From Plum Blossoms to Daffodils
A Spectacular Display of Blossoming Flowers Everywhere
On the 5th, the day of the solar term Gyeongchip, citizens are taking photos of fully bloomed white plum blossoms at the entrance of Sohakjeong Village, Daap-myeon, Gwangyang City, Jeollanam-do. Photo by Yonhap News
In March, Gwangju and Jeollanam-do are captivating travelers as they become adorned with spring blossoms. A variety of flowers, including plum blossoms, Cornus officinalis, camellias, azaleas, and daffodils, are in full bloom, and vibrant festivals are taking place throughout the region.
First, in Gwangyang Maehwa Village, where plum blossoms that signal the start of spring are in full bloom, the “24th Gwangyang Maehwa Festival” is being held until the 16th. Under the theme “Spring in Korea, Opening in Maehwa Village,” visitors can explore the fragrant village and enjoy the spring atmosphere by riding hot air balloons and yachts on the Seomjin River. Attracting over a million visitors every year, this representative spring flower festival enchants travelers with the subtle scent of plum blossoms.
In Gurye, where the yellow Cornus officinalis flowers create a spectacular view, the “Cornus Officinalis Flower Festival” will be held from the 15th to the 23rd. There are various programs, such as picking Cornus officinalis fruits, walking along flower paths, and performances featuring singer Lim Changjung and Na Taejoo. Even after the festival ends, spring continues in Gurye. From the 28th to the 30th, the “300-ri Cherry Blossom Festival” will take place along the Seosicheon area, where a 129km-long cherry blossom road will welcome springtime visitors.
If you want to see the vibrant red camellias, head to Baekryeonsa in Gangjin, Jeollanam-do. Here, the “Camellia Festival” will be held from the 14th to the 16th. Seven-meter-tall camellia trees bloom in red, creating a breathtaking sight, and a variety of hands-on events are offered, such as traditional tea snack making, lotus seed pod crafting, and folk painting experiences. The brilliant colors of camellias blend with the tranquil atmosphere of Baekryeonsa, offering a unique charm.
The Azalea Festival, which colors spring in red, will be held at Yeongchwisan in Yeosu on the 22nd and 23rd. A vast colony of azaleas, equivalent to the size of 140 soccer fields, welcomes visitors. As one of the top three azalea colonies in Korea, this spot draws many visitors every spring.
Along with these, the dazzling yellow daffodil festival will be held at Seondo-ri in Jido-eup, Shinan, from the 28th to April 6th. Two million daffodils, blooming from 2.08 million bulbs of 17 varieties, will brighten up the island. Walking along the flower paths accompanied by the fragrant scent of daffodils will create special spring memories.
At Seomjingang Train Village in Ogok-myeon, Gokseong-gun, the “Gokseong World Rose Festival” will be held from May 17th to 26th. A total of 1,004 varieties of roses will be in full bloom, filling the air with their gorgeous fragrance and marking the end of spring. The rose-lined paths, with their diverse colors and scents, truly create a grand festival of flowers.
On the 1st, the spring flower Byeonsan Baramflower bloomed in the Pyeongdume Wetland area of Mudeungsan, Bukgu, Gwangju. Provided by Mudeungsan National Park Office, Korea National Park Service
The floral festivities continue in Gwangju as well. Plum blossoms are in full bloom at the National Gwangju Museum and Mugaksa, forsythias at the Gwangjucheon riverside and Pungam Lake Park, azaleas at Mudeungsan and Mugaksa, and cherry blossoms at Suwan Lake Park and Mangwijung, adding to the spring atmosphere.
Enjoy an exciting spring day at the festival sites of Gwangju and Jeollanam-do, surrounded by a variety of spring flowers.
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