Cherry blossoms are a big deal in South Korea. Decisively marking the end of the long, often harsh winters that brace the country, the blooming flowers bring back interest in the outdoors. A very visual manifestation of the life spring brings back, everywhere is instantly transformed. It’s no wonder everyone gets so excited about them…
Every April cherry blossom festivals take place all across South Korea, notably along Seoul’s Han River (Hangang) where trees line the streets of Yeouido. Now I have to admit, I would use the word “festival” lightly. Essentially, this is just the area where half of Seoul congregates to admire the flowers and over a couple of weekends it is barely possible to walk along. However, it really is a beautiful sight and if you can head over on a weekday, you are in for a treat. It’s also worth considering wandering over to one of the palaces in central Seoul, where the flowers add an extra beauty to their grounds too, or indeed often down any street blessed with Sakura trees.
You can find a long list of the cherry blossom festivals taking place in South Korea this spring here – in Yeouido it will be the second and third weekend in April.
As a former Seoul resident, so many things make me homesick for Korea and thinking of how dramatically spring unfolds over there is certainly one of them. It was always a delight too to see lanterns appear, strung up above the pavement and adding even more colour, to celebrate Buddha’s birthday (which coincides with springtime). So it seemed an ideal time to share this and some photos of my springtimes in Korea.
Do any seasons bring back memories for you?
