Every spring, the Simni Cherry Blossom Road, the 4 km road that connects Ssanggyesa Temple and Hwagaejangteo Market, is filled with 1,200 cherry blossom trees in full bloom. To capture this scenic view, people from all over Korea visit this small village in Hadong, Gyeongsangnamdo Province, and have an unforgettable moment with their beloved people.
The 27th Hwagae Cherry Blossom Festival is set to take place from March 28 to March 30, 2025, at Green Narae Square near the Hwagae-myeon Office and the Car-Free Ship-ri Cherry Blossom Road. This highly anticipated event offers visitors a chance to experience one of Korea’s most breathtaking cherry blossom displays.
For a hassle-free festival trip from Seoul, join our private tour with round-trip transportation and an English-speaking driver is highly recommended!
Contents
1. Festival Highlights
2. Best Time to Visit
3. Things to Check Before You Visit
1. Festival Highlights
1) Ssanggyesa Temple
Ssanggyesa Temple is one of the most popular temples in the Jirisan area and its foundation dates back to the 8th century. The layout of the buildings in the temple compound well harmonizes with the surrounding nature. The colorful, but not necessarily gaudy, paintworks on the wooden buildings double aesthetic pleasure in the traditional construction.
2) Simni Cherry Blossom Road
The main cherry blossom attraction is the Hwagae 10-ri Cherry Blossom Road, also known as Simni Cherry Blossom Road. This 4km stretch features over 1,200 cherry blossom trees planted in 1931, creating a stunning tunnel of pink blossoms. The road connects Ssanggyesa Temple to Hwagae Traditional Market (Hwagaejangteo), offering a picturesque walk under the blooming trees.
3) Wedding Road
One of the highlights of the festival is a special “Hollye-gil” which means “Wedding Road” and the car-free cherry blossom street will be set up during the weekend. This romantic photo zone is perfect for couples, with a local legend stating that pairs who discuss marriage under the cherry blossoms will stay together for life.
3) Cultural Events & Performances
During the festival, you’ll get to enjoy various events, including the Cherry Blossom DJ Music Festival, Youth Dance Contrast, Gyeongnam Youth Busking Contest, and more. If you want to learn more about the festival, click here.
4) Hwagaejangteo Market
Don’t miss opportunities to taste traditional foods at Hwagae Market (Hwagaejangteo)! For Instagram-worthy photos, try Seomjingang Jaecheop Guksu (Seomjin River Freshwater Clam Noodles) with stunning cherry blossoms and the Seomjin River as your backdrop.
Also, try Beotgul, the cherry blossom oyster, which is caught from the Seomjin River in the local area. Unlike other oysters, this inhabits freshwater and grows as big as a human hand. The server lady cut one of the shells off, took the flesh off from the other shell, chopped the flesh into a mouthful size, and topped it with sour and spicy chili sauce. If you feel put off by raw freshwater food, you can also ask to cook it.
2. Best Time to Visit
The festival runs from March 28 to March 30, 2025. However, cherry blossoms typically bloom in late March to early April, so plan your visit accordingly for the best views.
3. Things to Check Before You Visit
- Wear in Layers!
Although it is warm during the day in early April, mornings and nights are still chilly and you definitely need a jacket. The tour starts in the early morning and the temperature is highly likely below 10 degrees Celsius. It would be wise of you to wear thin clothes in layers during this season. - Wear Comfortable Walking Shoes!
The area is not hilly but you’ll have to walk the 4 km cherry blossom road and more. Make sure you wear comfortable walking shoes. - Remember When to Visit!
Cherry Blossoms in Hadong, located in the southern part of Korea, bloom earlier than those in Seoul. Make sure you plan the trip from March 28th to 30th if you want to visit the Hwagae Cherry Blossom Festival. - Book Your Tour in Advance!
Consider joining a tour if you want a hassle-free experience, especially if traveling from Seoul since it’s quite tricky to get to the festival venue by public transportation.
Check out more cherry blossom tours in Korea!
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