Spring on the Other Side of the East Sea
Japan's sakura are widely lauded as the most beautiful spring blossoms in the world--except, of course, in South Korea. On the other side of the East Sea--or as your map probably calls it, the Sea of Japan--Koreans are proud of their own cherry trees, and have several festivals celebrating the arrival of the blooming season.
One of the most famous is the Gunhang Festival in Jinhae, on Korea's southern shore. This small port city about 40 miles away from Busan hosts this event annually, starting on Wednesday this year. The festivities not only celebrate the scenery but also commemorate Admiral Yi Sun-shin, who is famous for his victories against the Japanese navy during several invasion attempts in the late 1500s. Ahhh, nothing like the smell of flowers to remind you of bitter history!
In Seoul, the best place to see those pink petals floating on the wind is in Yeouido, on Yunjungno Road. Every year traffic is closed along a several mile stretch so locals and tourists can ogle the natural beauty without being run over. Don't let the daytime crowds deter you--during the festival the city keeps this street brightly illuminated well into the night.
Related Stories:
· City of Jinhae [Official Site]
· Yeouido Flower Festival [Tour2Korea]
· South Korea Travel coverage [Jaunted]
[Photo: stewils]
