Whisper of Spring: A Journey to the Gwangyang Maehwa Festival – March 2025
By Neha Bisht
As winter slowly loosened its grip, I began noticing the subtle signs of spring in Gwangju, South Korea – the crisp air felt gentler, the sun lingered a little longer in the sky, and tiny buds started appearing on bare branches. There’s always something magical about the changing of seasons, and I was eager to witness one of the country’s most stunning spring spectacles: the Gwangyang Maehwa Festival.
The festival, famous for its breathtaking plum blossoms (maehwa, 매화), takes place every March in Maehwa Village, nestled along the Seomjin River in Gwangyang, Jeollanam-do. Eager to escape the city and embrace the beauty of nature, I packed my bag and hopped on an early morning bus, ready to immerse myself in a landscape covered in soft white and pink petals. As we neared the festival grounds, I caught my first glimpse of the rolling hills blanketed in plum blossoms, a sight that immediately filled me with excitement.
Background and Significance: The festival is centered in Maehwa Village, also known as Seomjin Village, situated along the Seomjin River. Over five decades ago, a visionary woman named Hong Ssang Ri transformed this area by planting over 10,000 plum trees, turning it into the largest plum plantation in Korea. Her dedication beautified the region and established a thriving industry of plum-based products. Today, the festival celebrates both the breathtaking plum blossoms and the enduring spirit of innovation and community.
The Beauty of Maehwa Village: Stepping into Maehwa Village felt like walking into a Korean painting – the white plum blossoms stretched endlessly across the hills, their delicate petals swaying in the breeze. The air was filled with a faint, sweet fragrance, and the gentle hum of visitors marveling at the scenery created a peaceful, almost dreamlike atmosphere.
The best way to experience the festival is to walk along the trails that wind through the village. As I followed the paths lined with plum trees, I found hidden viewpoints that offered stunning panoramic views of the Seomjin River cutting through the valley. Every turn presented another breathtaking sight, making it impossible to resist stopping every few steps to take photos.
The Cultural and Traditional Charm of the Festival: Beyond the natural beauty, the festival is also a celebration of Korean culture and tradition. I was captivated by the sight of visitors dressed in hanbok (traditional Korean attire), their vibrant colors contrasting beautifully with the soft white and pink blossoms. It was as if history and nature were blending together in perfect harmony.
Throughout the festival, there were traditional performances showcasing Korean music, dance, and art. At another corner, an artist was demonstrating calligraphy under the shade of a plum tree, his brush moving gracefully over the parchment to create elegant characters. The festival also offers experience events such as plum highballs, Gwangyang tastes, hanbok and school uniforms, plum handkerchiefs, calligraphy, and the Seomjin River boat ride. These activities add a personal touch to the visit, allowing visitors to bring home a meaningful souvenir.
The Taste of Spring – Plum-Infused Delicacies: No festival in Korea is complete without delicious food, and the Gwangyang Maehwa Festival is no exception. As I wandered through the market stalls, I discovered a variety of plum-based delicacies, each offering a unique way to enjoy the essence of maehwa.
- Maesil Tea: A fragrant tea made from fermented plums, known for its refreshing, slightly tart flavor.
- Maesilju (Plum Wine): A smooth, sweet wine that pairs perfectly with Korean grilled meats.
- Plum Bibimbap: A creative twist on the classic bibimbap, where the sauce is infused with maesil extract.
- Plum Confectionaries: From plum-flavored rice cakes to jams, candies, sauces, ice-cream, and health supplements, there were plenty of sweet treats to sample and take home as souvenirs.
One of my favorite moments was eating ice cream while sitting under a plum tree, letting the delicate aroma and flavors blend with the peaceful surroundings.
For many Koreans, the Gwangyang Maehwa Festival is not just about flowers – it’s about welcoming a new season and embracing nature’s beauty. Families spread out picnic mats under the trees, enjoying homemade meals while children run around, playing among the blossoms. Couples walk hand in hand, taking in the romantic scenery, while elderly visitors sit quietly, sipping tea and soaking in the tranquility. One tradition that fascinated me was the belief that plum blossoms symbolize resilience and new beginnings. I noticed some visitors take a moment to close their eyes and make a wish beneath the blossoms, hoping for a year of good fortune and happiness.
A Memory to Cherish: As the sun began to set over Maehwa Village, the golden light filtering through the plum blossoms created a truly magical sight. I took one last deep breath, letting the fresh, floral scent fill my senses. My visit to the Gwangyang Maehwa Festival was more than just a visual delight – it was a celebration of nature, culture, and the warmth of welcoming spring.
Leaving the festival, I couldn’t help but smile. Spring had officially arrived, and with it came a feeling of renewal and joy. If you ever find yourself in the area during March, I highly recommend visiting this plum blossom festival – it’s an experience that will stay with you long after the last petal falls.
Tips for Visiting the Festival: If you’re planning to visit the Gwangyang Maehwa Festival, here are some tips to make the most of your trip:
- Best Time to Visit: Arrive early in the morning or on a weekday to avoid large crowds. The blossoms are at their peak in early to mid-March (this year’s festival period is March 7–16). For more details visit www.gwangyang.go.kr
- What to Wear: Layered clothing is recommended as mornings and evenings can still be chilly in March.
- How to Get There: Take a bus from the Gwangju bus terminal to Gwangyang. From Gwangyang Bus Terminal, take a local bus or taxi to Maehwa Village.
- Nearby Attractions: If you have extra time, consider visiting Suncheon Bay Wetland Reserve or taking a short trip to Yeosu, a beautiful coastal city nearby.
Photograph by Neha Bisht.
The Author
A native of India, Neha Bisht is pursuing her PhD research at Chonnam National University’s School of Materials Science and Engineering. She loves to meet new people and make new friends. Neha endeavors to contribute to the wellbeing of society in whatever way she can.