I’m lucky to experience Korea for the first time during the Spring. Why, do you ask? Because of the spring Cherry Blossoms, of course!
Spring arrived in Korea around early April. Koreans and foreigners alike were buzzing with excitement as the cherry blossoms began to bloom around us, on the streets at Jamsil Stadium and even on SNU’s Campus itself! The start of Spring signaled a new season of warmth and love — definitely felt in Seoul as more and more couples formed, strolling the streets together in couple shirts and outfits!
As more and more of my friends uploaded photos of the cherry blossoms they saw during their day, I was also excited to go see them myself. They can’t be found everywhere in Seoul, but there are places you can go to view them in abundance! I went to see them twice in two different places, with Group 5 and Group 6.
I tagged along with Group 5 to the outskirts of Seoul Land, a cute amusement park for families and children. The cherry blossoms were white and not pink as I thought, and the view was not as beautiful as I imagined! We all agreed that maybe, this location was not the best for viewing the cherry blossoms afterall. Nevertheless, I did enjoy the time spent with my friends as we were able to see some pretty views.
About a week or two after, my own Group 6 went to see the cherry blossoms again. This time, we went with Group 10 as well, and to a different location — Anyang Cherry Blossom Road in Anyang. I was excited to have another take at the cherry blossoms, and the name of the location sounded more promising than Seoul Land!
Once we arrived, I was blown away. So, this was the type of scenery I was imagining in my head before coming to Korea — a long, narrow road marked with yellow dashes, and cherry blossom trees lined on both sides! What a beautiful view it was. I felt a feeling of happiness rush over me as I strolled down the road with my friends and took pictures. There was also a pretty stream lined with rocks so that people can cross to the other side to find a beautiful field of tulips! I’ve dreamed of going to such a beautiful stream in Korea for a long time, and it did not disappoint.
If you happen to also be in Seoul on exchange in the Spring time, I highly recommend visiting Anyang to see the cherry blossoms and also stroll or have a picnic by the stream like we did! It was yet another warm memory I made in Korea thanks to my friends.
