With North Asia about to be in bloom, digital travel platform Agoda highlights six flower-packed domestic and international spring destinations. From the blooming wave of yellow rapeseed blossoms in Jeju Island, to the camellias in Hong Kong, these destinations will be on the travel wish list of nature lovers across Korea.
As the season of melting snow and appearing buds known as Yushui passes, the arrival of early spring is signalled with the bloom of stunning and delicate flowers. The carefully selected North Asian destinations below are a great place to take in the early spring scent and to immerse in the beauty of the blooms.
Captivating camellias – Busan Dongbaekseom Island and the Botanical Gardens of Hong Kong (Hong Kong SAR)
In early Spring, those visiting Dongbaek Island, Haeundae, Busan will be welcomed by blooming flowers on naturally grown camellia trees across the island. The Dongbaek Island Circular Walking Trail is a popular destination to appreciate the sunrise, with breathtaking landscapes and a great view of the flowers. To protect the people and nature, the trail prohibits bicycles, motorbikes and electric scooters meaning nature lovers will have to explore on foot. With Dongbaek Island being a small tombolo connected to the mainland, the walk along the trail boasts a grand view of the Haeundae coastline. The island also offers attractions to enjoy such as the Nurimaru APEC House, Dongbaekseom Lighthouse, Statue of Choi Chi-won and The Bay 101 culture & art complex.
In the bustling city of Hong Kong, a four-hour flight to the southeast, many different types of camellias can be discovered in the Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens, right in the city centre. The Botanical Gardens is home to the Camellia Garden, which showcases some 30 species of camellia, including the representative Camellia Hongkongensis that only grows in Hong Kong.
Dive into the sweet scent of plum blossoms – Gwangyang Maehwa Village and Tokyo Hanegi Park (Japan)
The farmers in Gwangyang Maehwa Village, also called Seomjin Village, plant plum trees every year for their harvest. By early spring, the trees form a beautiful landscape of snow-white plum blossoms across the village. The 23rd Gwangyang Plum Blossom Festival will be held from March 8 to 17 in the village this year, where photo zones, local food restaurants and a local market can be enjoyed in addition to viewing the flowers. The entrance fee is refunded in regional coupons which can be used at the festival’s stalls.
For those who don’t mind traveling a bit further, there is the Setagaya Plum Blossom Festival in Tokyo’s Hanegi Park. The festival takes place until early March. The plum blossoms in Tokyo boast a different beauty from Korean blossoms, with darker and more vivid pink petals. On weekends during the festival, vendors sell must-try plum-themed delicacies such as madeleines and jelly. The Hanegi Park is also a popular flower viewing destination for children, as it has many areas for them to run around freely, including a maze and an adventure playground.
Blooming wave of yellow rapeseed blossoms – Jeju Seongsan Ilchulbong and Luoping Jinji Peak, Yunnan (China)
On Jeju Island, the beauty of rapeseed blossoms can be enjoyed earlier than anywhere else in the country. In fact, the flowers will be in full bloom from as early as January and well into March. The most popular viewing areas are the rapeseed fields next to the UNESCO World Natural Heritage site at Seongsan Ilchulbong. The wide natural space allows visitors to snap stunning panoramic photos that will surely impress the Instagram audience. Wanting for more? There is an even greater landscape of rapeseed blossoms in the Seopjikoji or Ungdong-mul Valley.
For travelers looking to get some stamps into their passport, Luoping, a small county located in the Quijing Prefecture of Yunnan Province in China, is home to wide picturesque rapeseed covered hills in full bloom during February and March. The flowers are best appreciated up close at the Luosi Field. To enjoy a spectacular view of the region’s mountains, houses and roads weaved together with the flowers, a climb up to the Jinji Peak is a must.
Flower enthusiasts and travelers looking to enjoy a delightful blossom can plan their trip with Agoda and enjoy great value deals on accommodations, flights, and activities. In fact, attractions such as Jeju Seongsan Ilchulbong and Tokyo Hanegi Park are included in tour programs in the respective cities which are available to book on Agoda, allowing travelers to keep all elements of their travel itinerary on one platform.
