By Honorary Reporter Jeanne O from Indonesia
Photos= Jeanne O

Colorful dancheong and cherry blossoms at Changgyeonggung Palace in Seoul - April 2015 

Canola field near Gyeongju's historical site Cheomseongdae - April 2019

Gamcheon Culture Village in Busan looks more colorful in spring. April 2019

One of the popular spots of the Jinhae Gunhangje (Cherry Blossoms) Festival is Gyeonghwa Station. 

Lotte World Tower - April 2019

Cherry blossom tunnel in Seoul's Yeouido district is one of the city's most popular spots for seeing cherry blossoms. April 2015

Cherry blossoms festival at Seokchon Lake - April 2015 

Welcome back. It's always exciting to welcome you as we can see each other just once a year.

I remember clearly when we met in 2015. You welcomed me with your beautiful pink flowers in Seoul's Yeouido district. You energized me after I sat all night long without sleeping on a seven-hour flight. Walking through a tunnel full of your fully bloomed flowers relaxed me and made me forget all of my problems for a while.

Do you remember what happened the next day? We saw each other again at Seokchon Lake and Changgyeonggung Palace. Again, I couldn't stop admiring your delicate and pink flowers. At the palace, walking under the beautiful clouds, your flowers grew more attractive as a good addition to the majestic dancheong (traditional five-colored designs on walls, pillars and eaves). I promised to see you again.

After four years, we finally crossed paths again in April 2019. This time, I couldn't see you in Seoul because I came too early; it's always tricky as no one can predict your arrival. That's why I traveled to the country's southern region just to see you.

I found you in the cities of Busan, Jinhae, Gyeongsangnam-do Province, and Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do Province.

You remained attractive like always. It was also my first time attending the Jinhae Gunhangje (Cherry Blossom) Festival, the nation's largest spring event. Your full bloom at Gyeonghwa Station mesmerized me and others. We all enjoyed taking pictures with you at this abandoned train station. 

In Gyeongju, I saw your yellow friend, the canola, in a large field near the iconic historical site Cheomseongdae. I immersed myself in ancient Korean history accompanied by you two. Both of you refreshed my mind and body with your colorful flowers, which appeal especially to those living in a tropical country like me. I wish I could've brought you home with me.

Thank you for greeting me again.

This year, many countries are having a hard time because of COVID-19. Earlier in the year, many hoped that the coronavirus would be gone when spring came but because it wasn't, many spring festivals for cherry blossoms were canceled.

I was sad after hearing that Jinhae's entrances to your spots in the city were blocked for the first time in the festival's history. Many countries have also requested that people refrain from visiting gardens, tunnels and other spots where you're in for the sake of public health.

Many of your fans (like me) are disappointed because they cannot see you bloom this year. Though I can't see you directly this year, I still want to say thank you for blooming beautifully this year. You give me hope and strength to stay healthy and thus visit you again next year. You made me realize that life must go on, no matter how hard it is.

Until we meet again next year. 

Your admirer, 
J.O

chaey0726@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.