Between Late Spring and Early Summer: Colorful Wonju in Bloom
Creatrip Team
11 days ago
Wonju, Gangwon Province, bursts with color between late spring and early summer. The Yongsugol Poppy Festival (용수골 꽃양귀비 축제) from late May to early June turns a village into a red sea of poppies cultivated by residents—offering photo spots, red umbrella rentals, poppy-themed activities, and snacks like purple poppy ice cream. Wonju Rose Park (장미공원) near the bus terminal hosts a small but rich rose festival with about 30 rose varieties, a heart sculpture, rose tunnel, performances, and weekend events. Photo Garden (사진정원), a garden café on the slopes of Chiaksan, is a photo-friendly spot currently filled with Shasta daisies and seasonal drinks like “Daisy cream latte”; dogs are welcome. For scenic nature, Sogeumsan Grand Valley (소금산 그랜드밸리) offers a 10-minute cable car, a 100m suspension bridge, cliffside trails (소금잔도), and a 404m V-shaped bridge with dramatic views. In town, traditional market snacks shine: “Original Ddoli Tteokbokki” at Jayu Market serves nostalgic spicy rice cakes, and Doraemi Market’s three-generation “Wonju Kimchi Mandu” is famous for kimchi dumplings and addictive sauced fried dumplings. Practical info: Yongsugol Poppy Festival runs May 20–June 7 (entrance 5,000 KRW); Wonju Rose Festival runs May 27–31 and is free and city-center accessible.
