My very first sakura (cherry blossom) viewing was not in Japan, but Korea.

April, 2013, I was in Seoul. The day was scheduled to visit the Gyeongbokgung in the north part of the city, with much anticipation to admire the great architecture and history behind the royal palace.

However,  something else caught my eye that was not expected at all. A stretch of Sakura tress along the main entrance into the palace lined up elegantly to welcome us.

The scene gets even more amazing at the Gyeonghoeru Pavilion where clear water on the artificial island reflects the pillars of the pavilion just like a mirror. Sakura tress around the island then became the silhouette of the surroundings with its fresh, colourful full blooms.