A Day Trip to Gwangyang Maewha Village

In South Korea, it's common knowledge that when the cherry blossoms bloom it signals the beginning of the Spring season. But, I was proven wrong when I was doing some research on places to visit in Korea. I found a tour company that would take my friend and I on a day trip from Seoul to Gwangyang - a city in the South Jeolla province, about 5-6 hours South of Seoul - to a little town known as the Gwangyang Maewha Village. In Korean, maewha (매화) translates to plum blossom. The small town, named Seomjin Village (but affectionately referred to as Maewha Village) is home to hundreds, if not thousands of plum trees. These plum trees bloom small white flowers weeks before the cherry blossoms even begin to bud. So, it is often said that the maewha blooming is the true sign that Spring is coming.

When we got off the bus in Seomjin Village, we could already see the beautiful white flowers dotting the entire landscape. The village is situated in a mountainous valley with a river running directly through. All along the sides of the hills and valley were blossoming plum trees. In Seomjin, you are able to take walking paths through the trees where many visitors take pictures and vendors sell their items. At the top of the main hill is the Gwangyang Maewha Visitor Center, where you can buy maesil (매실) - plum - wine, view and buy exquisite woodworking, see modern hanbok with maewha designs, and visit a picturesque garden out back where statues of the Chinese zodiac will greet you. But, the main attraction is definitely the breathtaking view of thousands of plum blossoms all around. And don't forget to try maesil soft serve ice cream and maesil iced tea!

I made sure to check the weather when booking my tour so that I would have a clear day to see the landscape. Luckily, I got a perfect day, and since the town is in the South of the country it is generally warmer there than it is in Seoul. When I was there, I felt it was the perfect way to welcome in the beginning of Spring! I know you would love it too!