By Korea.net Honorary Reporter Anita Emefa Hato
Photos = Anita Emefa Hato
"Life is short, like the three-day glory of the cherry blossom,'' says a famous proverb."
So, it's spring again and as we take our time to enjoy the warm weather and beautiful flowers blooming all over the country, it’s about time we look into the cherry blossom viewing craze here in Korea.
Out of curiosity, I decided to do a little research about the origin of cherry blossoms, and I was amazed to find out that it is quite contentious. The colonial government planted yoshino cherry trees at Seoul's Changgyeonggung Palace, and the viewing of cherry blossoms was introduced to Korea during colonial rule. The festivals continued even after Korea was granted independence at the end of World War II, but they have been controversial. Many cherry trees were cut down to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the departure of the colonial government because they were seen as a symbol of colonialism. Yet people continued to plant yoshino cherry trees and festivals began to attract a wide range of tourists.
Many Korean media outlets assert that the yoshino cherry is the same as a Korean indigenous cherry, an endangered species called the king cherry, whose mass production is still being studied.
People have their own festivals for cherry blossoms (벛꽃축제) in Seogwipo on Jeju Island, in Yeouido in Seoul, in Jinhae, in Jamsil, at Kyunghee University, at the Seoul Forest, at the Seoul Grand Park, at Seoul's royal palaces, along the Seomjin River in the Jeolla region, in Gyeongju, at the Hwagae Market in Gyeongsangnam-do Province, along the Oncheon Stream, in Jecheon, in Gyeongpo and even on Nami Island.
It's believed that if a couple walks down a boulevard of cherry blossoms holding hands, the two will grow old together in an everlasting relationship. Some people go to see these blossoms for 'healing': to relieve themselves from stress.
Spring is a lovely sight to behold here on the Korean Peninsula. It's the most beautiful time or season of the year. It’s a time where you get to see more and more people coming out to enjoy picnics and festivals with their friends and families. It's also a great opportunity for couples to hang out and to enjoy each other's company, and for tourists to take photos everywhere. Coffee shops and other vendors also take the opportunity to make special cherry blossom drinks and deserts made from the available cherry blossoms.
wisdom117@korea.kr
