CHUNGNAM PROVINCE - In celebration of the '2025-2026 Visit Chungnam Year,' Chungnam Province is highlighting its regional attractions each month under a new theme. For April, the theme is "Old Tales Carried by the Wind," inviting visitors to enjoy the warm spring weather while immersing themselves in the history and cultural heritage of the region's prime spring picnic destinations.

◇ Spring Breeze Embracing Cultural Heritage: Places Steeped in History

Seosan, the host of the Haemi Cherry Blossom Festival (April 5th, along Haemi Stream), is a top spring picnic choice. Here, visitors can stroll through the fully bloomed cherry blossoms and the historic Haemi Eupseong Fortress, a testament to the Joseon Dynasty's history and culture.

Also worth exploring are Gaesimsa Temple, renowned for its double cherry blossoms, and the Seosan Yonghyeonri Rock-carved Buddha Triad, which carries the serene smile of the Baekje Kingdom. For a unique experience, the Seosan Hanwoo Ranch Road (Well-being Trail) offers an exotic atmosphere with its expansive fields beautifully adorned with cherry blossoms.

Notably, the five recommended locations are part of the "Seosan 9 Scenic Views." Visitors can participate in the 'Seosan Tourism Stamp Tour' by collecting stamps at these sites to receive a souvenir, creating a memorable experience.

Dangjin is buzzing with various spring events. Myeoncheon Eupseong Fortress, recognized as a 2025 promising small tourism destination, will host the "Spring of Myeoncheon, Again Spring Myeoncheon (April 5th-6th)" event, offering cultural and artistic experiences. Adding special significance this year is the "Gijisi Juldarigi (Tug-of-War) Festival (April 10th-13th, Gijisi Juldarigi Museum)," celebrating the 10th anniversary of its inscription as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.

At Sapgyoho Lake, the "Sapgyoho Drone Light Show (every Saturday from April 19th to June 14th, and September 6th to November 1st, Sapgyoho Tourist Attraction)" will be a regular nighttime spectacle starting in April.

Other must-visit attractions in Dangjin include the retro streets of Myeoncheon, the Ami Art Museum, the Gijisi Juldarigi Museum, the Beonggeunae Pilgrimage Trail, and the photogenic Sapgyoho Tourist Attraction.

In Buyeo, a special experience awaits at the Jeongnimsa Temple Site with the "Buyeo National Heritage Night Tour (April 4th-6th, Jeongnimsa Temple Site area)," where visitors can wander through history amidst cherry blossoms and moonlight.

The Buyeo Amphibious Bus offers a convenient way to see the key attractions of Buyeo, including Nakhwaam Rock, Goransa Temple, the Baekje Cultural Land, Gungnamji Pond, and Busosanseong Fortress, all in one go. The Baekje Cultural Land will also have extended evening hours every Friday and Saturday from April to November.

◇ Winds of Patriotism: Tracing the Paths of Heroes

April will also commemorate national heroes with two significant festivals.

Asan will host the "Great Hero Yi Sun-sin Festival (April 25th-27th, Onyangoncheon Station & Hyeonchungsa Shrine area)," honoring the patriotic spirit of Admiral Yi Sun-sin. The festival features various participatory programs such as the △Admiral Yi Sun-sin Rowing Competition, △Marathon, and △Military Examination Procession.

Along with the festival grounds at Onyangoncheon Station and Hyeonchungsa Shrine, visitors can enjoy the diverse spring flowers at Sinjeongho Provincial Garden, which opens in April, and Pinnacle Land, which will also be hosting a spring flower festival.

In Yesan, the "Yun Bong-gil Peace Festival (April 26th-27th, Chunguisa Shrine area, Yesan-gun)" will share the values of peace championed by Patriot Yun Bong-gil. The festival offers a variety of experiences and performances, including △Poetry Recitation, △Drawing Contest, △Making Canteen Tumblers, △Bubble Circus, and △Tightrope Walking. Comfortable rest areas will also be available for families.

Nearby attractions worth visiting include the Deoksan Metasequoia Road, Naepo Bobusangchon Village, and the Yedangho Lake Suspension Bridge and Monorail.

For more detailed information on Chungnam's festivals and tourist attractions, please visit the Chungnam Tourism website (https://tour.chungnam.go.kr/prog/theme/kor/sub01_03_04/list.do) or scan the QR code in the April issue of Monthly Chungnam.

A provincial official stated, "Chungnam's charming attractions, with the romance of the West Sea, the smile of Baekje, and various festivals, await your visit. We hope you create special memories in Chungnam."

[Copyright (c) Global Economic Times. All Rights Reserved.]