Jinhae Gunhangjae: A city filled with cherry blossoms

Earlier this week we covered the colorful sights and sounds of spring.

Well we have more related coverage today as our Ahn Sung-jin made her way to a cherry blossom festival.

Do take a look.

Spring has returned.

Streets filled with cherry blossoms greet those who have made their way to Jinhae-gu district in the south coast city of Changwon.

The 63rd Jinhae Gunhangjae, which lasts for 9 days, is the mecca of spring cherry blossoms, with more than 2 million visitors every year.

"The cherry blossom, a symbol of spring, is already approaching its peak here. People are out with their family and friends to enjoy the beautiful colors."

"We're so happy to be back in Jinhae. We were here in 2013, the two of us, and now we are here with our three kids. Beautiful weather and cherry blossoms are in full bloom. It's beautiful."

"I'm so proud that in our country, and here in Jinhae, there is such a beautiful spring blossom path."

"We are in our last year of high school so we originally came out here for graduation photos,but it feels so refreshing to see all these pretty blossoms."

The town's top cherry blossom spots including Gyeonghwa Station, an old, closed-down railway station and its train tracks, as well as the Yeojwacheon stream.

Most areas in the south of the country have seen cherry blossoms bloom, yet with the sudden colder breeze in some areas, especially up north, they still need some time to fully bloom.

Following the recent devastating wildfires in Gyeongsangbuk-do province, the festival has been reduced in scale.

However, the festival still offers ample scenery while promoting local culture and boosting business in the small town.

So for those who missed out this time around, make sure to be ready for next year.

Ahn Sung-jin, Arirang News, Jinhae.