A cherry blossoms playlist

By Korea.net Honorary Reporter Kim Y. Lacey

Photos = Kim Y. Lacey

Now that spring is here, flowers are starting to bloom here, there and everywhere. Cherry blossom viewing is extremely popular in Korea and, as you probably know already, people usually go to a few well-known spots for beautiful seasonal scenery. Though crowded, it can be a lot of fun to take pictures and to eat and drink with family and friends, next to lovey-dovey couples. 

I personally love cherry blossoms, not just because they're pretty to look at, but because they remind me of the transience of life. The blossoms wouldn't be so beautiful if they were to last forever. 

So, this time around I would like to share my Spring K-pop Playlist. Some of the songs are very well-known, others not so much. I'd also like to share a few pictures of cherry blossoms that I’ve taken over the years and all around the world.

Enjoy, and please leave a comment if there are any other K-pop songs that remind you of spring!

1. "Bom Bom Bom" (봄봄봄) by Roy Kim

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k3-BDy55tq4

2. "Cherry Blossom Ending" (벚꽃엔딩) by Busker Busker

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tXV7dfvSefo

There are many cherry blossom trees in Sheffield, U.K.

3. "Holding Your Hand" (너의 손 잡고) by Corona

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4EYwkcY28fk

4. "Spring Breeze" (봄바람) by Lee Moonse, and featuring Naul from the band Brown Eyed Soul

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=smVvQVCtka4

Cherry blossoms bloom in Sejong-si City, Korea.

5. "Spring Is Gone by Chance" (우연히 봄) by Loco and Yuju from the band G Friend https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GjyMuHmzxVE

6. "What the Spring??" (봄이 좋냐??) by 10cm

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cIGgSI1uhKI

Cherry blossoms bloom in Aomori, Japan.

7. "You Are My Spring" (넌 나의 봄이다) by Sung Si Kyung

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TTn61LE5Z18

8. "You, Who?" (유후) by Eric Nam X Somi

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OaG575r_Dyo

A street is lined with cherry blossoms in Gongju-si City, Korea.

wisdom117@korea.kr

Cherry blossoms say it's spring again

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

Spring in Gyeongju, a sight worth seeing

By Korea.net Honorary Reporter Ma. Lilia Pedellume 

Photos = Ma. Lilia Pedellume 

Gyeongju is one of the oldest cities in Korea. It's historically known as Seorabeol, the capital of the ancient kingdom of Silla. It was once one of the most prosperous and wealthy cities in the world. Traces of its glorious days are pretty much visible all over the modern-day Gyeongju. It truly makes sense to call this city a “museum without walls.” 

While Gyeongju is known for its historical and cultural significance, there are a lot of other reasons to visit Gyeongju, like leisure and relaxation.

In the spring, visitors flock to Gyeongju not only to see the temples and ancient royal tombs, but also to see the beautiful spring scenery of this ancient city.

Cherry blossoms at the popular tourist sites, like the Cheomseongdae Star Observatory and the Daereungwon Royal Tumuli Belt, are really beautiful.

The ones along the road from downtown Gyeongju going toward the Bomun Tourist Complex will make your bus ride a lot more enjoyable. 

The flowers across the bridge from the Gyeongju Intercity Bus Terminal look great, also.

Basically, whichever way you go, you’ll be able to find beautiful cherry blossoms trees. 

My favorite spots, however, were the ones along the Bomun Lakeside Trail, behind the Hyundai Hotel, going toward the trail behind the Hilton Hotel, and the ones surrounding the Bomun Pavilion.  

The Bomun Pavilion is a photographer's favorite cherry blossom photo location because of the beautiful reflection of the cherry blossoms and the pavilion in the pond.

During my visit, an SBS Plus rom-com online soap opera, “Wednesday 3:30 p.m.,” starring VIXX member Hongbin and actress Jin Ki-joo, was being filmed in the area.  I saw them while they were filming a scene at the wooden bridge behind the Hilton Hotel. 

Aside from the endless lines of beautiful cherry blossoms in full bloom, Gyeongju also offer a golden field of canola near the Cheomseongdae Star Observatory.  Some visitors rent traditional Hanbok clothes from the rental shops near the Daereungwon and cheerfully walk around flaunting their colorful traditional attire.  

There are also some who were wearing Sillabok, a special type of royal Hanbok attire specifically from Silla times. 

After seeing this beautiful spring scenery, I was enamored.  Gyeongju is now my favorite spring destination in Korea.

If you're planning to visit Korea to see the cherry blossoms, you should really consider adding Gyeongju to your list. 

Getting around the city is easy.  Both the Daereungwon and the Cheonseongdae are within walking distance of both the train station and bus terminal.  

The Bomun Lake, Bomun Tourist Complex and Bulguksa can be reached by Bus No. 10. If you're going back downtown from the Bomun area, take bus No.s 11 or 150.

wisdom117@korea.kr