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!

A sneak peek into major events held at Jinhae Gunhangje Festival 2017

Wonderful harmony of cherry blossoms and starlight, Yeojwacheon Starlight Festival

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.

☞ Period: March 31 (Fri) - April 10 (Sun)
☞ Location: Yeojwacheon Stream and Romance Bridge

Lights embroidering the night sky, Sokcheonhang Port Multimedia Fireworks on the Sea

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 on the first night of Jinhae Gunhangje Festival period.

☞ Period: April 1 (Sat), 20:00
☞ Location: Over the sea in front of Sokcheonhang Port

Time travel to the Joseon Dynasty, Victory Parade

The Victory Parade reenacts the street parade held by Admiral Yi Sun-sin and his army after his victory in the Imjin War (1592-1598) during the Joseon Dynasty. Viewers will be able to get a glimpse of Korea’s history.

☞ Period: April 2 (Sun), 13:30-14:30
☞ Location: Jungwon Rotary and city streets

The highlight of Jinhae Gunghangje Festival, Jinhae Military Band and Honor Guard Festival!

Of the many events from Jinhae Gunhangje Festival, the main event anticipated by many visitors is none other than the Jinhae Military Band and Honorary Guard Festival. Enjoy the powerful yet delightful performance by the military band and honor guards from the Republic of Korea Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps.

☞ Period: April 7 (Fri) – April 9 (Sun)
☞ Location: Jinhae Public Gymnasium and city streets

* Event schedule is subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances.

Romantic cherry blossom paths in Jinhae

Beautiful scenery seen from the peak of Jangboksan Sculpture Park

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.

☞ Address: 56-42, Jangboksan-gil, Jinhae-gu, Changwon-si, Gyeongsangnam-do (more info)

Cherry blossoms reflected upon water, Jinhae NFRDI Environment Eco-park

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.

☞ Address: 55, Yeomyeong-ro 25beon-gil, Jinhae-gu, Changwon-si, Gyeonsangnam-do (more info)

Must-visit course for lovers! Yeojwacheon Stream’s cherry blossom road

Cherry blossoms lined along both sides of Yeojwacheon Stream 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.

☞ Location: Areas of Yeojwa-dong, Jinhae-gu, Changwon-si, Gyeongsangnam-do (more info)

A special visit to Korea Naval Academy and Navel Base Headquarters

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.

☞ Address: 1, Jungwon-ro, Jinhae-gu, Changwon-si, Gyeonsangnam-do (more info)

Beautiful scenes both day and night, Jehwangsan Park

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.

☞ Address: 52, Jungwondong-ro, Changwon-si, Gyeongsangnam-do (more info)

Bird’s-eye-view of Jinhae from Anmingogae Hill

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.

☞ Address: Anmingogae-gil, Seongsan-gu, Changwon-si, Gyeongsangnam-do (more info)

Romance on the tracks, cherry blossom road at Gyeonghwa Station

Gyeonghwa Station is a cherry blossom-themed station that operates only during the festival period. Along with the train, the cherry blossom tunnel that stretch for approximately 800 meters creates a fascinating scene, forming a perfect backdrop for amazing photos.

☞ Address: 648, Jinhae-daero, Jinhae-gu, Changwon-si, Gyeongsangnam-do (more info)

Photo credit: Changwon City Hall

* This column was last updated in March 2017, and therefore information may differ from what is presented here. We advise you to check from the official website before visiting.