April in Gwangju

Written and photographed by Sarah Pittman

Cherry blossom season is an essential part of the Gwangju experience as it celebrates the return of spring. One of the best places in Gwangju to view the delicate blooming flowers is the Uncheon Reservoir. The Uncheon Reservoir is a curated lake with many restaurants and coffee shops lining its shore.

The reservoir’s atmosphere is one of carefree relaxation, with soft laughter and music echoing across the lake. Families stroll along the bridges to the islands, pausing to take pictures of the blossoms while listening to local singers performing popular love ballads.

Many couples come to take selfies together while posing with the delicate flowers. The trend for couples in Korea right now is to dress in matching outfits; for this occasion, many of them will wear shades of pink or white to match the flowers. However, there are some who still like to express their individual style while celebrating the change in the weather.

It is not uncommon to see couples, friends, and families laying out picnic blankets around the lake, enjoying their favorite snacks. As the breeze blows across the lake, the delicate flower petals tumble and swirl down onto the people below. It certainly makes any activity more picturesque as you walk through the gently falling petals.

The easiest way to get to the Uncheon Reservoir is by taking the Gwangju subway to Uncheon Station.

The Author
Sarah Pittman is a 26-year-old English hagwon teacher and a southern California native. She loves photography, swing dancing, the color teal, and her dog Cosmo. When she goes back to America, she hopes to either continue teaching or work in an office that allows dogs.