Warm sunlight through the window signals the arrival of spring.
Soft pink petals fluttering in the air are already drifting upon the window.
Full-blown cherry blossoms are everywhere. Spring has already arrived into my heart.
Written by Kang Il-seo Photo by Kim Oh-neul, Courtesy of Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do
As I get older, the wind temperature and seasonal landscape seem to change every minute and time seems to go by so fast.
Colorful cherry blossoms are everywhere, signaling the early arrival of spring. The weather is getting warmer and the streets are filled with more and more people.
Their faces are shining after the cold winter weather had them trapped indoors; their outfits clearly show winter has passed and spring is already here. Their faces light up as they see white petals falling on their heads and feet and then turn to their cameras to capture the scene. Looking at a mom taking pictures of her child with an awkward V gesture, I can’t help but smile. Spring is clearly in the air and I can feel it.
As for the cherry blossoms, many people will think of Japan, the Jinhae Naval Port Festival, or Yeouido Cherry Blossom Festival. I’m one of the isitors to all these places. However, I am more drawn to cherry blossoms in nature that are untouched by the artificial.
Walking on the dirt path along the old castle, I get lost in the fragrance of cherry blossoms and the scenery along the road. There is nothing like looking at the beautiful petals falling on a wooden deck around a calm lake and with long stretch of cherry blossoms. They are in full bloom all around Suwon as if the city were embracing spring wholeheartedly. The scenery of the downtown lights in the evening and cherry blossom trees swaying in the wind will impress anyone walking around. After some drinking, I start humming the songs “Cherry Blossom Ending” or “Bom Bom Bom,” a song about spring and becoming lost in the scenery and natural fragrances.
The people walking amidst the cherry blossom trees all look familiar somehow. Just as all the cherry blossoms look similar to each other, all those people look familiar. People who are taking pictures of themselves with their smartphones, couples who are walking arm in arm together, and those who accidently get photographed by me are all smiling.
The people walking amidst the cherry blossom trees all look familiar somehow. Just as all the cherry blossoms look similar to each other, all those people look familiar. People who are taking pictures of themselves with their smartphones, couples who are walking arm in arm together, and those who accidently get photographed by me are all smiling.
Suwon Hwaseong, Gyeonggi-Do Provincial Office
Walking down the alley along the old castle with stonewalls, I see picturesque cherry blossoms in full bloom. The past and the present co-exist with a harmony of simplicity and complexity.
Gyeonggi-do Provincial Office 1, Maesanno 3-ga, Paldal-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do
Suwon Hwaseong 190, Yeonmu-dong, Jangan-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do
Suwon Hwaseong 190, Yeonmu-dong, Jangan-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do
Hwangguk Jiecheon, Seoho
The stream is flowing under a colorful rainbow bridge and white petals are everywhere on the dirt road, like rice grains.
Walking on the soft dirt path, listening to the water and birds, I rest my eyes under the serene afternoon sunshine.
Hwangguk Jiecheon and Suwon Industrial Complex 1, Omokcheondong, Gwonseon-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do
Seoho Park area Hwaseo-dong, Paldal-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do
Gwanggyo Maru-gil
My painting portrays a flower path along the water deck, a perfect place to take a walk, like a bridal wreath dangling all around it. Another scenic view of spring includes Gwanggyosan at the end of the road with bikers racing alongside of it.
Gwanggyo Maru-gil and Gwanggyo Reservoir area
399-1, Hagwanggyo-dong, Jangan-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do 160 (Hagwanggyo-dong), Gwanggyosan-ro, Jangan-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do
