Jinhae Gunhangje Festival 2016, South Korea

The Jinhae Gunhangje Festival is one of the largest cherry blossom festival in Korea that attracts a large crowd of visitors from around the world annually. Around early April, the glorious cherry blossom cover the whole Jinhae city, creating an enchanting atmosphere, and it is definitely the best moment to take a stroll along the endless street of cherry blossom trees.

3 years ago, I went to the Jinhae city for the cherry blossom festival, but the blooming of cherry blossoms had finished when I was there. I left the city with disappointment and I told myself  that I must go back again for the cherry blossom. I kept my promise and true enough, I was back in Jinhae city in 2016; the timing was perfect for the full-bloom cherry blossom this round.

These are some of the scenic spots that we had checked out:

1. Jehwangsan Park . 제황산공원

Our first stop was the Jehwangsan Park, which is located at the top of Jehwangsan Mountain; very near to the Jinhae Express Bus Terminal. It took around 10 to 15 mins of a hike to get to the top. We didn't see many people hung around the park, except some of the locals. The majority of the visitors headed directly to the Jinhae Tower; this 9th-storey tower provides a panoramic view of Jinhae city.

<< Jehwangsan Park . 제황산공원 >>

Location: Click here for Map

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2. Yeojwacheon Stream . 여좌천-벚꽃명소

Next, Yeojwacheon Stream, which was just a short walk from Jehwangsan Park. This 1.5 km-long stream was lined with cherry blossom trees on its both sides. It was crowded with visitors and we saw everyone was busy taking pictures against the backdrop of cherry blossom with the wooden bridges arched over the picturesque stream. This is one of the scenic spots you shouldn't miss.

This photo was taken in 2013

This photo was taken in 2013

<< Yeojwacheon Stream . 여좌천-벚꽃명소 >>

Location: Click here for Map

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3. Jinhae NFRDI Environment Eco-Park . 진해내수면 환경생태공원

When we reached the end of the Yeojwacheon Stream in the north, we made our way to the Jinhae NFRDI Environment Eco-Park, which is easily accessible. Most of the cherry blossom petals had fallen off, but the reflection of the landscape on the pond was tranquil and amazing.

<< Jinhae NFRDI Environment Eco-Park . 진해내수면 환경생태공원 >>

Location: Click here for Map

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4. Gyeonghwa Station . 경화역 벚꽃길

Our last stop was the Geyonghwa Station, one of the must-go destinations of the cherry blossom festival, especially for those who love trains and railway. This 800m-long stretch of railway at Gyeonghwa Station was lined with cherry blossom trees provide a lot of photo shooting opportunities. In order to avoid the crowd, do visit this popular spot as early as possible.

This photo was taken in 2013

This photo was taken in 2013

This photo was taken in 2013

This photo was taken in 2013

This photo was taken in 2013

This photo was taken in 2013

<< Gyeonghwa Station . 경화역 벚꽃길 >>

Location: Click here for Map

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This photo was taken in 2013

If you plan to visit Korea in spring, the Jinhae Gunhangje Festival is definitely one of the best cherry blossom festivals that you must attend. With its numerous scenic spots and activities, surely you will have a memorable holiday filled with loads of cherry blossom photos.

Getting There

If you are planning to visit Jinhae from Busan, you can take a direct bus at Seobu Intercity Bus Terminal (nearest subway station Sasang).

<< Seobu Intercity Bus Terminal >>

Location: Click here for Map

The bus journey is around 1 hour and it will bring you directly to the Jinhae Express Bus Terminal where the festival is held.

<< Jinhae Express Bus Terminal >>

Location: Click here for Map

Related Posts:
- 10 Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms in South Korea
- Hwagae Cherry Blossom Festival


Written by: Q.J.
Photography by: Q.J.