Springtime in Korea is without question one of the prettiest times of the year when all the flowers are in bloom. Various flowers have begun blossoming in the southern areas of the country and flower festivals will soon be beckoning people from all over. Jinhae(진해), located in South Gyongsang Province, hosts probably the most famous cherry blossom festival in the country, providing an opportunity to take a nice walk while flowers fall like snowflakes around you. The entire port city is enveloped in cherry blossoms, attracting visitors from around the country. This year, the cherry blossom festival will be held from March 23 through April 8. Hundreds of thousands of cherry blossom trees are expected to be in full bloom around this weekend. Held annually since 1963, the Jinhae Naval Port Festival attracts some one million tourists hoping to enjoy the sight and the scent of the white and pale pink blossoms. The festival was initially planned to be held from March 30, but it will open a week earlier as weather forecasts predict that this year’s cherry blossoms will bloom about ten days earlier than previous years. In addition to the cherry blossoms, the Jinhae Naval Port festival also presents a parade honoring renowned admiral Yi Sun-shin and a fireworks display. Other interesting programs include an air show, a kite-flying competition and a traditional Korean music contest. To help to ease traffic, Korea Railroad offers a shuttle train service connecting Changwon with Jinhae during the festival period. Hadong County, South Gyongsang Province, is famous for its 25-kilometer stretch of cherry blossom-lined road along Hwagae. A legend says that a couple who walk this road will live happily ever after, so it attracts countless lovers. A three-day cherry blossom festival takes place here at the end of March every year. The festival features many local specialties as well as the pretty flowers. A deeper shade of pink decorates the country’s mountainsides, starting late March. Azaleas, an inspiration for many Korean poems, are in full bloom in early April. Mt. Daegum in Geoje, South Gyongsang Province, is a great place to enjoy the azaleas. Around this time of year, the azalea field on the mountain looks much like a pink carpet. A traditional ritual devoted to the mountain god, a poetry contest and traditional music and dance performances will also be held.
