Jinhae Gunhangje

About the festival

On April 13, 1952, the first statue of Admiral Yi Sun-sin was erected at Bukwon Rotary in our country, and a memorial service was held, marking the beginning of the tradition. Initially, the ceremony was limited to the Bukwon Rotary where the statue of Admiral Yi Sun-sin stood, but since 1963, the Jinhae Gunhangje Festival has been held to commemorate the noble spirit of Admiral Yi Sun-sin and promote local culture and arts. This spring festival, which includes cultural and artistic events, the World Military Band Festival, and the Paldo Folk Market, has continued to develop and now attracts over 2 million domestic and international tourists during the festival period, establishing itself as a nationwide festival with a long history and tradition. The Jinhae Gunhangje Festival, held during the best cherry blossom season in March, draws spring visitors to the naval port city embraced by a tranquil sea. When the 360,000 Yoshino cherry trees simultaneously bloom, people become photo enthusiasts, capturing memories of spring in the world's largest cherry blossom city. The sight of people mesmerized by the spring spectacle of cherry blossom showers creates a magnificent festival scene. The Jinhae Gunhangje Festival includes events to commemorate Admiral Yi Sun-sin's spirit and cherry blossom-themed events. Major events such as the eve festival, Paldo Folk Market, and cultural performances are held at Jungwon Rotary, while at Bukwon Rotary, there are tea and flower offerings to the statue of Admiral Yi Sun-sin, a memorial ceremony, and a victory parade. Additionally, the Military Band Festival, which highlights the characteristics of the naval port city, is held on Friday evenings and weekends during the festival. This military art performance, combining military music and ceremonies, features powerful marching performances by military bands and disciplined performances by honor guards, which can only be seen at the Jinhae Gunhangje Cherry Blossom Festival. The Naval Academy and the Jinhae Naval Base Command, which are not usually open to the public, are must-visit places during the festival. Visitors can enjoy various experiences such as visiting the Naval Academy Museum and the Turtle Ship, viewing warships, photo exhibitions, wearing naval uniforms, and yacht cruises, while also appreciating the splendid cherry blossoms of the over 100-year-old Yoshino cherry trees along with the naval base's features. Famous cherry blossom spots known from the Jinhae Gunhangje Festival include the Inland Water Ecological Park, Yeojwa Stream, Gyeonghwa Station, Jinhae Tower, and Jinhaeru, which are must-visit places. Taking the Jehwangsan Monorail to the rooftop of Jinhae Tower offers a view of the cityscape stretching east to west, with mountains like a folding screen above and a calm sea below. Around the Jungwon Rotary, modern and contemporary buildings over 100 years old and 360,000 cherry blossoms blend together, capturing the quaint and peaceful city at a glance. Jinhae District has three major rotaries in the city center: Jungwon, Bukwon, and Namwon Rotary, with roads spreading out from each rotary into eight directions. Around Jungwon Rotary, modern cultural heritage sites are scattered, including Jinhae Post Office, Seonhak Gomtang House, Black and White Cafe, Yeonghaeru, and Pointed House, with buildings from 100 years ago lining the streets. A time travel through the eight streets of Jungwon Rotary leads to the Gunhang Village History Museum, where visitors can listen to storytelling about the naval port development and old cityscape photos since 1902, immersing themselves in another charm of cherry blossom Jinhae.

Source: Korea Tourism Organization · TourAPI