“By next week (May 1–3), they’ll be in full bloom.”
An elderly couple laughed and pulled out their phone as the Ipap blossoms began popping open like popcorn.
At 1 p.m. on the 25th, with an early summer heat wave in full effect, downtown Jeonju looked dusted in white petals. The trees hadn’t reached full bloom yet, but the Ipap Tree railway tunnel in Palbok-dong was already packed with locals and visitors savoring the last days of April.
With daytime highs nudging 82°F (28°C), everyone dressed lighter. Short sleeves and shorts were common, and sun hats and sunglasses were out in force.
With the freight tracks open to pedestrians, people struck movie-star poses on the rails—arms outstretched, balancing for the perfect shot. Big smiles, finger-heart poses and playful poses kept friends and families busy snapping photos.
A lively mix of people came together: dog walkers, college photography clubs on an outing, and cyclists who’d stopped by mid-ride.
Kim Yoo-jin, 32, who came with her child, said, “The weather was so nice we were trying to decide where to go, and this felt easy since it’s close to downtown Jeonju.” She added, “I came last year and loved it, so I had to come back.”
The nearby Palbok Art Factory buzzed with energy, too. Outdoor parasol seats filled up early and the busking stage drew crowds enjoying live music.
The food and activity booths lined between the tracks were no exception. People stretched out along the curb—some nibbling snacks, others enjoying full meals—relaxing in a row and soaking up the festival vibe.
The scene was much the same at 10 a.m. on the festival’s second day, the 26th. Once the tracks opened, crowds poured in, and within an hour it was hard to find a photo-op without someone in frame. Still, the mood stayed cheerful.
Lee Soon-ae, 65, who had a tough time finding a place to eat, said, “I wanted to take pictures when it was quieter, but that didn’t work out. It’s lunchtime, so I’ll just eat some corn here—every seat with a chair is already taken, so I’m sitting on the curb.”
Last year’s Jeonju Ipap Tree Festival drew about 100,000 visitors, and the festival will run again May 1–3.
The sections open for five days total, including April 25 and 26, cover a 630-meter stretch along Girin-daero to Sinbok-ro and a 670-meter stretch from Girin-daero to Palbok-ro (open 10 a.m.–6 p.m.). Local businesses and groups will host food, activity and vendor booths, plus busking performances throughout the festival.
The official opening ceremony is scheduled for 10 a.m. on May 1.
