Jinhae Gunhangje Festival (진해군항제)

Jinhae Gunhangje Festival (진해군항제)

– Homepage
www.jgfestival.or.kr/

– Tel
+82-55-546-4310

The Jinhae Gunhangje Festival is one of Korea’s most iconic spring festivals. It began in 1952 as a memorial ceremony honoring Admiral Yi Sun-sin and developed into a full-fledged festival in 1963. Today, the festival attracts more than two million visitors from Korea and around the world each year. During the festival season, approximately 360,000 King cherry trees burst into bloom across Jinhae, creating one of Korea’s most spectacular spring landscapes. Centered around Jungwon Rotary and Bugwon Rotary, the festival features a variety of events including the eve celebration, memorial rite, and the Victory Parade. A particular highlight is the Military Band and Honor Guard Festival, a signature Gunhangje event held on Friday evenings and throughout the weekends during the festival period. Visitors also have the rare opportunity to enter the Korea Naval Academy and the Naval Base Command in Jinhae, both of which are normally closed to the public. In addition, they can visit famous cherry blossom destinations such as Yeojwacheon Stream and Gyeonghwa Station, while exploring the century-old modern cultural heritage sites surrounding Jungwon Rotary. Together, these attractions offer a unique journey through the history, culture, and tranquil scenery of Korea’s historic naval city. Combining the beauty of cherry blossoms, the traditions of the Korean Navy, and the charm of modern history, Jinhae Gunhangje Festival offers an unforgettable celebration of spring.

– Address : 38, Beotkkot-ro, Jinhae-gu, Changwon-si, Gyeongsangnam-do

※ Presentation Information
– Event Date
20260327 ~ 20260405

– Schedule
00:00~22:00

– Location
Throughout Jinhae-gu, Changwon

– Program
Opening Ceremony, Military Band and Honor Guard Festival (Opening Ceremony & Marching Performance), Memorial Rite for Admiral Yi Sun-sin, Admiral Yi Sun-sin Victory Parade, Black Eagles Air Show, Cherry Blossom Music Festival, Jinhae Gunhangje Singing Contest, Gunhang K-POP Dance Competition

– Sponsor
Changwon Special City

– Sponsor Phone
+82-55-546-4310

– Co-Sponsor
Admiral Yi Sun-sin Commemoration Military Festival Committee

– Fees
Free (fees vary by programs)

◎ Nearby Tourism Infobox

⊙ Jinhae Museum of Changwon City (창원시립진해박물관)

View detailed guide on Korea Trip Guide →

Jinhae Museum of Changwon City is situated on the first and second floors of Jinhaetap Tower within Jehwangsan Park in Changwon. The museum houses facilities like a History and Folk Library, showcasing a collection of over a hundred artifacts, an Exhibition Room, and an Observation Tower. Visitors have the opportunity to gain insights into the lifestyle of ancestors by delving into Jinhae’s history and exploring the artifacts. The museum also offers video presentations that highlight the historical changes in the Jinhae area and its significant sites.

⊙ Jehwangsan Park (제황산공원)

View detailed guide on Korea Trip Guide →

– Homepage
www.cwsisul.or.kr

Jehwangsan Park, located on Jehwangsan Mountain at the heart of Jinhae, is home to the nine-story Jinhae Tower. The tower, which symbolizes a Korean naval warship, stands at the top of a 365-step staircase and commands a splendid view of both the city and the coastline. On the first and second floors of the tower is the Jinhae City Museum, exhibiting folk models and relics excavated from Jinhae.

Jinhae is Korea’s representative naval port city and is rife with cultural relics related to Admiral Yi Sun-Sin (1545-1598), a Korean hero who led the nation to victory in naval battles against Japanese forces during the Imjin War (1592-1598). The city is also known as the venue of the famous Jinhae Gunhangje Festival, which is widely known as the nation’s largest cherry blossom festival.

⊙ Yeojwacheon Stream (여좌천(벚꽃명소))

View detailed guide on Korea Trip Guide →

– Homepage
culture.changwon.go.kr

The area around Yeojwacheon Stream is well known as one of Jinhae’s best spots for viewing cherry blossoms. It is also the location of the bridge where the two leading characters, Gwanu and Chaewon of “Romance (2002),” an MBC TV series, first met as tourists who came to Jinhae to enjoy Jinhae Gunhangje Festival. After the episode was aired, the bridge instantly became popular and widely known as the Romance Bridge. Each April, the entire city of Jinhae is filled with cherry blossoms, but the Yeojwacheon Stream area has the most beautiful cherry blossoms which makes it a prime tourist attraction.