By Honorary Reporter Dhanisa Kamila from Indonesia
Photos= Dhanisa Kamila

Eunpyeong-gu District of northwestern Seoul from April 4-6 hosted the Bulgwangcheon Stream Cherry Blossom Festival along Bulgwangcheon Stream, an event among many of its kind held in early April during cherry blossom season. Despite appearing slightly later than last year, the blossoms this season adorned landscapes across the country.

I visited the festival on the evening of April 4. 

Pink cherry blossoms decorate the scenery along the banks of Bulgwangcheon Stream in Seoul's Eunpyeong-gu District.

The beautiful banks of Bulgwangcheon Stream were the venues packed with handicraft booths featuring artisans, street food vendors, food trucks and traditional performing arts. Most of the attendees were residents of the district. 

Families, many with pets, strolled along the stream to see pink cherry blossoms against the backdrop of the evening sky. Many snapped photos while others simply savored the scene, creating a community spirit and lively and festive atmosphere.

Booths at the festival in Seoul's Eunpyeong-gu District feature handicrafts and food.

The festival began at 7 p.m. with Cheoyongmu (Dance of Cheoyong), a traditional performance dating back to the Unified Silla period based on the legend of Cheoyong, the son of the dragon king in the East Sea who is said to have driven away an epidemic-spreading god about to touch his sleeping wife by singing a song composed by him and dancing. The performance featured vibrant costumes and captivating movements.

Afterwards, sohaegeum (modernized fiddle with four strings) player Park Sung-jin, renowned for his mastery of the instrument and frequent appearances on television, gave a performance. Female dancers also presented elegant contemporary pieces, with their graceful and agile movements lighting up the stage.

The opening ceremony and the spectacular sohaegeum performance by Park Sung Jin

The traditional Cheoyongmu dancers and local female contemporary dancers

With a brief blooming window of about a week, cherry blossoms have drawn large crowds in the country, both domestic and foreign.

msjeon22@korea.kr

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.