But Where Are The Cherries?

Anywhere that there is winter, there is surely to be an intrepid need to get out and exploring come spring! This was exactly the case for our last minute decision to take a train to Jinhae in South Korea’s southern coast, to partake in its infamous Cherry Blossom Festival which receives 2,000,000 visitors each year. Without a plan or a thought of hesitation we got on the train and commenced our trip.

Upon arrival the train slowly chugged along the track lined with tranquil white and pink blossoming trees on either side. Thousands of tourists were behind the trees snapping photos of the train as it came in like a bride down the aisle surrounded by flower girls. When this bridal procession ended we got off and simply followed the masses in the direction of never ending tents lining every road in the town center. With no plan, place to sleep, or any idea even where we were; we stopped in an ally lined with tents roasting black hogs for some of the best pork I have ever encountered.

As the sun set into the night sky, skylights waving through the air called our attention to a stadium where traditional drummers were performing on stage with such vigor and power the entire arena was filled with an indescribable ambiance of power surging through the stands. They were followed by a most peculiar performance from the Navy’s band playing the YMCA with obscure belly dancers doing the dance on stage, and the three of us were the only members of the audience joining in on the YMCA dance. At this point it was time to leave with no shame but smiles of childhood delight on our faces.

The night continued with live traditional Korean music concerts and dances occurring throughout the blossom filled city. Still with no place to sleep and the night growing cold we joined other friends and continued through the night doing park bench Karaoke in front of crowds of excited Koreans. In the early hours when the crowd died down we decided to go to a Jimjilbang to sleep for a few hours. After living in Korea nearly 2 years this was my first experience in a jimjilbang and I have been missing out. Spa by day and place to crash on the floor by night! Brilliant! A truly amazing experience, that has become a weekly habit.

The following morning with the luck that I have, yet again my shoes were stolen.  Without hesitation and the relentless need to travel we continued on through the day as I walked barefoot and we observed the true beauty of the cherry blossoms. We visited a cascading stream through the city surrounded blindingly with the natural hues of the blossoms. 

Back at the festival we climbed to the hill top tower overlooking the city and the shoreline. The coast was dotted with military vessels and the hills were overflowing with cherry blossoms. From above you could follow with your eyes the streams of white and blue topped tents lining every street below bustling with people. But from atop the hill it was a quiet, tranquil, an escape from winter and a warm welcome to spring!