Jeju Cherry Blossom Festival

By Eden J. Jones

The cherry blossom, one of the most beautiful images of spring, is said to have originated in the Himalayas and is also considered to be the national flower of Japan. In fact, Yoshino cherry blossom trees were first planted in Korea by the Japanese during their rule (1910-1945) and have historically been an object of controversy as they are a painful reminder of the Japanese occupation for some. Other, more positive symbolic associations of the cherry blossom include morality, grace, and brevity of life. These trees, which bloom with thousands of stunning pink, white and sometimes yellow flowers, can be found in Europe, Asia, and even the United States. Despite the fact that many varieties of cherry blossom trees do not produce any actual edible fruit, the beautiful colors and peaceful ambiance that the blooming trees bring to the spring season more than make up for this. With favorable weather, cherry blossom trees typically stay in bloom for only about two weeks. You will want to make plans to enjoy the sights and scents of this special season while you can.

Luckily, the annual Jeju Cherry Blossom Festival is right around the corner. This year, the event is scheduled to take place between April 1-10. These dates depend on weather and blooming times, so check the web for schedule changes as the festival approaches. According to the Jeju Tourism Organization, tourists will be able to enjoy a walking contest, various performances, and a fireworks show, all while enjoying the exquisiteness of Jeju’s King Cherry Tree blossoms. Unlike the Japanese Yoshi blossom, the King Cherry Tree is indigenous to South Korea and has some of the largest and most beautiful petals of all the varieties. Every year, the event planners have worked hard to make the festival more interesting and better than the year before with a full schedule of events for tourists to enjoy.

On April 1 (Friday), an opening ceremony will kick off the festival, followed by cultural events happening on Jeonnong-ro Street along with a Cherry Blossom Music concert.
On April 2-3 (Saturday – Sunday), there will be a Seosara Cultural Street Festival at Samdo 1-dong. On April 4-8 (Monday -Friday), Jeju National University will make its entrance. The festival will also have a cherry blossom photo contest, a photo zone, flower viewing, and a light display. In addition, a Jeju Cherry Blossom seminar will be taking place to raise academic awareness of the blossom as a habitat.
On April 9-10 (Saturday – Sunday), tourists can enjoy a cherry blossom street event, photo contest, flea market, and more.

Of course, being in Jeju, one of Korea’s most well-known tourist locations, there will always be the usual year-round activities available such as visiting one of Jeju’s many parks and museums, walking the coastline, or exploring Manjanggul Cave.

Jeju is Korea’s largest island and smallest province. It is also home to Hallasan the tallest mountain in South Korea and a dormant volcano. With its unique landscape and endless options for enjoying nature, Jeju Island has come to be considered one of the ‘new seven natures of wonder’ in the world. What better time to enjoy the island than during this 10-day celebration of the majestic cherry blossom season which is so beautiful, yet ephemeral.

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Transportation

[Bus]
From Jeju International Airport, take bus 500 and get off at New Jeju Rotary (신제주로터리).
-Cross the road, and go to the bus stop.
-Take Bus 20, and get off at Public Health Center 1 (보건소1).

(Directions and festival schedule taken from http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/ATR/SI_EN_3_2_1.jsp?cid=700677 )