Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival

Jinhae has something like 350,000 cherry trees, more than anywhere else in Korea, planted from the colonial period when it was a naval base and expanded since. The Gunhangje festival, held for about ten days from late March, is nominally a naval commemoration and in practice the country's biggest blossom event. Two spots carry the reputation. Yeojwacheon is a stream with a footbridge under overhanging trees, known nationally after a television drama was filmed there. Gyeonghwa station is a disused platform where the track runs straight through an unbroken tunnel of blossom - the single most photographed blossom location in Korea, and consequently a queue that moves slowly along the rails. The naval academy and base open to the public for a few days, which is otherwise impossible. Dates shift with the weather and are set close to the time.

What you actually see

• Gyeonghwa station - the disused track under a blossom tunnel.
• Yeojwacheon - the stream and footbridge from the drama.
• The naval base open days - access granted only during the festival.
• The scale - 350,000 trees across the district.

When to go

Late March to early April, for about ten days, with dates announced close to the time. Dawn is the only quiet hour at Gyeonghwa. Weekdays are much better than weekends.

Honest expectations

Enormous crowds - the photo spots involve real queueing, and transport into Jinhae backs up badly. Peak bloom is a few days and can be cut short by rain. Accommodation books out early.

Nearby

Changwon and Busan are close; Tongyeong and Geoje are along the coast.