Cherry blossoms and canola flowers: 3 spring spots to visit in Gyeongbuk
Cherry blossoms bloom at Daereungwon in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province. Courtesy of Gyeongsangbuk-do Culture and Tourism Organization
As winter gives way to spring, flowers are beginning to bloom across Korea’s cities, lakes and coastlines, creating vivid landscapes.
The Gyeongsangbuk-do Culture and Tourism Organization on Thursday selected three must-see destinations in North Gyeongsang Province where visitors can enjoy the season’s blossoms.
Daereungwon, Gyeongju
A historic site framed by cherry blossom trees, Daereungwon is one of the most popular spring walking spots in Gyeongju.
Walking along the low stone wall surrounding the ancient royal burial mounds beneath rows of cherry trees, visitors might feel as if they have stepped into a world of blossoms. In some sections, the branches arch overhead, completely enveloping the path in pink flowers, while the occasional gust of wind sends petals drifting down like rain.
Despite the crowds that gather each spring to see the cherry blossoms, the walkway remains wide enough for a slow and comfortable stroll. Extending the walk to nearby Hwangnidan Road and Cheomseongdae Observatory is also recommended.
Cherry blossoms bloom at Yeonhwaji reservoir in Gimcheon, North Gyeongsang Province / Courtesy of Gyeongsangbuk-do Culture and Tourism Organization
Yeonhwaji, Gimcheon
A walk along the lakeside path beneath cherry blossoms reveals a mirror image of the flowers shimmering on the lake.
Yeonhwaji reservoir in Gimcheon is known as a place where travelers can circle the lake while admiring cherry blossoms both above and below. Photographers often line the path, waiting for the wind to settle so they can capture the perfect moment when the water reflects the surrounding scenery.
Visitors can stroll along the trail or pause at scenic viewpoints to take in the sky, water and blossoms all at once.
Homigot, Pohang
Bright yellow canola flowers blanket the coastline, forming a striking band of color against the blue sky and sea.
The wide-open landscape around the observatory offers sweeping coastal views, making it a popular spot for photography. Visitors can follow winding trails through bright yellow fields while enjoying the seaside breeze, tinged with salt and the scent of flowers.
Canola flowers bloom at Homigot in Pohang, North Gyeongsang Province. Courtesy of Gyeongsangbuk-do Culture and Tourism Organization
“They are ideal destinations for a short spring outing and a leisurely walk,” said Kim Nam-il, president of the Gyeongsangbuk-do Culture and Tourism Organization.
“We hope visitors can enjoy some of the most beautiful cherry blossoms and canola flowers of the season here in Gyeongbuk.”
This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.