Cherry blossom festival closes amid population decline

The cherry blossom festival of Sokcho in Gangwon Province will close 15 years after its establishment due to a lack of workers amid the aging of its residents and a declining population in the region. Despite its popularity, the annual event has faced operational difficulties as the members of the women’s association of the village, which took the leading roles in preparing for the festival, are now in their 70s and 80s. This year, the residents have finally decided to abolish the festival due to the lack of young people in the town.

“More than half of the residents have aged to over 65 and it is, unfortunately, no longer possible to hold the festival that receives over 10,000 visitors every year,” the residents said. According to the city government, the village has a total population of 343 people and 173 of them are now aged over 65.

Via The Korea Times