Let's Go on a Visit

Spring Starts in Maehwa Village

What word comes to your mind when you think of forsythia, azalea or rape flowers? Spring! Among these flowers, maehwa is the most famous for notifying the start of spring. Even though I was busy during the start of the new semester, I wanted to feel the mood when spring comes so I went to Maesil Farm, located in Gwangyang-si, Jeollanam-do.

♣ Maesil Farm
Maesil Farm is located beside Sumjin River. Approximately 100,000 trees are planted in the land space of 300,000 pyeong, and 400,000 people visit here every year. Maehwa flowers come into full bloom in March, making a beautiful scene for visitors. The person who first cultivated this farm is Hong Ssang-ri. She arrived here in her marriage year, 1965, and endeavored to plant maehwa trees in place of chestnut trees. Hong Ssang-ri commercialized maesil and became an authorized master in 1997. Earnings from maehwa trees were used to plant more maehwa trees, so that many sightseers can enjoy the beauty. I also had a fun time thanking her pas labor, while enjoying the beauty. Besides the beautiful sight, I could also drink maesil brandy and eat maesil ice-cream.
♣ Maehwa Festival
At the beginning of every March, maehwa festival is held for a week. This year the festival was held form March 14 to 22 with the theme 'Scents of maehwa and poetry in Sunjin River', which has many programs with the theme of spring flowers. I could see many stone monuments with engraved inscription about maehwa and other things to see, and experience activities such as making artificial maehwa, dyeing maehwa, hand painting, and a pavilion of maesil food. In addition, a pansori contest was held and many pansori singers participated.

To relax, the Gazette suggests visiting Maehwa Village. The full blossom of maehwa will definitely present you with delight. To get there, take a bus bound for Gwangyang at Daegu West Cross-country Bus Terminal and switch to a local bus bound for Daap-ri. If you have not visited any place yet for a spring trip, how about visiting Gwangyang? The Gazette bets you can have a good time there by enjoying the natural harmony of maehwa and Sumjin River there this spring.