The 64th Jinhae Gunhangje will run from March 27 to April 5 across Jinhae District in Changwon, marking the start of Korea’s spring festival season.

Held across key areas including Jungwon Rotary, Jinhaeru, Yeojwacheon Stream, and Gyeonghwa Station, the festival combines large-scale cherry blossom viewing with cultural events, performances, and citywide programming.

At its core, the festival is built around the bloom of approximately 360,000 cherry trees, which transform the entire district into a continuous viewing zone.

Popular spots such as Yeojwacheon’s blossom-lined stream and the railway tracks at Gyeonghwa Station remain major draws, while central areas like Jungwon Rotary host performances, street events, and cultural programs throughout the 10-day period.

The festival opens on March 27 with a large-scale ceremony at Jinhae Public Stadium, followed by one of its signature events, the Military Band and Honor Guard Festival, held on evenings and weekends.

Other key highlights include the Admiral Yi Sun-sin memorial ceremony and victory parade, which reflect the festival’s origins, as well as a maritime fireworks show, K-pop dance competitions, and a cherry blossom music festival running from April 3 to 5.

Visitors can also expect a mix of interactive and cultural programs.

These include public participation events such as song contests, dance competitions, and an AI video contest, along with smaller-scale performances, night walking events, and illuminated areas like the Yeojwacheon light festival.

Food and shopping zones, including themed markets and pop-up spaces, will be set up throughout the city, particularly around the main festival routes.

One of the more distinctive aspects of the festival is access to normally restricted naval sites. During the event period, parts of the Naval Academy and naval base open to visitors, offering ship tours, exhibitions, and additional viewing areas lined with older cherry trees.

The festival remains free to attend, though some performances such as the music festival may require tickets. With millions of visitors expected and peak bloom typically falling between late March and early April, large crowds are common, particularly on weekends and evenings.