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

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: April 1-10, 2018
• ☞ 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 one night of the entire Jinhae Gunhangje Festival period.

• ☞ Period: 20:00 April 4, 2018
• ☞ Location: Over the sea in front of Sokcheonhang Port

Time travel to the Joseon Dynasty, Victory Parade

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.

• ☞ Period: 15:00-16:00 April 6, 2018
• ☞ Location: Jungwon Rotary and city streets
• * Event schedule is subject to change.

Romantic cherry blossom paths in Jinhae

Beautiful views 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)
  (경상남도 창원시 진해구 장복산길 56-42)

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)
  (경상남도 창원시 진해구 여명로25번길 55)

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

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.

• ☞ Address: Area 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: Saseoham 88-1ho, 1, Jungwon-ro, Jinhae-gu, Changwon-si, Gyeonsangnam-do (more info)
  (경상남도 창원시 진해구 중원로 1 사서함 88-1호)

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: San28-6, Jehwangsan-dong, Jinhae-gu, Changwon-si, Gyeongsangnam-do (more info)
  (경남 창원시 진해구 제황산동 산28-6)

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)
  (경상남도 창원시 성산구 안민고개길)

Romance on the tracks, Gyeonghwa Station Cherry Blossom Road

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.

• ☞ Address: 1200-1, Gyeonghwa-dong, Jinhae-gu, Changwon-si, Gyeongsangnam-do (more info)
  (경상남도 창원시 진해구 경화동 1200-1)

* 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.