Korea: Cherry Blossom Festival in Jinhae

Hello all! Sorry it's been awhile. I have been working and traveling so I haven't had time to update this blog. I have a lot to post on my recent travels so I hope you stay tuned to read about my travels within Korea and SE Asia. 

Every spring, around March-April, the cherry blossoms are in full bloom all around the world. Korea has many famous places to see these magnificent and majestic natural wonders in the big cities, parks, and in the wild. The most famous place in all of Korea to see cherry blossoms are in Jinhae which is located in Changwon-Si (near Busan) in Gyeongsangnam Province in  the Southeast region. Every year the Jinhae Gunhangje Festival (진해군항제) is held all throughout the city and its vicinity. Thousands flock to this area to get a glimpse of plethora of the white and pink colored flowers that encompass the area. There are also food, crafts, and cultural vendors on-site to help celebrate this event. 

Travel tip: You can get to Jinhae via bus (Nambu Bus Terminal) or train (Korail) from Seoul. 

There are 4 main areas to visit during the festival:

1) Gyeongwha Train Station (경화역)- One of the most iconic sites during the cherry blossom season in Korea. It was featured in many Korean and international movies and dramas. A long row of cherry blossom trees line the tracks of the train station. When the train arrives, fallen cherry blossom petals blow in the wind. It's often crowded by noon so it's best to visit at sunrise to avoid the crowds. 

2) Yeojwacheon Stream (여좌천)- This area is one of the main areas at the city center to visit. It is basically a long stream which has walking paths and wooden bridges to explore and enjoy it's ambiance. During the Cherry blossom Festival, it is lined with colorful lanterns, umbrellas, and decorations which make it ideal for pictures in the day and night. Around the area are street vendors selling snacks and souvenirs. 

3) Jehwangsan Mountain Road (제왕산 길)- This scenic spot is a 15 minutes or so walk from the Yeojwacheon stream area. You can get up by walking or taking a funicular. The view from above is amazing as you can see all of Jinhae and it's seaport. The whole city is littered with cherry blossom trees. It is the only placed I've been to where every corner is a hue of pink and white. 

4) Republic Of Korea Naval Academy (군사관학교)- This impressive naval academy is open to the public during the Cherry Blossom Festival and it is essential to visit as it is located right at by the port. You can walk along its coastal paths, visit a replica of the famous Turtle Ship (used by Admiral Yi Sun Shin during the Joseon era), and scenic photo spots. 

Overall, the Cherry Blossom Festival in Jinhae was amazing! It was the best place I've ever witnessed cherry blossoms due to it's abundance of the seasonal flower. It was a nice break away from busy Seoul despite the crowds at the sites. The fresh seabreeze and scenic areas make it ideal for a family outing, friend gathering, couple trip, or a solo traveler. 

My next post will be on my May trip to Myanmar! 
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