Hidden Cherry Blossom Spot: Gilsangsa Temple
Gilsangsa Temple, a hidden cherry blossom spot in Jincheon, is a serene place to enjoy the beautiful cherry blossom scenery. When I visited on April 6, the cherry blossoms were in full bloom, making it a truly stunning sight. April is a must-visit month in Jincheon, especially alongside the Nongdari Bridge.
Upon arriving at Gilsangsa, you'll find a spacious parking lot on the right, but a smaller parking area is also available just up the hill along the Hongsalmun gate.
A banner announcing the Spring Ceremony for King Kim Yushin was displayed at the Hongsalmun gate. This ceremony will take place at noon on April 10, 2026, at the Gilsangsa Heungmujeon, representing a traditional rite of historical significance. The Spring Ceremony for King Kim Yushin is an official ritual honoring General Kim Yushin, a long-standing tradition in both the nation and the local community.
When I reached the parking lot in front of Gilsangsa, I noticed construction work ongoing near the restroom area. The path from Hongsalmun to this parking lot is lined with ginkgo trees, which, when visited in the fall, create a beautiful golden avenue.
The path leading from the parking lot to Gilsangsa requires climbing stairs to reach the cherry blossom trees. Therefore, wearing comfortable sneakers is advisable rather than dress shoes. Note that shamanistic practices are prohibited at Gilsangsa, and food is not allowed.
As you ascend the stairs, you arrive at the outer gate, the first checkpoint leading to Heungmujeon. Behind this gate, the cherry blossoms were in full bloom, beautifully complementing the traditional Korean architecture.
Unfortunately, on the day of my visit, the gate was tightly closed for some reason, preventing me from entering, which was quite disappointing. Nonetheless, I enjoyed the cherry blossom view over the wall, appreciating the peaceful and cozy atmosphere of the temple with no one else around.
To reach Heungmujeon, where General Kim Yushin's portrait is enshrined, you must climb more stairs, but the stunning cherry blossom scenery continues along the way. The petals had not yet fallen, suggesting that the cherry blossoms could be enjoyed for a relatively longer period.
Even a brief exploration of Gilsangsa reveals that it retains its natural beauty rather than being artificially decorated, making it even more appealing. Compared to other tourist spots, it is less crowded, allowing for a more relaxed cherry blossom experience.
In addition to cherry blossoms, Gilsangsa also features cornelian cherry flowers, and by mid-April, you can see double-flowered cherry trees, making it a great place for flower viewing. Personally, I recommend visiting in the early morning when the sunlight shines, rather than during awkward hours.
As a consolation, I flew a drone to capture Gilsangsa from above. Although it is not large, the abundance of cherry trees makes it a perfect spot to quietly enjoy spring. Besides Gilsangsa, Jincheon has many other cherry blossom spots like Chopyeong Reservoir, Nongdari, and Gwanghye-won Guam Reservoir, so be sure to visit them as well.
Source :https://blog.naver.com/jincheongun/224268961271
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