Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival: How to See Korea’s Most Beautiful Spring Blooms Posted on March 1, 2017November 16, 2025 Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... Looking for something memorable to do this spring? Every year between late March and early April. A few million visitors crowd into the small town of Jinhae in Changwon, Gyeongsangnam-do region to enjoy the breathtaking aroma of cherry blossoms. The Gunhangje Cherry Blossom Festival in Jinhae is the country’s largest festival for the beautiful, yet short-lived blooms. This post is sponsored and/or contains affiliate links, from which I earn a commission at no extra cost to the reader. I appreciate your support and know that all the views expressed are my own. Gunhangje Cherry Blossom FestivalJinhae The very first cherry blossom festival was held on April 13, 1952, as a small ceremony honoring the Korean naval hero, Admiral Yi Sun-shin. The General was a factor in the defeat of the Japanese army during the Imjin War during the 16th century. Today, it has become one of the largest festivals in the country, with approximately 2 million visitors from all around the world taking in the blossoms, foods, and lighted exhibits. This year the 55th cherry blossom annual festival will be held April 1 through April 10 and as always promises to be better than the last. So we were excited to travel the 90 minutes from Daegu to the Jinhae a week before it began. It’s Magical Hundreds of trees offer shade from the afternoon sun. They form a floral canopy overhead. Unfortunately, the cherry blossom trees hadn’t matured yet. When the flower petals fall they dance along with the gentle spring breeze. And it creates an almost magical atmosphere as you stroll under the flowing petals. Check out these four spiritual destinations in the new year– Bali, Sedona, Machu Picchu, and the Camino de Santiago. There’s going to be a total eclipse this year, click here to find Where to See the Total Solar Eclipse in America. . Gyeonghwa Station The Yeojwacheon Stream and the cherry blossoms lining Gyeonghwa Station has earned its title. It’s a must-go destination among groups of lovebirds, family, and friends alike. Crowds who prefer a more romantic view may opt to go during the night-time. The streets, stream, and trees light up the night. These two sites are the most popular cherry blossom attractions in Jinhae. But the entire city is magnificently covered with cherry blossoms. And there are tons of great photo opportunities on every other street. If you plan to travel to Korea in the spring, make sure to visit Jinhae to enjoy the wonderful cherry blossoms! Address and phone number: Tongsin-dong, Jinhae-gu, Changwon-si, Gyeongsangnam-do, +82-55-225-234 Cherry Blossom Forecast If you want to catch South Korea’s cherry blossom season, it’s usually a safe bet between late March and mid-April. However, since cherry trees bloom at different times depending on the region, take a look at these estimated dates below to help you plan your itinerary. The Korean Meteorological Administration will release its official cherry blossom forecast for 2017 in early March, so keep checking the page for updates. This forecast will help you catch the beautiful blooms at their peak. For now, here were the blooming dates for 2016. . Like it? Pin it! CULTURE, EVENTS & EXPERIENCES ASIA
Seems like a beautiful place to visit. Looks like fun. The cherry blossoms are BEAUTIFUL! so lovely. Reply
What a beautiful thing to have been able to see! It’s good that you got to go before the crowds came in too – I would have been willing to trade the blooms for the peace, myself. Reply
I’ve heard about this festival, some of my friends attended a few years back and they loved it. Katja xxx http://www.katnapped.com Reply
Oh my gosh! Such wonderful pictures. I love cherry blossoms!! By the way, your hair is beautiful! Reply
Such a marvelous sight to see. 🙂 I’ve always wanted to see Cherry Blossoms in person. I guess we just have to wait a year or two more so that we can take our daughter with us. Reply
I’m not sure where you live, but there are other places where they’ve planted them in the parks and botanical gardens… NYC, Philly, Urbana, Nashville, Macon, St. Louis, San Francisco, Portland and Seattle… are a few others I’ve seen them written about. Reply
Can’t wait for spring! The cherry blossom trees look so beautiful. I love the smell of cherry blossom. Wish to visit Korea someday! Reply
It’s definitely something that I would love to see! Cherry blossom festival must be so magical and beautiful! Nice pictures:) Reply
It would be nice to experience this! To be honest, I though that Japan was the only one to celebrate cherry blossoms! It’s good to know that we have other options! Reply
Nope they are all over the place. I’m not sure where you live, but there are other places where they’ve planted them in the parks and botanical gardens… NYC, Philly, Urbana, Nashville, Macon, St. Louis, San Francisco, Portland and Seattle… are a few others I’ve seen them written about. Reply
It’s hard to miss an event as lovely as this! Who doesn’t want to see cherry blossoms bloom and just be at awe of their beauty! Reply
Wow, this is so cool, and what neat stuff they have set up! I love the different cultures we can learn about. The cherry blossoms are stunning. Reply
OMG! So beautiful! I’vew always wanted to go to a cherry blossom festival! I thought I had to travel overseas to see one but I’m so glad there is some here in the U.S. Reply
Yes, you are right, and I believe DC is not the only place you can see them. NYC, Philly, Urbana, Nashville, Macon, St. Louis, San Francisco, Portland and Seattle. Reply
I love Cherry Blossoms, they are such a beautiful flower! That festival looks amazing, would love to go one day. Reply
I love them soooo much! I tried going last year in Washington DC but missed it! 🙁 I can’t attend this year but I need to see it during peak bloom! Reply
I’m not sure where you live, but there are other places where they’ve planted them in the parks and botanical gardens… NYC, Philly, Urbana, Nashville, Macon, St. Louis, San Francisco, Portland and Seattle… are a few others I’ve seen them written about. Reply
I have never been to a cherry blossom festival, but I have always wanted to. I think that they’re gorgeous. This festival looks absolutely magical! Reply
I soooooo want to do this!!! I love cherry blossoms and have been dying to visit Japan as well. At the TOP of the bucket list. Reply
I love these trees. I have six of them in front of my house and when I move to my new property I’m lining both sides of my driveway with them. They smell so good when in bloom and even when they’re not in bloom they have a nice wide canopy for shade. Reply
Thats awesome. I plan to plant a few as well as some Japanese maples when we finally get our forever home. I forgot to mention that they offer amazing shade after they bloom, thanks. Reply
That looks so amazing! I want to travel all over the world but so far my husband has not been stationed anywhere of real interest outside of the country! Hopefully, we’ll make our way over to Japan for a duty station and experience all that country has to offer! Reply
That looks absolutely stunning! Definitely something for the bucket list! Cherry blossoms are so beautiful! Reply