Cherry Blossoms in Jinhae-gu
Think cherry blossoms are just for Japan? Well, it’s quite the opposite! If you want to celebrate spring in full bloom, there’s the Jinhae Gunhangje Festival in Changwon City, near Busan in the South Gyeongsang Province! It’s only about four hours away from Seoul.
Cherry blossom season in Korea varies, but it is usually from March to the middle of April. Jinhae’s festival is held from April 1st to the 10th each year! You might plan a trip for next year because it’s unlike anything else. At first, the festival was held to celebrate the victory of Admiral Yi Sun-SIn during the Imjin War. They even reenact the victory to this day with the victory parade. Though, overtime it turned into something more! From military parades to beautiful scenery, this festival has it all has it all.
Watch the cherry blossoms from the Yeojwacheon Love Bridge (여좌천로망스다리)! Straight out of of a drama, you’ll take great pictures. If you plan to stay late, it lights up at night,
With all the hearts on the bridge and on signs everywhere, it’s only right to call it the love bridge! Imagine standing there under all the neon lights and cherry blossoms slowly coming down. Romance at it’s finest.
That’s not the only place to go! You can also go to Gyeonghwa Station. They have a beautiful cherry blossom road, where you can see trees for miles. It’s right out of a movie!
This city has more than cherry blossoms… Did you know the Korean Marine Corps was founded in Jinhae?! During the festival, you can even head to the Korean Naval Base Academy and Naval Base Command. It isn’t usually open to the public, but during the festival, it is!
When you’re all done head to Jinhae and Minjin Bakery. There you can get some sweet treats! Get one of their famous cherry blossom pastries. Not only are they aesthetic but filled with cherry filling. There is also a culinary festival held at the same time around the festival. You can get more delicious dishes, cakes, and street food!
The Jinhae Gunhangje Festival is one of the biggest attractions of the season, but more than just cherry blossoms, it’s a celebration of renewal and triumph! These are only a few of many attractions; there are firework viewings, more parades, and even an air show. What would you do first in Jinhae?
Written by Stephanie Lemus
