Courtesy of Goyang International Flower Foundation

Since its first year in 1997, Korea’s leading flower exposition has drawn millions to lovely Ilsan Lake to take in the colors of spring. Come see flowers from all over the world—there will be 20 national pavilions set up with the participation of 120 companies from 30 nations as well as 190 local companies. To make things even livelier, there’s will be cultural performances, contests of all sorts (including a flower arranging contest!), plenty of outdoor exhibits, and much, much more. Scenic Ilsan Lake Park is one of the largest artificial lake parks in East Asia and a popular weekend destination for Seoulites.

EAT>
Visit the Western Dom shopping mall or Lafesta to find good eats.

SEE>
Drop some cash at the new One Mount Ilsan shopping complex.

DO>
Renting a bike to take around the lake is not a bad way to pass the day.

STAY>
This is just a day trip from Seoul.

FYI>
http://flower.or.kr
(2605 Daehwa-dong, Ilsanseo-gu, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do | 경기도 고양시 일산서구 대화동 2605)

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Jeongbalsan Station 정발산역 (Line 3), Exit 1 or 2

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Courtesy of Gwangyang City Hall

Courtesy of Gwangyang City Hall

Gwangyang International Maehwa Festival | 광양국제매화축제

Head out to Gwangyang, the eastern edge of Jeollanam-do bordering the South Sea where the annual maehwa (apricot flower) festival will take place March 23–31. In springtime, Maehwa Village, the festival site, becomes a most splendid landscape as the apricot flowers burst into bloom. Picture-taking is by far the most popular thing to do, as families and friends preserve their memories of a beautiful spring day. A maehwa blossom photo contest, opportunities to learn traditional Korean drawing, and a variety of other craft-filled opportunities will also go on at the event. This festival truly shows the splendors of Korea’s countryside and even an occasional glimpse into the past.

EAT>
Hungry festival goers can indulge in the smorgasbord of local specialties as well as food and drink made with maesil (apricot fruit and flowers). Judging from the many bulgogi restaurants in Seoul that flash “Gwangyang” in their signage, Gwangyang is in a sense regarded as a mecca of this dish.

SEE>
Close to Gwangyang is Suncheon, which is known for its ecological park and many species of birds.
Yeosu, the site of the flamboyant world expo last year, sits just around the corner in the region.

DO>
The festival also features a schedule of traditional and modern performances, from samulnori (traditional percussion music) to pop song contests.

STAY>
Abundant accommodation options are available in this eco-friendly tourist area.

FYI>
T. 061-797-3714
www.gwangyang.go.kr/gymaehwa
(Gwangyang Maehwa Village, Gwangyang-si, Jeollanam-do | 전라남도 광양시 광양매화마을)

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Buses for Gwangyang depart from Dong Seoul Bus Terminal and Nambu Bus Terminal.

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