Icheon Baeksa Sansuyu (Cornus Fruit) Blossom Festival
The Icheon Baeksa Sansuyu Blossom Festival, held in Baeksa-myeon, Icheon-si, Gyeonggi-do, offers visitors a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the vibrant beauty of sansuyu (cornelian cherry) trees. What sets this festival apart is the sheer concentration of these trees, many of which are over a century old, blanketing the village in a spectacle of color. The festival is scheduled to take place from the 28th to the 30th of March 2025.
A Natural Spectacle
Baeksa-myeon is home to a remarkable colony of sansuyu trees, cultivated by local farmers at the foot of Wonjeoksan Mountain. The villages of Songmal-ri, Dorip-ri, Gyeongsari, and Joeup-ri are all adorned with these trees, but Dorip-ri stands out as the nation’s leading sansuyu producing area. This creates a truly immersive experience, with yellow blossoms transforming the landscape in early spring, followed by a vibrant display of red fruits in autumn.
Festival Highlights
The festival offers a diverse range of activities and experiences, spread across multiple venues:
- Main Event Venue: This area is planned to host a variety of performance programs, showcasing local talent and culture. Visitors can expect a local singing contest, congratulatory performances, and Taekwondo demonstrations.
- Sub-event Venue: For a more intimate experience, the sub-event venue is planned to feature mini busking performances, thoughtfully designed photo zones, and free experience programs.
- Consumer Participation Program: Visitors will have the opportunity to engage in hands-on activities, with booths planned for making sansuyu-shaped cookies and sansuyu wood photos.
- Other: The festival is planned to provide practical life skills training, including CPR and water fire extinguisher experience, alongside traditional Korean games such as swing, seesaw, and tuho.
- Food: A variety of food booths are planned, offering both snacks and traditional Korean foods. Visitors can sample local delicacies like sansuyu hangwa (traditional Korean confectionery), sansuyu makgeolli (rice wine), and pajeon (green onion pancake).
Essential Information
- 🗓️ Dates: March 28 – March 30, 2025
- 📍 Address: 12, Wonjeok-ro 775beon-gil, Baeksa-myeon, Icheon-si, Gyeonggi-do
- 🛏️ Accommodation near the event
- 💰 Fee: Free admission (some experience programs are charged)
- 📞 Contact: 031-631-2104
- 🖥️ Homepage: http://www.2104sansooyou.com
What is Sansuyu (Cornelian Cherry)?
Sansuyu, or the Cornelian cherry, is a deciduous shrub or small tree from the dogwood family, native to Eastern Europe and Western Asia. It holds a notable place in Korean culture and horticulture. The plant is recognized for its yellow blossoms that signal the start of spring, typically blooming in March.
Apart from its visual appeal, the Cornelian cherry produces small, bright red fruits that ripen in late summer. These berries are high in vitamin C and antioxidants, making them a common ingredient in traditional Korean remedies and culinary dishes. They are often used to make teas, jams, and wines, appreciated for their tart flavor and potential health benefits.
In Korea, the Sansuyu tree symbolizes resilience and renewal. Its ability to thrive in various conditions and its early blooming nature make it a cherished sign of spring. The Icheon Baeksa Sansuyu Blossom Festival celebrates this plant, attracting visitors to enjoy its beauty and the traditions associated with it.
