2026 Gure 300-ri Cherry Blossom Festival: A Record 200,000 Visitors Experience Spring Magic

[iNews24 reporter Kim Sang-jin] Gurye County in South Jeolla Province says this year’s Gurye 300-ri Cherry Blossom Festival, held March 28–30, drew roughly 200,000 visitors and wrapped up to rave reviews.

On the 31st, the county said the festival—centered on the country’s longest 129 kilometers (about 80.2 miles) of cherry blossom road and built around the concept “Enjoy a spring picnic along the cherry blossom road”—blended interactive experiences and live performances along the Seomjin River and Seoshicheon, a combination that proved hugely popular with visitors.

The festival introduced fresh interactive offerings this year, including a cherry-blossom night walk and a spot-the-difference activity. The night walk featured illuminated displays and invited participants to stroll the Seoshicheon cherry blossom path while carrying their wishes, creating a completely different, more intimate vibe after dark.

Hands-on booths—where visitors made cherry blossom keyrings and got face painting—buzzed with families, adding energy to the event. Teepee tents filled with people enjoying homemade lunches created a relaxed, natural picnic atmosphere that audiences loved.

A county official said they will address this year’s shortcomings with greater care and expand on the festival’s successes going forward.