Spring Awakening: Why Jeonnam’s Gwangyang Plum Blossom Festival is a Must-See in 2026

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On the 15th, spring’s arrival was unmistakable—visitors poured into major tourist spots, festival grounds, and traditional markets across the country to soak up the season.

In the south, spring flower festivals were in full swing.

Crowds flocked to the Gwangyang Maehwa Festival in Gwangyang, South Jeolla Province, eager to see the plum blossoms in full bloom. Now in its 27th year, the festival is one of the province’s signature spring celebrations.

Visitors snapped photos beneath the blooming plum trees and claimed spots at scenic overlooks to savor the views. As of that day, the blossoms were reported at more than 70% bloom.

Food stalls at the base of the festival grounds were packed, with long lines snaking out for the event’s popular “old-fashioned lunchbox.”

A couple in their 50s from Jinju said, “After raising our kids, we’ve been touring the country on a motorcycle,” adding, “Smelling the plum blossoms really makes spring feel real.”

A couple in their 70s from Jeonju said, “South Jeolla is where spring arrives first in the country, so we came to soak up the season,” and they plan to visit the Sansuyu Festival in Gurye after seeing the plum blossoms.

At Hoamji, a city lake in Chungju, a family of otters charmed visitors.

The Hoamji otters have quietly become a must-see for locals and tourists alike. People paused to watch them, lingering for a while to take in the sight.

“The otters seem excited that spring is here,” one visitor said. “I hope we can see them at Hoamji more often.”

Elsewhere in North Chungcheong Province, visitors headed to national parks to greet the season.

Despite cloudy skies, roughly 3,200 people had visited SOKRISAN and about 2,100 had headed to WORAKSAN by 2 p.m.

Hikers strolled among budding trees, enjoying the early signs of spring. Groups from hiking clubs also swelled the trails, bringing lively crowds to paths across the parks.

On Gangwon’s east coast, cloud cover didn’t dull the buzz—tourists kept the area lively.

By afternoon, the food alleys at Gangneung’s Central and Seongnam markets were packed with visitors who’d come from across the country on the KTX Gangneung and Donghae lines.

Visitors wandered the lanes clutching the market’s famed fried chicken in one hand while sampling hotteok, ongshimi (soft rice dumplings), and squid sundae as they went.

Long queues stretched tens of meters outside signature spots near the market, from jjambbong sundubu to jang kalguksu. Nearby attractions—Ojukheon, Jumunjin Fish Market, and Hyangho Beach (nicknamed “BTS Beach”)—also drew steady crowds.

Sokcho hummed with activity as well, with visitors filling the Sokcho Tourist & Fish Market and the beachfront. Shoppers browsed the market alleys for fresh sashimi, while families and couples strolled along the seaside promenade.