#wks2018

Cherry blossoms at Changdeokgung Palace

After the cold and colorless winter, spring is a welcome sight. The various bright and colorful flowers throughout the country create a stunning view at every turn. The sweet scent of blossoms permeates the air in both the heart of the city and the quietest of rural villages, making spring the best time to visit Korea. To make the most of this magical time of growth and renewal, read on to learn about the best places to visit.

Enjoy Spring Blossoms on a Day Trip around Seoul

1. Seoul’s representative cherry blossom tunnel, Yeouido's Yeouiseo-ro Road (Yunjung-ro Road)

Yeouiseo-ro Road (formerly known as Yunjung-ro Road), located behind the National Assembly Building in Yeouido, Seoul, is one of the most popular destinations for viewing cherry blossoms. As cherry blossoms begin to fully bloom in early to mid-April, the 1.7 kilometer path lined with 1,800 cherry blossom trees transforms into a snow-white tunnel, accented with forsythia and other spring blossoms, just in time for Yeongdeungpo’s Yeouido Spring Flower Festival. Traffic is restricted in certain areas of Yeouiseo-ro Road during the festival period, allowing visitors to enjoy the cherry blossoms to their hearts’ content.

Address: Areas of Yeouido-dong, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul (Behind the National Assembly Building) (more info) (서울시 영등포구 여의도동 일대(국회의사당 뒷편)

2. A perfect springtime walking path, Namsan Park’s Circular Road

Namsan Park’s Circular Road, which connects Namsan Library, Namsan Octagonal Pavilion and the National Theater of Korea in Jangchung-dong, is a beautiful scenic route lined with forsythias, azaleas, and cherry blossoms. Although it stands at 262 meters above sea level, Namsan Mountain is a fairly easy walk. The walk begins from Namsan Library and takes about 40 minutes to reach Namsan Octagonal Pavilion located at the top of the mountain.

Address: 109, Sowol-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul (more info) (서울시 용산구 소월로 109)

3.  The most beautiful palace in spring, Changgyeonggung Palace

Changgyeonggung Palace, one of the major royal palaces in Seoul, is a prime spot to view cherry blossoms. The palace creates a gorgeous backdrop for photos made by an assortment of cherry blossoms, plum blossoms, Korean bush cherry, sansuyu (cornus fruit) flowers, apricot blossoms and royal azaleas as they bloom among ancient architecture in the heart of Seoul. From time to time, visitors can spot a fantastic shower of cherry blossom petals raining over Okcheongyo Bridge.

Address: 185, Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul (more info) (서울시 종로구 창경궁로 185)

4.  Meet beautiful cherry blossoms at Seokchonhosu Lake

A cherry blossom festival is held every spring at Songpanaru Park, also known as Seokchonhosu Lake, a peaceful lake park that surrounds Lotte World. Seockhonhosu Lake boasts approximately 1,000 mesmerizing cherry trees lined up like a tunnel of flowers, creating a fascinating scene in spring. In addition, the festival offers events and family-fun activities for a perfect day out at Seokchonhosu Lake and Lotte World.

☞ Address: Areas of Jamsil-dong, Songpa-gu, Seoul (more info) (서울시 송파구 잠실동 일대)

5.  Go on a dreamy picnic to Ilsan Lake Park

Ilsan Lake Park is home to a large number of flowering shrubs and trees, including thousands of cherry trees surrounding the lake. After the sun sets, lights strung around the trees create a romantic atmosphere as the cherry blossoms and lights reflect on the lake. A large lawn carpeted with soft green grass is open for visitors to enjoy picnicking. Visitors can get their fill of flowers by stopping at the nearby International Horticulture Goyang Korea, exhibiting flowers from all over the world.

Address: 595, Hosu-ro, Ilsandong-gu, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do (more info) (경기도 고양시 일산동구 호수로 595)

6.  Flowers gleam with vibrant yellow at Icheon Sansuyu Village

Icheon is home to a huge number of sansuyu trees. These wild trees, many over 100 years old, are spread all over the city and found most abundant in the Baeksa-myeon area, which is referred to as Sansuyu Village. The Icheon Baeksa Sansuyu Flower Festival is held at Sansuyu Village every spring when sansuyu flowers bloom, coloring the village with vibrant yellow. In particular, walking paths are prepared within the village, offering a magnificent view to anyone willing to take a walk.

Address: 17, Wonjeok-ro 775beon-gil, Baeksa-myeon, Icheon-si, Gyeonggi-do (more info) (경기도 이천시 백사면 원적로775번길 17)

Recommended Regional Spring Flower Hot Spots

1.  Pass through a cherry blossom tunnel at Jinhae’s Yeojwacheon Stream

The city of Jinhae comes alive in spring when Jinhae Gunhangjae Festival takes place and approximately 360,000 cherry trees begin to bloom. Though the entire city is considered one of the top cherry blossom destinations, the most popular flower viewing areas are Anmingogae Hill, Jehwangsan Park, and Yeojwacheon Stream. In particular, approximately 1.5-kilometer long section of Yeojwacheon Stream is aligned with cherry blossoms, creating a tunnel of white petals. The sweet scent of canola flowers under the cherry trees will accompany visitors as they walk through the floral tunnel.

Address: Areas of Yeojwa-dong, Jinhae-gu, Changwon-si, Gyeongsangnam-do (more info) (경남 창원시 진해구 여좌동 일대)

2.  Take a romantic walk along Ssangyesa Temple Simni Cherry Blossom Road

The Simni (10ri) Cherry Blossom Road is a 6-kilometer road that stretches from Hwagae Market to Ssanggyesa Temple in Hadong-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do. The road is often called the "wedding path" due to a belief that says couples who walk along the road when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom will fall deeply in love with each other. In addition, the annual Hwagae Cherry Blossoms Festival takes place around this time when the cherry trees are in bloom, offering more attractions for people walking the path connecting Hadong Hwagae Market and Ssanggyesa Temple.

Address: 15, Ssanggye-ro, Hwagae-myeon, Hadong-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do (more info) (경남 하동군 화개면 쌍계로15)

3.  Greet snow white flowers at Gwangyang Maehwa (Plum Flower) Village

In Gwangyang Maehwa Village, near Seomjingang River in Jeollanam-do, plum trees start to blossom in early March, reaching their peak in the middle of the month. During the Gwangyang Maehwa Festival, large crowds of tourists from across the nation flock to the village. While plum flowers differ in color depending on the breed, most plum flowers found in the village are white. When flowers blossom in spring, the village sets off a mysterious yet tranquil atmosphere, resembling a snow-covered wonderland.

Address:  1563-1, Seomjingangmaehwa-ro, Daapmyeon, Gwangyang-si, Jeollanam-do (more info) (전남 광양시 다압면 섬진강매화로 1563-1)

4.  Canola flowers bloom along the world’s no. 1 Slow Road, Cheongsando Island

Located about 19 kilometers south of Wando in Jeollanam-do is Cheongsando Island [Slow City], also known as the Dadohaehaesang National Park. Cheongsando Island was designated as the first Asian "Slow City" in 2007 and is home to the world’s first “Slow Road” as recognized by Cittaslow International. With the arrival of spring, yellow canola flowers, called yuchae in Korean, grow abundantly on the island and their fragrance fills the air. With its clear blue skies, turquoise sea, and bright yellow flowers, the island remains a favorite springtime filming location for movies, dramas and TV commercials.

Address: Areas of Cheongsan-myeon, Wando-gun, Jeollanam-do (more info) (전남 완도군 청산면 일대)

5.  A famous filming site of the drama “All In,” Jeju Seopjikoji

As Korea's southernmost province, Jeju Island is the first to see the blossoming of spring flowers, drawing in many tourists with the start of spring. Yellow canola flowers spring up far and wide on the island, creating picture perfect scenery in places like Seopjikoji, a popular tourist attraction famous as a filming site of the Korean drama "All In (2003)." Visitors will be pleased to find uniquely shaped sculptures set in fields of canola flowers for photos of their trip. Furthermore, some tourist sites offer pony rides, a popular activity especially among families with children.

Address: 107, Seopjikoji-ro, Seongsan-eup, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do (more info) (제주 서귀포시 성산읍 섭지코지로 107)

6.  A mountain covered with azaleas, Yeongchwisan Mountain

Famous for the surrounding blue sea and beautiful islands, Yeosu is another popular destination for viewing spring flowers. Starting in April, pink azaleas color the ridges of Yeongchwisan Mountain (Yeosu), creating picturesque scenes against the deep blue ocean. The Yeongchwisan Azalea Festival is held annually in early April to celebrate the coming of spring.

Address: Areas of Sagnam-dong, Yeosu-si, Jeollanam-do (more info) (전라남도 여수시 상암동 일대)

Enjoy Spring Flower Festivals at Amusement Parks

1.  Character Flower Festival at Seoulland

Every spring, Seoulland holds the annual Character Flower Festival, offering much to see and enjoy. Colorful flowers decorate pathways while various cartoon characters greet visitors. Stunning flowerbeds and lively characters provide excellent photo opportunities, including that of themed anniversary photos. In addition, special light fixtures highlight the flowers at night, creating a spectacular night view.

Address: 181, Gwangmyeong-ro, Gwacheon-si, Gyeonggi-do (more info) (경기도 과천시 광명로 181)

2.  Tulip Festival at Everland

To mark the arrival of spring every year, an annual Tulip Festival is held at Everland. In addition to Everland's tulip and rose gardens, the whole park will be decorated with azaleas, forsythias, camellias and freesias. Guests are welcome to enjoy events such as parades and performances. At night, the flowers become illuminated with colorful lighting displays.

Joining the “Search for Wow Korea Supporters 2018″ was the biggest plot twist that happened to me this year. It was the first time I heard about it and I had no idea what exact responsibility was waiting there for me if I happen to qualify.

Because of liking K-Pop, I eventually learned and loved Korea’s Culture and Tourism. However, I was very hesitant to join; thinking a lot of negative things that would cause hindrance to my jobs. (I am currently working as an Accounting Staff; I do part-time teaching a kid everyday after work; I handle several k-pop fanclubs; I am also currently attending classes for Korean Language.) Nevertheless, despite all those thoughts, I registered! Wala naman kasing mawawala, di’ba? 

PKCI was a part of this search. Twenty (20) supporters will be selected from members of affiliated PKCI fanclubs and I happened to be one. But I wasn’t expecting that I would be actually qualified because two of the PKCI officers personally told me that I “just” can’t be qualified. I didn’t realized they were just kidding me.

It was April 17, 2018 when KTO Manila finally announced the fifty (50) Wow Korea Supporters for 2018. I was glad to see my name on the list but I was more worried seeing some famous names on there, too. From there, I knew, “this won’t be easy.”

As a chosen Wow Korea Supporter, there were given tasks/missions to post on our blog and social media accounts about Korea Tourism with a certain theme every week. I honestly didn’t know where and how to start and what exactly should I post. So, I got myself a notebook where I wrote my content plans for each day and week, so that I won’t be lost and I would be able to promote Korea’s Culture and Tourism Attractions properly and effectively, since that was our main goal. Having a content plan really helped me a lot on my postings!

I was doing great, but ofcourse, there were also disruptions since I am doing a lot of things. There were months where I was not able to follow my content plans but I think it’s okay as long as I’m still able to promote Korea Tourism at least. Passing of the monthly reports weren’t easy for me, too, but I always make sure that I would pass it on time.

In the span of continuously posting for nine months, I can say that I fell more deeply in-love with Korea. I realized that being a Wow Korea Supporter is not just “promotion” to be able to gather tourists to go to Korea, but also a “promotion” of my knowledge and love for Korea. I thought I already know Korea very well but I have learned a lot more! I thank Korea Tourism Organization for this. :)

I was awarded last December 13, 2018 at Fairmont Hotel in Makati as KTO Manila’s Best Wow Korea Supporter for 2018. Having the title, rest assured that I will never end supporting and promoting Korea Tourism as much as how I love my own country, the Philippines. KTO Manila have given me an all-in package tour to Jeju in return of my invaluable contribution in promoting Korea tourism. This would be my first time overseas travel and I am so glad that I would be going to the country I have been dreaming about to visit.

I would like to thank my parents, friends and relatives for the support. I know I have flooded your news feeds and timelines with my posts, but all of you have been patient and considerate for liking, sharing and commenting on my posts atleast.ㅋㅋ I would also like to thank my KPOP idol oppas, unnies and eommas for the inspiration. And ofcourse, Lord God for giving me the hope, strength and wisdom all throughout.