Fall Blossoms: Hwasun Flower Festival

Second spring? No, just fall blossoms covering the landscape. I’m not sure if I ever realized before coming to Korea how many flowers can bloom during fall, as it isn’t really a big event back home like here I’ve noticed. But now I have come to enjoy Fall even more since not only does it have my favorite temperatures and feelings, but now also includes flower blossoms–one of my favorite aspects of spring.

Whether Suncheon Bay Gardens or the hillsides of the country, Korea has many blossoms to visit including Hwasun’s Flower Festival. Located at Namsan Park (Not to be confused with the Namsan in Seoul) the city has dedicated an entire hillside to new blooms. Whether it is their popular Chrysanthemum flowers or the flowers climbing up the sides of a T-rex, everywhere you look there is only bright colors about. There are many photo spots and areas to enjoy overlooking the city, so you can leisurely make your way through the park at your own pace. If it’s especially busy then certain areas will be more crowded for photos, but there is still plenty to look at in the meantime.

While it isn’t necessarily a giant festival or area, many people visit to enjoy the view of flower fields with cityscape views. And it is only a short distance from Gwangju so it is easy to get to. As you leave there are also plenty of vendors with different stands set up on the path out. From flowers you can take home to teas, to snacks and street food they are fun to stroll and look through.