Starting as early as March, the cold winds and freezing temperatures of winter begin to subside as spring draws near. In Korea, a wide array of events celebrating the season are held throughout the country, where many activities take to the outdoors thanks to the milder weather.
The return of the warmer weather not only brings countless beautiful wild flowers into bloom, but also gives families a chance to spend precious time with their loved ones through all the various activities that can be taken advantage of outdoors. Read on for the list of festivals celebrating the lovely spring atmosphere in Korea.
The return of the warmer weather not only brings countless beautiful wild flowers into bloom, but also gives families a chance to spend precious time with their loved ones through all the various activities that can be taken advantage of outdoors. Read on for the list of festivals celebrating the lovely spring atmosphere in Korea.
The beauty of spring in bloom!
From the beginning of March when the air is still cool, spring announces its arrival in Korea with a blanket of white and yellow blossoms spread like a quilt all over the nation. The warmer season sees a host of festivals take place in Korea where visitors can stroll among the blossoming spring flowers and see the country at its finest.
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Walk in the sweet scent at Gwangyang International Maehwa Festival
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Period: March 17-25, 2018
Venue: Areas of Seomjin Village & Gwangyang-si, Jeollanam-do
Description: Gwangyang International Maehwa Festival is one of the first destinations in Jeollanam-do to greet spring. The apricot blossoms fill the festival grounds with their sweet scent, signaling the start of spring. After crossing the beautiful Maehwagyo Bridge, take a seat in the shade of one of the trees lining the road. The festival also offers a variety of delicious treats, including mussels, chamgetang (spicy mitten crab stew), and dishes made with maesil (green plum).
Venue: Areas of Seomjin Village & Gwangyang-si, Jeollanam-do
Description: Gwangyang International Maehwa Festival is one of the first destinations in Jeollanam-do to greet spring. The apricot blossoms fill the festival grounds with their sweet scent, signaling the start of spring. After crossing the beautiful Maehwagyo Bridge, take a seat in the shade of one of the trees lining the road. The festival also offers a variety of delicious treats, including mussels, chamgetang (spicy mitten crab stew), and dishes made with maesil (green plum).
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A yellow blanket covering Jirisan Mountain, Gurye Sansuyu Festival
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Period: March 17-25, 2018
Venue: Area of Jirisan Mountain Hot Springs Resort, Sandong-myeon, Gurye-gun, Jeollanam-do
Description: Taking place in the hot springs resort area of Jirisan Mountain, visitors to Gurye Sansuyu Festival can enjoy a vibrant taste of spring with the yellow sansuyu (cornelian cherry) flowers. The festival schedule includes performances and fireworks, as well as experiences and foods and drinks made with sansuyu.
Venue: Area of Jirisan Mountain Hot Springs Resort, Sandong-myeon, Gurye-gun, Jeollanam-do
Description: Taking place in the hot springs resort area of Jirisan Mountain, visitors to Gurye Sansuyu Festival can enjoy a vibrant taste of spring with the yellow sansuyu (cornelian cherry) flowers. The festival schedule includes performances and fireworks, as well as experiences and foods and drinks made with sansuyu.
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Meet the first cherry blossoms of the year at Jeju Cherry Blossom Festival
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Period: March 30 - April 8, 2018
Venue: Area of Jeju National Univ. Entrance, Jeonnong-ro, Jangjeon-ri, Jeju-do
Description: The Jeju Cherry Blossom Festival is where the nation’s first cherry blossoms can be seen. The festival features a cherry blossom photo zone as well as various other programs to enjoy. In addition, the festival can be enjoyed fully day or night with the use of a vast lighting system.
Venue: Area of Jeju National Univ. Entrance, Jeonnong-ro, Jangjeon-ri, Jeju-do
Description: The Jeju Cherry Blossom Festival is where the nation’s first cherry blossoms can be seen. The festival features a cherry blossom photo zone as well as various other programs to enjoy. In addition, the festival can be enjoyed fully day or night with the use of a vast lighting system.
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A must-visit for couples, Hwagae Cherry Blossom Festival
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Period: April 7–8, 2018
Venue: Area of Fire Station, Hwagae-myeon, Hadong-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do
Description: Hwagae Cherry Blossom Festival is held around Hwagae Market, a traditional open-air market situated on the border between Hadong in Gyeongsangnam-do and Gurye in Jeollanam-do. In particular, the cherry blossom trees along the six kilometer road from the market to Ssanggyesa Temple are a fantastic sight to behold. It is believed that if a couple walks down this road holding hands, they will grow old together in an everlasting relationship. For this reason, the road is sometimes referred to the “wedding road” as well.
Venue: Area of Fire Station, Hwagae-myeon, Hadong-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do
Description: Hwagae Cherry Blossom Festival is held around Hwagae Market, a traditional open-air market situated on the border between Hadong in Gyeongsangnam-do and Gurye in Jeollanam-do. In particular, the cherry blossom trees along the six kilometer road from the market to Ssanggyesa Temple are a fantastic sight to behold. It is believed that if a couple walks down this road holding hands, they will grow old together in an everlasting relationship. For this reason, the road is sometimes referred to the “wedding road” as well.
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Spring flower party in Seoul, Yeongdeungpo Yeouido Spring Flower Festival
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Period: April 7-12, 2018
Venue: Area of Yeouiseo-ro (behind the National Assembly Building), Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul
Description: The Yeongdeungpo Yeouido Spring Flower Festival is a representative festival in Seoul, taking place every April. Yeouiseo-ro, the street behind the National Assembly Building, is lined with cherry blossom trees and is the most famous cherry blossom street in Seoul. Visitors can take a stroll along the Hangang River through a tunnel of these majestic trees. Other spring flowers blooming beneath the trees include azaleas and forsythias. There are also cultural street performances, a flower decoration exhibit, and a photo exhibit taking place throughout the festival period.
Venue: Area of Yeouiseo-ro (behind the National Assembly Building), Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul
Description: The Yeongdeungpo Yeouido Spring Flower Festival is a representative festival in Seoul, taking place every April. Yeouiseo-ro, the street behind the National Assembly Building, is lined with cherry blossom trees and is the most famous cherry blossom street in Seoul. Visitors can take a stroll along the Hangang River through a tunnel of these majestic trees. Other spring flowers blooming beneath the trees include azaleas and forsythias. There are also cultural street performances, a flower decoration exhibit, and a photo exhibit taking place throughout the festival period.
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Walk through the fantastic cherry blossom tunnel at Jinhae Gunhangje Festival
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Period: April 1-10, 2018
Venue: Area of Jinhae-gu, Changwon-si, Gyeongsangnam-do
Description: This festival takes place in early April when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. Jinhae Gunhangje Festival draws in more than 2 million tourists every year, and visitors are greeted by showers of cherry blossom petals as they pass through a tunnel of cherry trees. There are various events not to be missed, such as the Jinhae International Military Band & Honor Guard Festival and fireworks show.
Venue: Area of Jinhae-gu, Changwon-si, Gyeongsangnam-do
Description: This festival takes place in early April when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. Jinhae Gunhangje Festival draws in more than 2 million tourists every year, and visitors are greeted by showers of cherry blossom petals as they pass through a tunnel of cherry trees. There are various events not to be missed, such as the Jinhae International Military Band & Honor Guard Festival and fireworks show.
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Find early spring at Icheon Baeksa Sansuyu Flower Festival
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Period: April 6-8, 2018
Venue: Areas of Dorip-ri, Gyeongsa-ri & Songmal-ri, Baeksa-myeon, Icheon-si, Gyeonggi-do
Description: Home to 100-year-old wild sansuyu trees, the venue of the Icheon Baeksa Sansuyu Blossom Festival is a leading producer of sansuyu trees in Korea. In spring, the sansuyu flowers are in full bloom to decorate the whole village in yellow; while in autumn, the red fruit signals the changing of the season. During the festival period, a variety of performances and cornus fruit-related hands-on programs are offered to all visitors.
Venue: Areas of Dorip-ri, Gyeongsa-ri & Songmal-ri, Baeksa-myeon, Icheon-si, Gyeonggi-do
Description: Home to 100-year-old wild sansuyu trees, the venue of the Icheon Baeksa Sansuyu Blossom Festival is a leading producer of sansuyu trees in Korea. In spring, the sansuyu flowers are in full bloom to decorate the whole village in yellow; while in autumn, the red fruit signals the changing of the season. During the festival period, a variety of performances and cornus fruit-related hands-on programs are offered to all visitors.
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Enjoy cherry blossoms along the lakeside, Jecheon Cheongpungho Cherry Blossom Festival
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Period: April 13-15, 2018 (Cherry Blossom viewing available April 11-22, 2018)
Venue: Area of Cheongpungho Lake, Cheongpung-myeon, Jecheon-si, Chungcheongbuk-do
Description: Jecheon Cheongpungho Cherry Blossom Festival takes place along Cheongpungho lakeside, where thousands of mature cherry blossom trees stand tall and proud. Various shows and performances are scheduled, including a cherry blossom street concert and a dance parade. Visitors can also sample some medicinal herbal teas and participate in craft activities. Nearby attractions include the Cheongpung Cultural Property Complex and a bungee jumping site.
Venue: Area of Cheongpungho Lake, Cheongpung-myeon, Jecheon-si, Chungcheongbuk-do
Description: Jecheon Cheongpungho Cherry Blossom Festival takes place along Cheongpungho lakeside, where thousands of mature cherry blossom trees stand tall and proud. Various shows and performances are scheduled, including a cherry blossom street concert and a dance parade. Visitors can also sample some medicinal herbal teas and participate in craft activities. Nearby attractions include the Cheongpung Cultural Property Complex and a bungee jumping site.
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Bright and festive tulips in every color, Taean International Tulip Festival
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Period: April 19 - May 13, 2018
Venue: Kkotji Beach, Taean-gun, Chungcheongnam-do
Description: Selected as one of the world's top five tulip festivals, Taean International Tulip Festival showcases tulips, lupine, foxglove, lilies and other advanced breeds of spring flowers. The festival has the addition of famous landmarks from around the world such as Korea’s Namdaemun Gate and France’s Eiffel Tower, recreated through flowers.
Venue: Kkotji Beach, Taean-gun, Chungcheongnam-do
Description: Selected as one of the world's top five tulip festivals, Taean International Tulip Festival showcases tulips, lupine, foxglove, lilies and other advanced breeds of spring flowers. The festival has the addition of famous landmarks from around the world such as Korea’s Namdaemun Gate and France’s Eiffel Tower, recreated through flowers.
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[full credits to Korea Tourism Organization]
