Visitors from Busan, Daejeon and Japan Flood In, Festival Vibes Build on the Eve
Marathon Runners and Day-Trippers Mingle to Soak Up Spring; Local Economy Poised for a Boost
▲Photo: Tourists boating on Bomun Lake in Gyeongju
Gyeongju — Son Jung-mo of Energy Economy News reports: The Bomun Tourist Complex swelled with visitors as the cherry blossoms hit full bloom, giving the area a festive, pre-marathon energy ahead of the weekend race.
I visited Bomun Lake on Friday afternoon, the 3rd, and found crowds gathered beneath trees in peak bloom. Tourists from across the country flocked to the lakeside to take in the scene.
Along the lakeside promenade, couples posing for photos, families out for a spring outing and runners warming up for the marathon mixed together, creating a lively, seasonal atmosphere.
The vibe was elevated even more as visitors arrived not only from other Korean cities like Busan and Daejeon but also from abroad, including Japan.
“I came a day early to run the Gyeongju Cherry Blossom Marathon,” said Kim Jae-ho, 34, from Yongdang-dong, Nam-gu, Busan, who visited with friends. “The cherry blossoms are far more beautiful than I expected. I’m excited about the race, but today’s views alone have been more than enough.”
Lee Jin-mo, 42, from Bongmyeong-dong, Daejeon, who came with his family, said, “We planned this trip as a spring outing and to cheer on the marathon. With the cherry blossoms at their peak, we’re making wonderful family memories.”
Yuki Sato, 24, from Tokyo, said, “This is my first time visiting Gyeongju. The cherry trees framing the lake are stunning, and I’m really looking forward to seeing a Korean marathon in person.”
At sunset, Bomun Lake offered another memorable sight: blossoms warmed by the evening glow reflected on the water, drawing even more visitors to linger and take photos.
Some people spread mats and stayed into the evening to savor the spring night.
A Gyeongju city official said, “Tourist numbers rose sharply starting Friday as the cherry blossom season and the marathon coincided. We will do our best to prevent accidents and manage traffic during the weekend events.”
Staged amid peak cherry blossoms, the Gyeongju Marathon has become a signature spring event that gives the local tourism economy a welcome lift.
The area around Bomun Lake is already packed with people eager to enjoy both running and flower-viewing, keeping the festive mood alive.
Son Jung-mo, Reporter jmson220@ekn.kr
