By Korea.net Honorary Reporter Williams KyeiPhotos = Williams Kyei
If you have lived in Korea for more than a year, you would realize that things are seasonal and that trends come and go. As such, if you miss a particular seasonal trend, you'll have to wait until next year, biting your fingers for having wasted the opportunity.
One such beautiful moment is the cherry blossom season and the festivals that are held across the length and breadth of Korea, ushering in the spring. It's is the time of year when flowers bloom from the dried, winter trees. While it begins in late March in some southern cities, it usually starts in April for most places around the capital of Seoul.
Cherry blossoms are refreshing, dazzling and charming. Families, friends, students and revelers from all walks of life throng to these festivals to capture the beautiful blooms.
As an African living in Korea, I detest winter, so I was keenly looking forward to the start of spring, which subsequently leads to my favorite season of the year, summer. Meanwhile, I haven't actually attended an actual cherry blossom festival since I came to Korea, so this was a not-to-miss event for me.
I didn’t want to beam with envy as I drooled over all the wonderful photos shared on social media by my friends. I had to live and relive the 2017 cherry blossoms first-hand. Call this positive peer pressure.
Therefore, I went out with a friend last Friday to relish in the Yeouido Spring Flower Festival 2017, which was being held from April 1 to 9 along the Hangang River Park in Yeouido.
The festival is organized by the Yeongdeungpo-gu District Government and it’s considered to be one of the top cherry blossom festivals in Seoul. It was the most talked about festival in town and on social media. It showcased mini concerts, flowery displays, buskers, cultural activities and more.
This is how I experienced this year’s cherry blossom spring festival in Yeouido.
The trail began at Yeouinaru Station near the National Assembly. We came out of the station and it was all white and pink flowers with a barrage of people walking to and fro, either taking selfies or snapping pics of the flowers.
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| The street was crowded with people who came out to enjoy the cherry blossoms. |
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| I captured some of the flowers on a branch against the bright, sunny blue skies. |
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| Even popcorn sales along the street were cherry blossom-themed. |
As a gourmand for Korean street food, it was bliss to find some of my favorite delicacies being served along the walking trails. From sausages, tteobokki, silkworm larvae, kebabs and smoked squid to egg buns, taking bites of these snacks made me enjoy the festival even more.
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| Tteobokki is always a delicious snack. |
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Grilled chicken kebabs are a hit everywhere. |
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Sausages, chicken balls and tteobokki rolls are available at the Yeouido cherry blossom festival. |
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There were tons of people going about their business as we walked further toward the main venue of the festival. |
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The activities area had tents where revelers could try on some traditional Hanbok attire, play a game or pose for a photo in a booth. |
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This small stage behind the National Assembly held a traditional music concert. The tunes from the 12-stringed zither, or gayageum, perfectly suited the atmosphere. |
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Kids have a great time at the temporary roller skating rink built purposely for the festival. |
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There was a bigger stage with performances from well-known musicians. |
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The streets were busy with lots of people. |
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Street artists were in top gear, drawing portraits of people. |
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Cherry blossoms were everywhere. |
It was a thrilling experience having participated in the Yeouido Spring Flower festival.
I look forward to attending next year.
wisdom117@korea.kr
