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Korea's Cherry Blossoms Bloom: A Japanese Fascination
2 May
Summary
- Japanese tourists are visiting South Korea to see cherry blossoms.
- South Korea's cherry blossom viewing differs from Japan's style.
- Nearly one million Japanese tourists visited South Korea recently.
South Korea is seeing a significant increase in Japanese tourists, with nearly one million visitors in the first three months of this year. Many are attracted by the country's cherry blossoms, with some social media posts suggesting they rival Japan's world-famous sakura. Travelers like Taki Sugimoto from Tokyo specifically chose to visit Gyeongju for its cherry blossoms, anticipating they would be on par with Japanese blooms.
However, the experience of cherry blossom viewing, or 'Hanami,' differs between the two nations. While Japanese traditions involve parties under the trees, Koreans tend to prefer leisurely walks along blossom-lined paths. Travel agencies are organizing tours to Korean destinations like Gyeongju and Jeju Island, specifically for cherry blossom viewing.
Beyond the seasonal blooms, shopping and Korean cuisine remain primary draws for many Japanese visitors to cities like Seoul and Busan. Some tourists, like Mai Suzuki, visit due to their interest in K-pop and K-dramas, finding historical sites in Gyeongju to be a bonus. Despite varied reasons for travel, the beauty of South Korea's cherry blossoms is proving to be a captivating attraction.
