Spring Blossoms

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Apricot blossoms are in full bloom in southern regions of Korea, heralding the arrival of the spring. Next, we take you to an apricot flower village in Gwangyang, Jeollanam-do Province.

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An apricot flower village is situated by the Seomjingang River. As a harbinger of the spring, apricot blossoms are in full bloom, coloring the hills white. Tourists take photos with their families and friends to bring home the beautiful scenes of the spring. They enjoy a meal at a serene traditional Korean house called hanok. They are also immersed in a unique atmosphere while strolling along a stone wall.

[Soundbite] Lee Ji-young(Visitor) : "I can feel the arrival of spring. I was gloomy at home. But being here makes me feel really refreshed and great."

The village is filled with colorful apricot flowers blooming on 100,000 trees every year. Although a 20-year-old apricot festival was canceled this year amid the spread of foot-and-mouth disease and avian influenza, more than 200,000 tourists visited the village last weekend alone.

[Soundbite] Park Hyun-hee(Visitor) : "As the weather is clear and warm, it is good to tour around with light steps."

Starting with apricot blossoms, carnelian flowers and cherry blossoms are expected to bloom from this week to usher in the warm season.