The Seoul of the Cherry Blossom

20/08/2014
Cherry blossoms
Cherry blossoms

Soft rose pink clusters, bursting with vibrancy in the centre. Delicate like lacework. Cherry blossoms are elusive, beautiful, unique and mysterious. In flower for only one week a year, the cherry blossom symbolises that life is short but beautiful.

As I walk through the concrete jungle of Seoul, the cherry blossom trees provide a dusting of softness. Their rarity captures your heart. Passers-by, strolling and cycling the streets are excited by the exceptional blooms and stop in their tracks to take in their pure magnificence.

As I watch, I notice that everyone is amazed and halted by their beauty. Smiles light up the observers faces, crinkles forming in the corners of their eyes. Excited squeals escape the lips of children witnessing these glorious blossoms for the first time. Mobile phones are raised to the sky as candid photographers attempt to snap masterpieces. Rusty bicycles lean against the coarse dark twisted trunks.

A gentle breeze sweeps through causing a flutter of petals to sprinkle those below. Children dance as soft pink petals flicker down on them as if in a snow globe, arms outstretched attempting to catch them like snowflakes. A sweet aroma fills the air. The seasons are turning and Summer is on its way.

Small birds flap about in a frenzy and suckle the nectar from the exquisite blossoms. A garbage man sweeping the streets stops to gaze upwards and appreciate the beauty. Everyone stares in awe.

A week later, I return to the same street. The branches are bare, no-one stops to look up and simply continue hurriedly on their way. There is no sign that only a week before such beauty even existed. The rarity and splendour of the cherry blossom tree disappeared as quickly as it appeared, truly symbolising that life is short but beautiful and should not be taken for granted.

Cherry blossoms on the streets of Seoul
Cherry blossoms on the streets of Seoul

Make this experience yours! Check out our Walking Through Cherry Blossom’s small group tour.