Spring is in the air
KOREA Tourism Organization ( KTO) will be participating in the upcoming MATTA Fair, highlighting the spring flower festivals of South Korea ( March to May), and giving away redemption gifts for travel enthusiasts.
Korea’s 2016 spring flower festivals and attractions:
The cool fresh air, refreshing scent and the scenic breathtaking view. Imagine a holiday filled with colourful fresh blooms in spring. South Korea is a country blessed with attractive natural landscaping. With so much to see and visit during spring, here are picturesque suggestions to help you plan your holiday. See Busan in full bloom on the scenic route of Dalmaji- gil, a winding trail that runs from Haeundae to Songjeong. With a fantastic seashore view, Dalmaji- gil is nicknamed Street of Culture, thanks to the art galleries and unique cafes along the trail. Nearby is Moontan Road which entices couples to take a romantic 30- minute walk on its meandering path.
With the arrival of spring, tourists flock over to witness the floral attractions. A popular spot is the Cherry Blossom Festival in Jinhae, just a 40- minute drive away from Busan.
Every year, this festival welcomes visitors to its charming town with a lively parade and spectacular floral display which attracts over two million visitors annually. Set on a mountainous stretch of the southern Korean coastline, Jinhae boasts spectacular sights of blooming cherry blossom trees along the 1.5km boardwalk of Yeojwacheon Stream and the 800m- long Gyeonghwa railway track on both sides.
Another popular cherry blossom spot is Bomun Lake, located at the east of downtown Gyeongju. The Bomun Tourist Town caters to the need of international tourist with a hotel, golf resort, shopping mall, an international conference room as well as other leisure and amusement facilities. Along the lake is a long walkway with many cherry trees that come alive in pink come spring. Not far off away from Gyeongju, approximately an hour’s drive away, would be Daegu. Recommended places to visit would be e- World, Suseong Lake and Palgongsan Mountain.
Locals particularly believe that the cherry tree in e- World blooms early and foretells the blooms of all other cherry trees in Daegu. While on Palgongsan Mountain, catch your breath as you see a mesmerising sight of heavily blossomed cherry trees on the winding roads.
Over at the Suncheonman Bay Garden, at Jeollanam- do ( south of Jeolla Province), see the pictureperfect spread of colourful flowers.
Located at the north of Jeolla Province is Maisan, take a hike up and witness the beauty of Mother Nature at the Maisan Provincial Park, especially in spring where the cherry blossoms are blooming and the mountain is covered with bright pink azalea flowers.
If you’re adventurous, take a drive along Jeongungado, a 40km- long road which connects Jeonju and Gunsan in Jeollabuk- do. It is well known as the longest cherry blossom road in South Korea with trees lined on both sides of the road. And while you’re there, don’t miss the Gunsan Cherry Blossom Festival.
At Gangwon- do, which is well known for its’ Nami Island, one can head over to check out the Gangneung Cherry Blossom Festival, a major festival happening at Gyeongpo Beach. While taking in the surrounding scenery, one can also enjoy artwork and make your own handmade items.
Jeju Island is located at the southern part of the peninsular and a Unesco World Heritage Site.
It is also famous for yellow canola ( also called rapeseed) flowers. In spring, the island is decked with bright canola petals and visitors can get a lovely view from atop Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak or Seopjikoji.
The Jeju Canola Flower Festival also attracts a high number of local and international tourists annually.
Other than that, you may also take part in the Jeju Canola Walking Festival on March 19 and 20 at Jeju Jungmun Tourist Complex. Also not to be missed during spring in Jeju Island would be the Jeju Food and Wine Festival 2016 taking place from May 12 to 14 at Jeju’s Hayatt Regency. Eleven renowned chefs will come together to present various cuisines using Jeju’s representative ingredients.
Apart from all the above, there are also other spring festivals and destinations worth keeping a lookout for. At Hwangmaesan in Hapcheon- gun, sometime in May, there is the Hwangmaesan Royal Azalea Festival that features stunning royal azaleas at their full bloom. Besides that, azaleas can also be spotted at Maisan Provincial Park of Jinan- gun, Mount Yeongchwisan in Yeosu along the south coast of the Korean peninsula, as well as Hallasan Mountain in Jeju Island.
Customers can enquire for more travel information at the Korea Tourism Organization Booths No. 1161- 1184, Hall 1, PWTC KL. Fair attractions also include gift redemptions for travel package buyers. There will also be several stage performances and events throughout the three- day fair.
Redemptions
i) Korea Package Purchasers: Luggage Bag Organiser by KTO
ii) Packages with Jeju: Passport Holder
iii) Packages with Busan: Handphone Stand
– Busan transportation pass card ( at least two nights’ stay in Busan) * While stocks last * Terms & conditions apply
For more information on Korean tourism, visit www. visitkorea. or. kr. Details on exclusive promotions for Malaysians are available on www. visitkorea. com. my or by contacting 03- 2143 9000. Find it on Facebook – Korea Plaza KL.