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| ▲ Cherry blossoms in full bloom transform the area around Gyeongpo Lake in Gangneung, Gangwon Province, into a sea of pink during the "2026 Gyeongpo Cherry Blossom Festival" on April 5, 2026. (Yonhap) |
SEOUL, April 8 (Yonhap) -- Cherry blossoms are in full bloom across Gangwon Province’s east coast, painting the region in shades of pink as spring festivals continue.
In Sokcho, the "2026 Yeongnangho Cherry Blossom Festival" will take place April 11-12 at the lawn area around Yeongnangho Lake.
The festival combines performances, hands-on programs, flea markets and food offerings, providing visitors with a variety of attractions against the backdrop of the lake’s natural scenery and fully bloomed cherry blossoms.
City officials said this year’s event focuses on expanding stay-oriented content that can be enjoyed both during the day and at night.
Daytime programs include experience booths, a children’s playground, flea markets and food stalls, while nighttime attractions feature illuminated cherry blossom tunnels, media art at Beombawi Rock and firefly-themed lighting.
During the same period, the "2026 Sokcho Culture Busking" event will also be held around Yeongnangho.
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| ▲ Cherry blossoms are in full bloom in Domun-dong, Sokcho, Gangwon Province, ahead of the Yeongnangho Cherry Blossom Festival set to take place April 11-12, 2026. (Yonhap) |
“We hope to showcase Sokcho’s unique spring charm through this festival,” a city official said. “By encouraging visitors to stay longer, we aim to help revitalize the local economy.”
In Gangneung, the "Gyeongpo Cherry Blossom Festival" is under way through April 11 around Gyeongpo Lake Plaza.
As one of the region’s leading spring flower festivals, it features a 5.73-kilometer illuminated cherry blossom road along the lake and ecological reservoir, as well as a lighting tunnel and a main photo zone set up at the wetland plaza.
Earlier, the "4th Gangneung Solol Blossom" festival, held April 3-5 in the Solol district, drew about 100,000 visitors over three days, marking a record high.
The event generated an estimated 20 billion won in economic impact across lodging, dining and transportation sectors.
“The beautiful cherry blossom road in the Solol district and diverse programs created strong synergy, making it the largest festival to date,” said Lee Ho-geun, head of the festival’s organizing committee. “We will continue to develop it into a signature spring festival that satisfies both residents and visitors.”
In Samcheok, the "22nd Samcheok Maengbang Canola Flower Festival" is running through April 19 in Sangmaengbang-ri, Geundeok-myeon.
Under the theme “Maengbang, Blooming into Spring,” this year’s festival showcases the resilience and vibrant beauty of canola flowers.
Meanwhile, the "2026 Yangyang Namdaecheon Cherry Blossom Festival," hosted by Yangyang County and organized by the Yangyang Cultural Foundation, concluded successfully April 4-5 at the Yangyang Pine Mushroom Sculpture Park, attracting about 30,000 visitors.
Held under the theme “Today, Spring Has Come,” the festival allowed visitors to fully enjoy the blossoms through car-free streets and nature-friendly layouts.
Although it rained on the first day, April 4, most blossoms remained intact, and the rain-soaked scenery added to the festive atmosphere.
The event also helped expand participation by local small businesses through food and experience booths, contributing positively to the local economy.
“Through this festival, we confirmed the potential of the Namdaecheon cherry blossom road to evolve from a simple scenic spot into a stay-oriented tourism attraction,” a foundation official said. “We will continue to develop differentiated festivals utilizing Yangyang’s seasonal resources.”
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| ▲ Citizens and tourists walk with umbrellas during the cherry blossom festival in Songam-ri, Yangyang-eup, Yangyang County, Gangwon Province, on April 4, 2026. (Yonhap) |
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