Shinan County Transforms Imjado into "Island of Hongmaehwa"

Grafting Project to Transform White Plum Blossoms into Red Plum Blossoms
Red Plum Blossom Festival Scheduled for April 6-9

Shinan County in Jeollanam-do (Governor Park Woolyang) has been carrying out grafting work for two consecutive years to transform Imjado into the "Island of Red Plum Blossoms" by converting white plum blossoms into red plum blossoms.

According to the county on the 28th, last year they achieved a 60% success rate by grafting 60,000 red plum blossom scions. Building on this, they began grafting an additional 50,000 scions on the 25th.

Grafting red plum blossoms onto white plum blossoms. Provided by Sinan County

Grafting is a technique in which a bud or branch (scion) from one tree is attached to a rooted tree (rootstock) to grow together. Through this method, the county plans to create a landscape filled with red plum blossoms in the garden.

The 1,200 white plum trees targeted for grafting are planted in Hyangseolwon within the 1004 Island Tulip and Red Plum Blossom Garden. These trees were at risk of being cut down due to the installation of solar power facilities at Bohae Farm in Haenam. After being donated, they have been repurposed from fruit production to ornamental use, giving them new life.

A Red Plum Blossom Festival is scheduled for April 6-9, where the achievements of last year's grafting project will be showcased for the first time. A total of 645 Joseon red plum trees and 1,625 non-red plum trees will create a stunning display of red plum blossoms for visitors to enjoy.

Imjado is known as the place of exile for Jo Heeryong, a leading figure in Joseon literary painting. Ubong was renowned for his poetry and paintings, and was especially known for his love of plum blossoms, which he often depicted. Based on this narrative, Shinan County is developing Imjado as the Island of Red Plum Blossoms.

Governor Park Woolyang stated, "This grafting project goes beyond simple landscaping; it is like 'alchemy' that transforms white plum blossoms into red ones. I hope many people will come and experience the new, vibrant look of Imjado during the Red Plum Blossom Festival."