Seoul/Gyeonggi-do/Incheon
Jinhae Gunhangje Festival is Korea’s biggest spring festival, attracting at least 2 million visitors every year. The festival first began as a memorial service to commemorate Joseon period’s most noteworthy naval admiral Yi Sun-sin and has now grown to become a festival enjoyed by everyone. Pack up and get ready to enjoy one of the most spectacular events in Korea surrounded by unbelievably stunning cherry blossoms!
Yeojwacheon Starlight Festival is an evening event where Yeojwacheon Stream and Romance Bridge are decorated with illuminations and laser lights. This nighttime event is a must-visit festivity as the mesmerizing sight offers a different atmosphere from daytime.
In addition to Yeojwacheon Starlight Festival, Sokcheonhang Port Multimedia Fireworks on the Sea is another nighttime event that brightens the night sky. Take note that this event takes place only one night of the entire Jinhae Gunhangje Festival period.
The Victory Parade reenacts the victory march held by Admiral Yi Sun-sin and his army after winning a battle in the Imjin War (1592-1598). Viewers will be able to get a glimpse of Korea’s history through the parade.
Jangboksan Sculpture Park has a 1.5 km-long tunnel of cherry blossoms stretching out on both sides of the path, creating splendid scenery of the cityscape and ocean surrounded by cherry blossoms.
Jinhae NFRDI Environment Eco-park is home to gorgeous cherry blossom trees surrounding the park’s pristine reservoir. It creates a stunning scene during springtime when cherry blossom petals flutter down, settling upon the reservoir’s clear water.
Cherry blossoms line both sides of Yeojwacheon Stream to form a white tunnel, making it the best cherry blossom attraction in Jinhae. In the evening, the area is illuminated with ornamental lights, creating a romantic ambience.
Korea Naval Academy and Naval Base Headquarters are popular as unique attractions due to the fact that they are open to the public only during the festival period. A life-sized model of the Turtle Ship designed by Admiral Yi on display at the Korea Naval Academy Museum is something you do not want to miss.
Jehwangsan Park boasts a harmony of cherry blossoms and forsythias in full bloom, lining both sides of a 365-step stairway, which is also referred to as “one year stairway.” Once you reach the peak, you will be welcomed with a breathtaking view of Jinhae’s cityscape covered in cherry blossoms and the blue sea beyond.
The path starting from the entrance of Anmingogae Hill to the heliport located at the hill’s peak is the main cherry blossom course, taking about 20 minutes on foot. In particular, the nightscape of Jinhae from the hilltop is famous for its mesmerizing beauty.
Gyeonghwa Station is a cherry blossom-themed station that operates only during the festival period. The train running through an approximately 800 meter-long cherry blossom tunnel creates a fascinating scene, forming a perfect backdrop for amazing photos.
* This column was last updated in February 2018, and therefore information may differ from what is presented here. We advise you to check details from the official website before visiting.