Daily Busan
Busan in Bloom ① Plum Blossoms
source: visitbusan
As warm winds sweep through Busan, the sweet scent of plum blossom lingers in the air. Called “maehwa” in Korean, plum blossoms are among the first flowers to bloom in the city.
Here are two beloved spots where you can enjoy the beauty and fragrance of plum blossoms.
🌺 Chungnyeolsa Shrine
Located in Allak-dong, Dongnae-gu District, Chungnyeolsa Shrine holds the ancestral tablets of patriotic martyrs who died in Busan during the Imjin War (1592-98). Despite its solemn atmosphere, the site is known as one of the best flower-viewing spots throughout the year, often visited by locals and tourists.
Upon entering the main gate, visitors are greeted by red and white plum blossoms in bloom. Spring flowers, such as yellow Cornus officinalis, white Kobus magnolia and red camellia, also fill the area and enhance the picturesque scenery.
• Address: 345 Chungnyeol-daero, Dongnae-gu
• Hours: Open 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Main Hall and Memorial Hall close at 6 p.m.
• Admission: Free
🌺 U.N. Memorial Cemetery
The United Nations Memorial Cemetery in Korea, the only U.N. cemetery in the world, lies in the heart of Busan. It is the final resting place for fallen soldiers who fought for democracy during the Korean War (1950-53).
The United Nations Memorial Cemetery in Korea, the only U.N. cemetery in the world, is the final resting place for fallen soldiers who fought for democracy during the Korean War in the 1950s. Over 2,300 brave souls are interred at the cemetery, having come to fight for Korea from countries such as the U.K., Turkiye, Canada, Australia and the Netherlands.
Most of the time, the park is peaceful and quiet, but crowds of visitors come to view plum flower blossoms at this time of the year. Among the numerous flower spots in Busan, the U.N. Memorial Cemetery is particularly popular due to its collection of red plum blossoms, which are prized for their vibrant petals and captivating scent.
Visitors are not allowed to make noise or exercise while in the park. Also, the following attire is considered inappropriate for entering the cemetery: Athletic wear, overly revealing clothes and slippers.
• Address: 93 UN Pyeonghwa-ro, Nam-gu
• Hours: Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. from April to October. Open until 6 p.m. from May to September.
• Admission: Free
• Website: unmck.or.kr
<Today's Vocabulary - 오늘의 단어>
sweep: 쓸다 scent: 향기 plum blossom: 매화 Shrine: 사원 ancestral tablet: 신주, 위패 patriotic: 애국적인 martyr: 순교자 solemn: 엄숙한 atmosphere: 분위기 picturesque: 그림 같은 scenery: 풍경 democracy: 민주주의 cemetery: 묘지 petal: 꽃잎 captivating: 매혹적인 inappropriate: 부적절한 athletic wear: 운동복 revealing: 노출이 심한
Editor: Song Soomi
Copy Editors: Ryu Hyoseung, Anton J. Mapoy