The Gwangyang Plum Blossom Festival, one of South Korea’s most favored spring flower events, will not be offered for free this year, opting instead to charge admission for the first time since its launch in 1997, the Gwangyang City Government, which organizes the event, said Thursday.

According to the city in South Jeolla Province, admission for the upcoming festival now in its 23rd edition, will be 5,000 won for adults and 4,000 won for teenagers under 19 years old.

The decision was made to help local residents financially and turn the Gwangyang Plum Blossom Festival into a sustainable spring event, according to a city official.

However, the admission fee will be returned as a voucher, which can be used at festival venues anytime during the 10-day festival period beginning March 7, the city government said.

Free admission will be granted to individuals who meet any of the following criteria: older than 65 years old, under 6 years old, residents of Gwangyang under 19 years old, disabled, or individuals with distinguished service to the state. Verification of eligibility is required with valid identification.

“As Gwangyang decided to charge admission fees for this year’s Gwangyang Plum Blossom Festival, we will make utmost efforts to entertain vacationers and present a unique experience that can only be enjoyed at the upcoming flower festival,” a Gwangyang city official said in a press release Thursday.

The Gwangyang Plum Blossom Festival annually invites flower lovers from across the nation to the 33-square-meter plum grove in Seomjingang Village, home to the largest number of plum blossom trees in the country.

Visitors can take a light stroll around the village, walk beneath the plum blossoms, capture the spring moment and enjoy local organic plum products.