Yellow cherry blossoms signal spring By Lee Yong-sung
Publisher:The Daily Star - Publication Date: 11-04-2008

Cherry blossoms must be one of the most enduring symbols of spring in South Korea, attracting thousands of tourists every year.

Though not as widely known as the more common pink and white cherry blossoms, a different type of tree blooms beautifully with yellow flowers every spring. Also known as sansuyu, the cornelian cherry tree is one of the earliest blooming of all plants -- in fact, the tree is not a cherry tree at all, but a kind of dogwood tree.

The colour yellow is said to instill joy and optimism. Maybe this is why Hwajeon-ri, a remote, idyllic rural village in the country of Euiseong, seems to radiate warm vitality. The village, also known as 'sansuyu village', becomes embedded with golden flowers on more than 30,000 cornus mas trees, many of which are more than 300 years old.

The trees help the villagers earn more than half their annual income. The tree's bright red, cherry-like fruits are used in a variety of ways, including tea-making, liquor, juice and even soap. Until a few years ago, however, the beautiful agricultural town was not known as much for the dazzling beauty of the yellow flowers, as it was for garlic, for which the entire Euiseong County is known nationwide. More than anything else, it was the spread of digital cameras that made the remote village known to the Korea. As increasing numbers of professional and amateur photographers visit the village for the images of the flowers, the town became known as one of most popular destinations for flower fanatics.

On April 12, the village will host the first 'Euiseong Sansuyu Festival' featuring traditional performances and other cultural events, as well as hands-on sessions to inform visitors about sansuyu and products made from the fruit.

Euiseong County officials expect there will be more than 2,000 visitors to the village, whose total population is roughly 1,000, on the festival day. During the flower season, housewives in the village run a restaurant, serving a selection of noodles and rice dishes for 4,000 won. It is advised to prepare snacks and drinks of your own.

A dozen houses in the village are offering home stays for 30,000 won (US$30) per night, per room. But if you need more space and privacy, there is a resort near Mount Geumbong (60,000 won to 130,000 won or $60-$130 per night, 054-833-0123).

To get the village from Seoul, use Jungang Expressway bound for Daegu, and change to No 5 local road for Euiseong at Naman-dong Interchange. Then you should change to No 912 local road at Euiseong-eup for Hwajeon-ri.

Besides the village, the more than 1,300-year-old Gounsa temple and ancient royal tombs in Mount Geumseong are frequently visited by tourists. For more information about the village and the festival, call Euiseong County Office at (054) 830-6114.

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