Kurye, South Korea

Gurye (Gurye-gun) is a county in South Jeolla Province, South Korea. Gurye is a small, picturesque farming town situated between Jiri Mountain and the Seomjingang River. Gurye is the sole designated special tourism and leisure zone in all of Jeollanam-do.[1] The total size of Gurye County is 443.02 square km, with a modest population of approximately 30,000. Gurye is located in the southwest portion of Korea, and is easily accessible from Seoul, Busan, Gwangju, as well as other major cities. Gurye is famous for the Sansuyu (Cornus Fruit) Flower Festival. Sansuyu is the fruit of the Cornus officinalis which has yellow flowers in early spring. The Sansuyu Flower Festival is held every mid-March and takes place at the hot springs tourist site at the foot of Mt. Jirisan. The festival features a wide variety of programs including performances, hands-on events and fireworks. Sansuyu blossoms produce a uniquely favored tea and fine liquor.