Chinhae Cherry Blossom Festival

Chinhae Cherry Blossom Festival

Early AprilThe Cherry Blossom Festival is held in Chinhae, South Kyongsang, Korea, the headquarters of the Korean Navy. The purpose of the festival is to enjoy the thousands of blossoming cherry trees and also to honor Korea's illustrious Admiral Yi Sun-shin. Admiral Yi defeated the Japanese in several sea battles during the latter's invasions of the late 16th century. He is famous for developing "turtle boats," the first iron-clad naval vessels, with 26 cannons on each side; though outnumbered, they proved superior to the Japanese boats. While the cherries bloom, there are daily events—a memorial service, parades, sports contests, music and dance performances, and folk games.
CONTACTS:
Korea National Tourism Organization
1 Executive Dr., Ste. 100
Fort Lee, NJ 07024
800-868-7567 or 201-585-0909; fax: 201-585-9041
www.kntoamerica.com