I complain about the ubiquity of cherry trees here in Korea. It seems that it’s the go-to tree now (and for the past 15 years or so) when it comes to planting around new roads and apartments. And it’s that one week of the year when they really pop (somewhat literally — Micha calls it “popcorn”) that almost makes it worth it. They really are beautiful, even if they do disappoint at times.
But I’ve been around long enough to know it won’t last, and when the end comes, the worst of times begin for the cherry trees. The small, dark fruit (90% pit) appeas, and it’s only a matter of time before they drop and make a bloody mess on the sidewalks. The pits stick to your shoes and your dog’s feet, and they really are a bother. The stains don’t leave the sidewalk until well into autumn. I’m sure this isn’t the case for every cherry tree, but it is for the types we have around here.
Still, one cannot deny, the flowers of Korean spring are gorgeous, and the Koreans make a very special effort to accentuate the landscape with as many as they can. And this brings the added bonus of being able to watch all of the couples who obviously get dressed up for the occasion so they can take pictures of themselves among the blossoms. They make me smile even more than the flowers themselves.
