This week on Jeju: A to Z, Todd Thacker takes a brief look at a few of the upcoming canola flower festivals. This includes one this weekend that invites international visitors to join their Korean friends in walking the trails on the south side of the island around Jungmun.
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Budding canola plants are often referred to as the “herald of spring.” At this time of year, it’s easy to find these bright yellow flowers all across the island and along Jeju’s Olle walking trails.

For many years, Jeju’s local administrations have organized a number of festivals centered on canola flower viewing. One of these starts this weekend near the gorgeous area around Jungmun Tourist Complex.

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18th Seogwipo Canola Flower Intl. Walking Festival (Jungmun)

The 18th Seogwipo Canola Flower International Walking Festival begins Saturday, March 19 at the Jeju International Convention Center and Northern Park at Jungmun Resort.

Hosted by the Seogwipo’s Council for Tourism, visitors from the mainland, as well as China and Japan, have been invited to enjoy a wide range of walking trails, all flanked by these cheerful yellow flowers.

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bitly.com/canola2016

On Saturday and Sunday, walkers will be able to choose between six courses varying in length from five, 10 and 20 kilometers. This year there is no entrance fee. For a complete list of the walking routes, go to bitly.com/canola2016.

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34th Jeju Canola Flower Festival (Gasi-ri, Pyoseon-myeon)

But even if you miss this weekend’s event in and around Jungmun, there’s one more festival set for April. The 34th Jeju Canola Flower Festival will be held April 9th and 10th in the pastures around Jeju Horse Park in Gasi-ri, Pyoseon-myeon.

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Todd Thacker

And then there’s always Udo. At this time of year visitors to this island off Jeju’s northeast coast can stroll along its quaint narrow roads and enjoy the oil-painting-like ocean blues and canola yellows.

Todd Thacker KCTV