A spring date under the cherry blossoms.

Cherry blossom season

Like in many other places, spring in Korea is the time when many flowers bloom after days of dormancy in the cold. Cherry blossoms blanket the hillsides and stream banks with their pink and white hues. Depending on the weather, the cherry blossoms will bloom profusely in late March or in April.

The entire canopy is covered with a blanket of pink or white petals. Imagine strolling down the street and suddenly a petal falls before your eyes, or a sweet, gentle fragrance wafts by, making you look up and feel a pang of emotion as the gray winter sky fades, leaving behind only a soft, warm expanse of pink and white that stirs the heart.

Cherry blossoms are scattered throughout South Korea. Each region has its own spring festivals, specifically cherry blossom festivals, to welcome these first signs of warmth. Families, friends, and couples stroll under the cherry blossom trees in the cool, slightly chilly early spring weather, then find a quiet spot to sit, enjoy tea and pastries, and admire the beauty of nature.

Ideal cherry blossom viewing spots in South Korea

Two of the most notable cherry blossom viewing spots in South Korea are Gyeongju and Busan. In the ancient capital of Gyeongju, you'll find a tranquil, ancient atmosphere befitting a former imperial city. Spring in Gyeongju is adorned with two main colors: the warm yellow of rapeseed flowers and the pure pink and white of cherry blossoms. Viewing cherry blossoms amidst the solemn, ancient setting of the former Silla capital is a completely different experience compared to viewing flowers in bustling cities. One of the most popular cherry blossom viewing spots is the tranquil Bomun Lake with its famous Bomun Pavilion. Watching the cherry trees reflected in the lake and the graceful, delicate movement of the petals as they touch the water's surface is undoubtedly a wonderful experience.

Busan and Jeju are often the two places where cherry blossoms bloom earliest in South Korea. Busan boasts cherry blossom-lined streets, perfect for leisurely strolls. Walking beneath the trees and witnessing a shower of petals whenever a gentle breeze blows can leave many speechless. Some of the most beautiful cherry blossom viewing spots in Busan include Haeundae Dalmaji Road, Oncheon Park, the coastal road in Igidae Park, Samnak Park, and Namcheon-dong Cherry Blossom Road, among others.

Furthermore, we cannot forget the "kingdom of flowers" – Jeju Island. The cherry trees here produce blossoms with larger petals than elsewhere, earning them the title of "King of Cherry Blossoms." In Jeju, you can stroll through cherry blossom-lined paths or roads adorned with vibrant yellow rapeseed flowers and pristine white cherry blossoms.

Seoul is also a must-visit cherry blossom viewing destination, with two prominent cherry blossom festivals at Seokchon Lake and Yeouido Han River Park.

Running a marathon in the middle of cherry blossom season.

In Gyeongju, the government and people have come up with a wonderful way to enjoy the fleeting cherry blossom season: a Mid-Season Marathon.

The Gyenongju Cherry Blossom Marathon was first held in 1991. In 2016, the race will celebrate its 25th anniversary. This year's race will be held on April 9th, 2016, with distances of 42 km, 21 km, 10 km, and 5 km. Approximately 12,000 participants will start from the Bodeok Community Service Center and run along the designated routes around the city, under the canopy of blooming cherry blossoms.

Starting now, running enthusiasts can register for the 2016 Gyeongju Cherry Blossom Marathon on the official website: https://cherrymarathon.com:48271/etc/?vmode=05 until mid-March 2016. The entry fee for the 5km race is 20,000 won, and for other distances it is 30,000 won.

Running through showers of blossoms, accompanied by the gentle fragrance of cherry blossoms and the warm breezes of early spring, will surely become an unforgettable memory for anyone.

Notable cultural and historical festivals in South Korea this spring.

Spring in South Korea is not only about the beauty of nature but also about the rich cultural and historical heritage that visitors can explore through the country's cultural and historical festivals. A series of festivals held from the beginning of spring provide an ideal opportunity to preserve and promote the country's cultural and historical heritage. Immerse yourself in the festival season with many exciting programs such as experiencing the Namhansanseong World Heritage Site with activities like wearing royal attire, tea ceremony, learning to make fans and books, watching Nongak performances, listening to concerts at royal palaces such as Jagyeongjeon, Sugyeongjeon, and Gyeongbok Palace in May, June, September, and October 2016; participating in the lotus lantern festival; and learning about Buddhism in May. Furthermore, if you are passionate about learning about the culture and history of Korean royal courts, don't forget to note down the dates of the royal festivals in Seoul and Jongmyo.

If the gloomy, cold winter days have left you exhausted, then a spring trip to South Korea with its stunning natural scenery and vibrant, colorful festivals will surely be a relaxing and rejuvenating vacation to prepare you for the busy year ahead.

Additional information:

- The Korea Tourism Organization also publishes a separate forecast of cherry blossom blooming times each year on its website. (http://english.visitkorea.or.kr)

- Further information regarding the festivals can be found on the website of the Korea Tourism Organization in Vietnam: https://visitkorea.org.vn/

The Thanh