The history of Jinhae Gunhangje, cherry blossom attractions, and the fascinating record of spring

Jinhae Gunhangje has become a national cultural event that goes beyond simple regional festivals to honor the roots of the Korean Navy and enjoy the beauty of spring. In particular, cherry blossom spots embroidered in Jinhae, such as Jangboksan Mountain, Yeojwacheon Stream, and Gyeonghwa Station, attract more than 1 million visitors every year, constantly attracting photographers and travelers. In this article, I would like to introduce representative cherry blossom attractions in detail along with the historical background of Jinhae Gunhangje, and to highlight the cultural meaning of the festival.

진해 군항제

 

The Beginning of the Jinhae Military Port Festival, the Spring Day Celebration

Jinhae Naval Festival started in 1963 as a cultural event with spring flowers in the background with a ritual to honor Admiral Yi Sun-shin, Chungmugong, under the cooperation of the Navy headquarters and the local community. Initially, it was a Navy-centered memorial event with the military and citizens, but it gradually grew in size and developed into a representative spring festival in Korea combined with the cherry blossom season. As Jinhae itself is a military port city where the Korean Navy Command is located, the military aviation festival embraces both the symbolism of the navy and the romance of spring flowers. In particular, programs such as a military band parade, opening of the Naval Academy, and warship viewing provide symbolic experiences beyond just sightseeing. In addition, the Jungwon Rotary area and the cherry blossom road of Yeojwacheon Stream, which are the centers of the military aviation festival, boast overwhelming flower tunnels that are called "Korea's Sakura Road" and provide unforgettable memories to tourists at home and abroad every year. As such, Jinhae Military Aviation Festival is regarded as an exemplary example of a modern Korean festival, and it is established as a complex cultural festival that not only sees flowers but also contains the history of the city, military identity, and democratic values of civic participation. In this regard, Jinhae Military Aviation Festival is not just a seasonal event, but a collection of emotions where "memory, awe, and beauty" meet.

Exploring Cherry Blossom Landmarks: From Yeojwacheon Stream to Jangboksan Mountain

 

Jinhae has many cherry blossom attractions. The best among them is the Yeojwa Stream. Along the 1.5-km-long stream trail, blooming cherry blossoms form an arched tunnel, while petals falling on the water's surface draw a picture of watercolor. Also famous as a filming location for the drama "Romance," it is Jinhae's representative photo spot that attracts many photographers every year. Another attraction is Gyeonghwa Station. Although it is a closed train station, the place, which is revived during the cherry blossom season, has a spectacular view of cherry trees along the railroad track, and the flower scenery captured in the frame along with the actual train is also a big topic on social media. The vicinity of Gyeonghwa Station is well equipped with parking spaces and maintained walking paths, making it convenient for family tourists to enjoy. Jangboksan Park is located on the highland where you can see Jinhae at a glance, so it is a place where you can enjoy the spectacular view as if the entire city is embroidered with cherry blossoms. It is suitable for visitors who want a quiet walk and a relatively small crowd. Especially when you climb at sunrise, you can feel majestic with the red light spreading over the cherry blossoms and the silhouette of Jinhae Port and the warship. In addition, the entire area of Jinhae, such as Jehwangsan Park, Cherry Blossom Road in front of the Jinhae Insu-myeon Research Institute, and Anmin Pass, is literally called a cherry blossom city. Each place has its own atmosphere and characteristics, providing a variety of scenery that is not enough for a day.

The Cultural Significance of Jinhae Gunhangje, More Than Festivals

 

Jinhae Gunhangje is more than just a seasonal event for spring tourism. It is a successful example of the Korean-style complex cultural festival that blooms at the intersection of nature and culture, as well as a model for a sustainable urban festival. In particular, the fact that the Naval Academy and warships are open to the citizens provides an opportunity to familiarize them with the military culture of a closed image, which is also read as a symbol of harmony among the citizens. In addition, as the natural scenery centered on cherry blossoms provides the emotional basis for the festival, the city of Jinhae is transformed into a place of romance and recollection that transcends time and space every spring. This combination of place and emotion has produced various positive effects, such as revitalizing the local economy as well as promoting cultural and artistic exchanges as well as the domestic tourism industry. Above all, Jinhae Gunhangje is expanding to a place where visitors can remember, participate, and share their value beyond just a festival enjoyed with the eyes. Jinhae Gunhangje, which seeks change and novelty even within the framework of annual events, and contains the history and stories of the city and people in it, will continue to be loved as a representative festival of spring in Korea.