When a female, moved by a particular signal, flickers her light once or twice in return, she accepts his invitation to mate.

The Namdaecheon stream, flowing softly through the foot of Deogyusan Mountain, nourishes peaceful mountain villages, forming the heart of Muju’s untouched nature. This area is one of the few remaining firefly habitats in Korea—a testament to its pristine ecology.

Insects like fireflies can only survive in clean, balanced ecosystems. That’s why the people of Muju host the Muju Firefly Festival, a celebration devoted to the protection and propagation of these glowing jewels of the night.

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