Gyeongju Cherry Blossoms (벚꽃) Spring 2010

Cherry Blossoms Spring 2010, Gyeongju

Over the last week or so the cherry blossoms (벚꽃) here in Gyeongju have just exploded. Hopefully,you got out to see them last weekend as we’ve been in for a bit of nasty weather lately. The temperature’s really dropped and we even had some snow mixed in with the rain tonight, which is not going to fair well for the cherry flowers. But if you’ve not seen them already, don’t give up just yet. They’ll probably hang on for a few more days, though I have my doubts how many will still be around for the Soju and Ddeok Festival this weekend.

Cherry Blossoms Spring 2010, Gyeongju

Given their ephemeral nature, I went out last Saturday to soak up as much cherry blossom action as I could. Here are some photos I shot of the happenings around town. They’re not the greatest photos ever, but the weather’s been real hit or miss this Spring. It was cloudy most of the weekend and sun really only came out in full force on Tuesday. Sadly, the blossom hunting day trippers were long gone by then and I was back in class.

Here are some of the cherry trees over along the east wall of the Cheonmacheong (천마총) Tomb Park:

Cherry Blossoms Spring 2010, Gyeongju

Folks were out in droves Saturday enjoying the first taste of Spring weather in Tumuli Park:

Cherry Blossoms Spring 2010, Gyeongju

The cherry blossoms at Banwolseong Fortress (반월성) were gorgeous, as always and the cherry groves in the back of the ruins make a great spot for a romantic stroll or bike ride.

Cherry Blossoms Spring 2010, Gyeongju

The road to General Kim Yu-shin’s (김유신) tomb was beautiful, but packed with cars. Traffic wan’t nearly so hectic since they winded the road though.

Cherry Blossoms Spring 2010, Gyeongju

If you still want to try and catch some of the cherry blossoms this year, here’s a map I put up with a previous post with the best places to go in town to find them. If not, I guess these photos will have to do until they come around again next year. I dare say they’re a sorry second though.

View Cherry Blossoms in Gyeongju in a larger map

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