Gwangyang Maehwa Village (광양 매화마을)

Gwangyang Maehwa Village covers a hillside above the Seomjingang River in Gwangyang and is Korea's most famous early-spring plum-blossom destination. Around 100,000 plum trees fill the slope, and during the peak two-week bloom in mid- to late March the entire valley turns a soft white-pink visible from kilometers away. The Maehwa Festival timed to the bloom draws huge crowds, food stalls, and traditional plum-product shops selling pickled plums, plum syrup, and plum vinegar — all made from the local fruit. Outside bloom season the village is much quieter but still scenic, with terraced trees and river views. Arrive early in the morning during festival weekends to avoid the heaviest traffic.